Can't Pitch/flip?

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

When pitching/flipping it is better to use heavy rated rod when going in the thick stuff. Just as you would use a 4X4 truck in thick rough areas. Would a 2WD work? Probably but it will also eventually get stuck and couldnt do the work like a 4X4 could. Same with a rod the smaller rod may work but it will eventually break. It's not meant for the application you are using it in. I recommend a 7'6 H but that's my preference. A 7ft H or MH depending on cover would also work.

[Catch and Grease]

Alright guys, i guess i'll just keep trying... I've already said it's not anything with my reel settings, don't know why some people keep insisting it is, I can see my reel right in front of me..

Because if there is no line coming off the spool when you attempt to pitch it is most likely your reel settings...

[J Francho]

When pitching/flipping it is better to use heavy rated rod when going in the thick stuff. Just as you would use a 4X4 truck in thick rough areas. Would a 2WD work? Probably but it will also eventually get stuck and couldnt do the work like a 4X4 could. Same with a rod the smaller rod may work but it will eventually break. It's not meant for the application you are using it in. I recommend a 7'6 H but that's my preference. A 7ft H or MH depending on cover would also work.

 

There are a couple situations where a shorter rod helps, with a slightly less heavy rating.  I've switched to a stout, fast action MH/H Loomis 804 for docks and wood - places where the pitch is pretty short, and weed cover is light.  Two years ago, I would have sworn up and down to use a 7-6 H or XH like I did, or go home, but on the recommendation of a friend, I tried the little rod.  You sometimes have to to do "weird" things with your rod to get fish out of wood or from around dock pilings, and the shorter rod helps.  Plus, the slightly softer power helps keep pressure on the fish when they are on a short leash.  By short, I mean like 8' of line out - really close combat.  In fact, that's, the rod in the vid above.

 

Other than that, something 7-4 to 8' is my preference for pitching to weed cover.  Probably shorter for pitching, and on the longer side for flipping, though I don't do a ton of flipping.

 

Anyway, A big stick is never wrong, but I did want to mention on situation that I've since learned to specialize in using something different than the usual recommendation.  Before that I always wondered what the heck anyone would want a Jig 'n Worm rod under 7', lol.

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

There are a couple situations where a shorter rod helps, with a slightly less heavy rating.  I've switched to a stout, fast action MH/H Loomis 804 for docks and wood - places where the pitch is pretty short, and weed cover is light.  Two years ago, I would have sworn up and down to use a 7-6 H or XH like I did, or go home, but on the recommendation of a friend, I tried the little rod.  You sometimes have to to do "weird" things with your rod to get fish out of wood or from around dock pilings, and the shorter rod helps.  Plus, the slightly softer power helps keep pressure on the fish when they are on a short leash.  By short, I mean like 8' of line out - really close combat.  In fact, that's, the rod in the vid above.

 

Other than that, something 7-4 to 8' is my preference for pitching to weed cover.  Probably shorter for pitching, and on the longer side for flipping, though I don't do a ton of flipping.

 

Anyway, A big stick is never wrong, but I did want to mention on situation that I've since learned to specialize in using something different than the usual recommendation.  Before that I always wondered what the heck anyone would want a Jig 'n Worm rod under 7', lol.

I agree 100%

[J Francho]

Anyway, OP, when you hold you rod out parallel to the ground, and disengage your spool, does the lure drop to the ground when you let go of it?

[everythingthatswims]

HUH? say what?  that's a joke right?

First off what kind of reel do you have? if you have a magnetic brake system, you need to to have it set lower than "6" if you have a centrifugal system have 3 or less of the things engaged.   also you need to have something heavy enough to be pitching , and you need to have a long enough rod.  7ft at the minimum 7-6 to 8 ft is preferred. 

Some people think the only spinning rods made are for drop shotting...You can get a very stout spinning rod and put 50lb braid on it, people fish setups like that in saltwater all the time, and do stuff that would make pulling a 10lb largemouth out of a laydown look like a game! 

[K_Mac]

For me pitching is not just a heavy cover technique. It is far more about accurate, quiet placement of my bait, especially in difficult to get to spots. A 6'8" or 7' MXF (1/4-5/8 lure rating) are my favorite rods for this when cover will allow. I have a 7'3" HM to use when heavy is required...

J Franco starting a novice baitcast user out pitching is probably a good idea. It took me way too many years to learn how to do it well. It was only when I started fishing with a guy who really knew how that I realized how much I had to learn. Knowing what is possible has caused me to get much better. I can catch fish now that were out of reach a couple of years ago.

[Lunker5]

I fish 6.5 ft fast action rod pitch& flip jigs,creatures all day.the gear dont matter it's skill. What I did was went in yard started with super big gulp cup pitched to it until I could consistantly land in cup.then I moved to one little smaller and so on until I could pitch to a shot glass in winter I was in living room. If you want to get good you have to put time in.