Flip Casting a Bass Lure - "Flipping"

Flipping, (flippin) often a term used incorrectly to refer to the pitch cast, is now a relatively uncommon casting technique due in part to the advances of the baitcaster technology. It is only for very short distance casts where the angler never uses the reel, instead, uses his free hand to position the lure so the rod can lower the lure into select locations near the boat. 

Why are Flipping Casts Important?

Flipping casts are important for:

  • Understanding Historical Casting: This technique was historically used when casting close to the boat in low lure visibility scenarios typically targeting heavy cover.
    • Where Pitching Now Dominates: Some suggest that due in part to the advances in baitcaster reels pitch casting has replaced most flip casting for the scenarios to which a short pitch cast would suffice:
      •  Pitching More Versatile:  As pitching can be used for medium distance casts and for skipping while being effective in very short distances the versatility of pitching has resulted in the decline of the flipping cast.
  • High Frequency Short Casts: Some would suggest flipping can cover the most water in short distance scenarios as there is no use of the reel allowing for quick successions of casts. 
Flip Cast Options
  • Distance: 10 to 20 ft. 
  • Technique Considerations:
    • Rod Tip High or Pitch Out: Start with rod high or do a short pitch to get the lure to the water.
    • Free Hand: Grasp the fishing line between the reel and the first rod guide and straighten your arm to the side which will put 6 to 8 feet of line slack in your hand.
    • 8 Feet Line: Roughly there will be 8 feet of line from the rod tip to the lure which is above the water.
    • Swing “Flip” Lure: First swing the lure towards your body, lower the tip to swing the lure forward by using only your wrist and roll the butt of the rod to the inside of your arm. 
    • Controlled Release of Line in Free Hand: Raise the rod as you release (or feed the line) with your free hand. As the lure nears the target, lower the rod top again and make the bait touch down softly and precisely on the target
    • Reduce Splash: Stop the lure just before it enters the water. 
    • Let go of Line in Free Hand: Let go of the line in your free hand and immediately place it on the reel to be ready for hook set.
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Additional Considerations
  • Longer Rod: A longer baitcaster rod will provide more distance but require more time to gain high level accuracy.
Flip Casting - It's About the ALLURE™

Pitching Lures
Short distance pitching lures are common for flipping. 

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