What's The Best Baitcasting Reel For Pitching And Flipping?

[Zimobass]

Any thing with a metal frame, decent drag and good free-spool will serve you well. Pretty much any of major brand's offerings starting at around the $100 retail mark. Avoid flipping switches and "insta-gage" setups. With few exceptions they are clumsy to use a weak link mechanically. The SX is a good pitching reel. The mag only brake setup is more conducive to pitching than bombing long casts for most users. 

 

I hear what you are saying, and would be interested to know why you consider avoiding "insta-gage" setups ? I use a Core 100Mg FV and find it ideal for flipping a jig. Pitching a bait is something that can be done by many different reels. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I find it awkward to hold the button down and thumb the spool. I suppose you'd get used to it but just never saw the need. Mechanically, they are a weak link and require repair or service more frequently than other designs. 

[Zimobass]

I find it awkward to hold the button down and thumb the spool. I suppose you'd get used to it but just never saw the need. Mechanically, they are a weak link and require repair or service more frequently than other designs. 

 

Appreciate the response with your thoughts DVT.

[hatrix]

For me reel doesn't really matter. It's basically all about the rod in regards to how heavy of a bait you are using. You want the tip to be able to load up a bit and that is what really flicks it out there. You can use heavier rods for like say a 1/4 oz but of they are stiff and the tip doesn't really load to give it any fling it's a lot more difficult. Well for me it is. I also have a tuff time getting under really low stuff with to light a lure or heavy of a rod. The tip is what lets me get under stuff with a fast and low trajectory.

[Silas]

Hatrix,

What Rod do you use for the lighter 1/4 oz baits. That's what I'll be using. Up to 3/8.

[Jeff H]

I haven't used mine yet but I just got a Daiwa T3 1016SH  7:1  just for pitching.  I am retiring my old Castaics for something much more compact, lighter and modern technology.

[hatrix]

Hatrix,

What Rod do you use for the lighter 1/4 oz baits. That's what I'll be using. Up to 3/8.

It kinda depends what rods I have with me I guess. But I like using a older crucial with the foam grips. I don't do a lot of pitching much and if I do it is more then 1/4. I do little modified type roll casts instead of pitching. It's easier for me to get distance like that and I can skip doing the same cast.

[illinifan4152]

I use shimano E series reels for all my flipping an pitching techniques. Couldn't be happier for the price point.

[poisonokie]

I haven't used mine yet but I just got a Daiwa T3 1016SH  7:1  just for pitching.  I am retiring my old Castaics for something much more compact, lighter and modern technology.

 

Dude, you'll love it. Both my T3's are 6.3, so they're on finesse and cranking duty, but I used it on my jig rod before I got a faster tatula and it was effortless pitching jigs. I think that's where the t-wing shines brightest. IMO, it's an all around better casting and retrieving system, but when you go to pitching with it you won't want to put it down.

[poisonokie]

especially since you can re-engage the clutch without touching the handle or thumb bar by pushing the hood back down. That might be my favorite thing about the t3. I find myself trying to do that with other reels.

[Jeff H]

Dude, you'll love it. Both my T3's are 6.3, so they're on finesse and cranking duty, but I used it on my jig rod before I got a faster tatula and it was effortless pitching jigs. I think that's where the t-wing shines brightest. IMO, it's an all around better casting and retrieving system, but when you go to pitching with it you won't want to put it down.

Good to hear and looking forward to using it.  

[Silas]

Poison, what line do you have for pitching on the T3?

I have a T3 and will try it on my Loomis IMX 893 to see how it does.

As you say, the snap close hood should be perfect for pitching.

I've only tried the T3 a couple of trips and I find the TW guide more a hindrance than a help. I'll never buy another TW reel.

[poisonokie]

I used 50# power pro super slick. What about it do you find to be a hindrance about it?

[hatrix]

I am also interested in how you find it a hinderence. I can't imagine any reason I would think the reels I have with it hinder me.

[BassinLou]

My pitching and flipping set up is a Champion 734 with a Curado I HG, with a 102 mm HawgTech handle and 40lb PP braid. This setup is bada$$ for this application. 

[John M.]

especially since you can re-engage the clutch without touching the handle or thumb bar by pushing the hood back down. That might be my favorite thing about the t3. I find myself trying to do that with other reels.

 

The T3 has become one of my favorite reels because of this feature. I also find myself trying to push down the hood on other reels haha.

 

I will only use the TWS for my pitching setups. Currently have a Type R on mine and love it. Need to find a t3 in a higher gear ratio for a new pitching and punching setup.