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Flipping is another very effective technique for catching
bass, especially when they are holding tight to cover. Many times
as a cold front passes through an area or on sunny days, the
bass will relate closely to cover and structure such as moored
boats, tree stumps, pier edges, anything they can relate too
that is different.
The mechanics of Flipping is not difficult to utilize. You must
remember that you will be fishing "up close and personal"
so the neccessity of a quiet trolling motor and boat control
will be very important sinbce you will normally be less than
12 feet from your target and many times closer to 6 feet distance.
I will describe the basics of "How To Flip" and the
directions will be for right handed anglers. If you are left
handed, you can modify to suit your personal needs.
I hold the rod in my right hand as I am approaching the "target'.
As I get to the distance I want, I will take my left hand and
grasp the line about 14" in front of the reel and pull the
line straight out and to my left as I am raising the rod with
my right hand. (You need to be certain that the reel is not in
free spool mode.) As this is happening, I will use a pendulum
motion and swing the lure just above the surface of the water
and as it approaches the target, I will slowly release the line
and allow the lure to SOFTLY land in the water.
As the lure is dropping, you must concentrate for any indication
of a hit. I have caught fish as the lure is dropping and the
only indication I had was a slight "tick" of the line
as it twitched. Sometimes, you will feel the "tap-tap"
as the bass engulfs to lures, other times, you may notice the
line "swimming off" in an opposite direction or as
you are moving the rod tip, you will notice a "mushy"
feeling. Anything that feels different...SET THE HOOK.
You will most often be Flipping in fairly shallow water and the
bass can be easily startled so you must exercise patience and
be as quiet as possible approaching the target area. You must
not be dropping things in the bottom of your boat and you must
not be constantly banging your boat into stumps and rocks. Also,
Flipping can be more difficult in clear water.emember, if you
can see the bass...the bass can certainly see you.
I use a 7 1/2 foot "Flipping Stick" speciality rod
that is telescopic so you can extend it back and forth for ease
of storing in a rod box in my Stratos boat. The rod is a Heavy
Action/Graphite for sensitivity and I personally like a baitcasting
reel with a 6.2:1GearRatio. When I set the hook, I want to get
the fish into the boat as soon as possible. I WILL NOT use the
"Flipping Switch" on the reel. This limits the distance
the lure will travel by being pre-set for possibly 7 foot. If
a bass splashs 20 foot away, I like the option of being able
to make a fast cast to him.
As far as line, it is a personal decision. I personally use Stren
Super-Tough Mono line in at least 25 pounds. You must remember
when you are Flipping, you will be in and around heavy cover
and you will need a quality fishing line that will hold up to
the tough fishing surroundings. I always stress to people the
most important link between you and your fish IS THE LINE. Do
not scrimp and purchase "bargain line."
As far as the lures used, I would estimate that the popular jig
and pig combination is probably used more than anything. You
can also use plastic worms and I have even seen anglers Flipping
spinnerbaits but regardless of your choice, make certain the
hooks are extremely sharp.
I like to use a rattle jig for attracting the attention of the
bass and my favorite trailers are the Uncle Josh #11 Pork Frog,
the Jumbo Frog, or the Pork Crawdad.
I have been asked when do you use pork and when do you use plastic?
Of you desire, you can use the pork all year. I have used pork
in the Spring and as the water temperature warms, I have switched
to using plastic trailers. Many times, you can let the bass tell
you what THEY want.
Good Luck and Good Fishing,
Bud Fields-Pro-Staff
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