Pitch Casting a Bass Lure - "Pitching"

Pitching, (Pitchin) which is a lure in one hand then using a baitcaster rod in the other had to cast the lure a short distance. Also described as an underhand pitch or toss of a lure. Pitch casting can also be used to skip a lure when close to the target.  

Note: Pitching is sometimes inaccurately called flipping, but flipping, historically common, but now with the advances of baitcaster reels not as common. For example, it is common to pitch a flipping jig but it is no longer common to flip a flipping jig.

Why are pitching Casts Important?

Pitching casts are important for:

  • Small Strike Zones: Either due to low lure visibility or bass tight to cover generally pitching is targeting small strike zones.
  • Accurate Casts: Pitching is used when precision casts are required. 
  • Shorter Distance Casts: Often casting reasonably close to the boat in low lure visibility scenarios. 
  • Low Splash: Due to the underhand nature of the cast the lure has minimal splash helping to reduce spooking a bass. 
  • Targeting Cover: Used for optimal lure placement around or in cover, for example grass lines, brush, laydowns, grass clumps, etc.
  • Fishing Fast: Where the goal is to cover water at a short distance from the boat.
Pitch Cast Options
  • Distance: Common for 10 to 30 ft
  • Technique Considerations:
    1. Initial Rod Position: Start Rod at 11 to 12 o’clock: Rod up, to start the cast.
      • Lure in Free Hand: In most casts, although not required, the lure is at reel level or 1 or 2 ft longer in the angler’s free hand.  Some call it waist level.
    2. Rod Movement:  With lure in hand, lower the rod tip towards the water and put tension on the line.
      • Free Spool Reel: Place thumb on reel to control distance (and cast timing). 
      • Swing “Pitch” the Lure: Swing the rod tip towards and upward at the targeted spot, releasing the lure from the free hand, controlling the distance with the reel (and rod).
      • Skipping Option: Depending on the lure and if the cover requires it, skipping the lure is an option with pitching.
      • Keep Lure Close to Water: Keeping the lure close to the water will reduce lure splash.
      • Use Wrist: Ovoid using arm and focus on using wrist to control rod and ultimately the lure.
    3. End of Rod Movement: Stop lure just prior to water entry to reduce splash stop the lure with the reel just before the lure enters the water.
      • Let Lure Drop with Rod: Lower the rod while the lure descends.
      • Return Free Hand to Reel: Prepare for the 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.
  • Adjusting Fall Rate: By adjusting the weight of the lure you can adjust the duration of the fall which can impact catch rate. Heavier weight means faster speed which could trigger a reaction bite.
  • Flip with Opposite Hand (Backhand). Learn to flip with your opposite hand, in other words, if you are right handed flip with your left hand so you don’t need to switch hands and thus always ready for a hook set. See TacticalBasin
Pitch Casting - It's About the ALLURE™
Suggested Cover Contact Lures for Pitching
See All Cover Contact Lures

Finesse Jig

Suggested Bottom Contact Lures for Pitching
See Bottom Contact Lures

Flipping Jig

Texas Rig Lure

Football Jig

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