Author: ScottRoseFishing
Flipping For Bass In South Florida
Flipping is one of the most subtle, yet aggressive methods in freshwater fishing. The concept is simple enough - we are trying to target bass that are holding both shallow and in cover. We need a presentation that will allow us to go into the cover while having the power to get that fish out as fast as possible.
Best Rod For Flipping
The first thing worth discussing is the rod and reel. For rods, longer is better! My favorite rod for the job is the Fitzgerald Titan HD series - a fast action rod which you can get from 7’6†to 7’10â€. This combination of length and rod action allows for pin point accuracy and improvement in ability to yank those fish out of that heavy cover.
Best Reel For Flipping
For reels, anything fast will do. The new Shimano Curado K fits the bill with a gear ratio of 8.5/1. When these fish eat, they tend to run right at you which usually winds up meaning that you have to do a lot of reeling fast in order to set yourself up for that hook set. I always prefer heavy line on my flipping rods and will never go less than 40 Lb Bullbuster Braid in green, and more often than not I will go up to 65Lb.
Now, onto the set up itself!
Rigging For Flipping
In my mind, there are four critical elements of a punching/flipping rig - The bobber stop, the weight, the hook, and the bait you choose.
The easiest part of this is the bobber stop. This is a small little peg that you put on the Bullbuster Braided fishing linefirst in order to stop the weight from sliding. If you don’t do this, when you pitch into cover your weight will sink while your bait slowly flutters down at a different pace!
After putting on the bobber stop, I then add a tungsten weight. WOO Tungsten is pretty good but most any brand will do. For most applications, a 1/2 oz weight will cover you but depending on how much cover you are dealing with you may choose to go all the way up to 2 Oz! The simple thing to remember is that you want the least weight possible to get through that cover. The more weight you have, the easier it is to get through, but the more noise it makes and the spookier the fish get.
Finally, the last thing to talk about are the hooks and baits. Keep it simple and pick up some Mustad Grip Pin hooks or Trokar Flipping hooks - these hooks are built for flipping specifically and have a nice pin in the back of the shank to hold your bait as well as a very thick shank for these strong huskiest you’ll put out. In terms of baits, my favorite is the Gambler Lures Ugly Otter, but any crawfish bait will do! The simple concept here is just match whatever bottom forage your fish are eating in your area.
Hopefully this info helps you out and you now feel ready to take some fish on with the flipping set up!
Tight lines,
Capt. Scott Rose
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