Flipping N Pitching. Fast Vs Modfast

[Lilgator]

Well this is my 1st post been reading for a little bit over a year now. So hi

been thinking about this the past few days n thought it would make for a good discussion, maybe help out someone wanting to start flipping n pitching. Iv seen a lot "technique specific" rods and sticks that are what I think of as that sort of rod. Mostly they are 7' to 7'11" H to XXH and fast action, but wait! Is that a mod fast action over there?

this is where you get some of the softest bites, where you don't need to (shouldn't for that matter) load your rod, and if your unlucky enough not be able to use braid i.e. clearwater you won't be able to see your line barely twitch. that extra feel you get with the fast would really come in handy. why not go for the fast? Now that being said, I can see reason for wanting a mod fast. Heavy vegetation, you might want a rod with a bit-o- give for hauling out that 15 pound!.......oh wait its 13lb. of weeds. or you can use braid so just watching your line is an option. maybe there isn't that much difference at all, or maybe you've got a few different set ups.

I use a fast action, but iv also never used a mod-fast. Those just my thoughts on the matter, not saying I'm right that's just what I use. Like I said I think this would make for a good discussion.

[gulfcaptain]

My main flipping/pitching rod is a Moderate action.  Not mod-fast.  I like the extra give fishing heavier weeds and a bit more drag pressure. But I also have an X-fast for lighter jigs and lighter cover.  Both rods are 7'11".  The Moderate seems to work better for heavier jigs and punching where the X-fast helps with the lighter more accurate pitches.  But I do like the feel of the mod when you set the hook and can pull knowing that you can keep constant pressure on the fish from just the action of the rod.

[K_Mac]

My main flipping/pitching rod is a Moderate action. Not mod-fast. I like the extra give fishing heavier weeds and a bit more drag pressure. But I also have an X-fast for lighter jigs and lighter cover. Both rods are 7'11". The Moderate seems to work better for heavier jigs and punching where the X-fast helps with the lighter more accurate pitches. But I do like the feel of the mod when you set the hook and can pull knowing that you can keep constant pressure on the fish from just the action of the rod.

I completely agree. For pitching in moderate cover I use a MXF. In heavy cover a HM.

[Angry John]

This would be a much more valid discussion if that rating was an industry standard. A lot of builder's collect blank data for speed and power and companies vary a lot on the same speed.

[smalljaw67]

I like fast and extra fast action but you will also see that a lot of guys have broken rods in the past and it was while they were using braid. If you use braid then I think a moderate or mod-fast action is perfect but other lines not so much. I also see the guys that punch prefer a slower action because the weeds will often impede the hook set so a rod with a deep bend is able to allow the hook to penetrate by keeping constant pressure which is much harder to do with a typical fast action rod.

[ww2farmer]

This would be a much more valid discussion if that rating was an industry standard. A lot of builder's collect blank data for speed and power and companies vary a lot on the same speed.

What he said. I only use what the MFG. prints on the rod label as a "guide". I pick and chose my rods based on how they feel to me. That being said, for flipping an pitching I like rods with a "little tip" that transition into a stout back bone about a 1/3 of the way down. Some companies call this X-fast, some fast, some moderate fast, etc.....Heck I have two rods within the same product line that behave this way, a 7'3" MH Vendetta, and a 7' M Vendetta, Abu labels the MH as "XF" and the M as "MF" so it's not even universal in the same line of rods from the same MFG.

[Lilgator]

That's why technique specific is in quotes. Like ones labeled as spinnerbait, lots are 7 foot.... I like 7'6" so I can really toss it. I think it's mainly there to add $20 to the price tag. I'm mostly pitching which is why I use a fast I have a old 7 foot med heavy ugly stick I flip with it doesn't have a action rating but I would say its a moderate action. I don't do much jig fishing so I can't really justify getting a better set up but that old ugly can really handle its self Also punching is completely different from flipping and pitching. Never done it my self

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

My preference and is a fast action for general pitching and flipping and a mod-fast for punching mats. This said, the point above about subjective ratings is a valid one.