Flipping reel questions

[bugman]

I want to work on my Flipping and Pitching skills this winter and was thinking about buying a baitcaster with a Flipping switch. Are they a gimmick or worth the investment. What reel would you suggest. I would like to keep it tn the $80-120 range. Also I'm right handed but was thinking about a left handed model.

[Guest Texas_Bass_Pro]

I have a Quantum reel that I use for flipping.  Its the only reel that I own that has that switch on it.  I think that I paid $120 for it about 5 to 6 years ago.  I still use it to this day.

[cart7t]

A flippin switch, Shimano calls it Insta-gage, merely engages the reel after paying out line without having to turn the reel handle.  It's not necessary.  Some of us who are used to the switch wouldn't be without it.  I use the flippin switch more for pitching than I do flipping.

[Alpster]

You can flip & pitch with almost any reel, I would try to get a reel that fills another hole in the fishing arsenal. JMHO

Ronnie

[hi_steel_basser]

Take a serious look at the Shimano Castaic. IMHO it is the best flippin reel on the market. It runs about 160, I think. I know that is more than you said you wanted to spend, but the reel stays in freespool until you click it shut. That makes it easier to thumb the spool, since you don't have to hold the switch down to keep it in freespool.

[justfishin]

I agree with Ronnie. Why have a reel for one specific purpose? Don't get me wrong, I think the flipping switch reels are sweet. A 7'6" rod rated for #15-#30 test falls in the same category. Its only good for one thing all in all. I have a 6'6" MH Team Allstar and a Abu Garcia C3 that I use #20 Big Game or Dura Tuf on for flipping and have never had a problem with it, plus it is still great for throwing spinnerbaits and pitching worms. Most of my green bass fishing, or at least 75%, is with a flipping technique. I have pulled some pretty fair, big bass  out of some heavy cover with this setup. When I flip on the Lower Potomac here I have another rod which is identical but, I have #25 and sometimes #30 test on it because of the zebra mussels in the pads and on the pilings. Sometimes on a few fish I feel I am pushing the limit on my rods but all in all they work. Its back to the same old adage though, if you would be happier with a flippin switch and big rod then do so. Just my opinion.

[Bryant.]

Definately go for the Castaic if you can. It's made for flippin. I have four of them and I love them.

[justtrying]

one of the best "flipping reels" ever made (IMHO) is the abu garcia 521 XLT..  it has the flipping switch, but, it is also a Great worming rod.

and, it just so happens that i have one for sale in the flea market section :) for $40.  ...it's comparable to ANY $100 reel for flipping.

ronnie

[bassnleo]

A flippin switch, Shimano calls it Insta-gage, merely engages the reel after paying out line without having to turn the reel handle. It's not necessary. Some of us who are used to the switch wouldn't be without it. I use the flippin switch more for pitching than I do flipping.

Agreed, I don't know what I would do w/o my flipping switch. I too actually like it more for pitching, reason being that I have had many, many times where I got a bite nearly immediately and not having to turn the reel handle saved me a split second where I could immediately set the hook as opposed to having to engage the reel first.

[Raul]

My old Abu XLT series and my Black Max Abus have flipping switch, switch that I seldomly remember it 's there.  :

[bugman]

Thanks for all the info & suggerstion about a flipping reel. I was at the Dundee, Michigan Cabelas today and found a Shimano Castaic on sale for $129.00 reg price $169.00. In fact the last two sold yesterday so the salesman offered the demo for $116.00. I got it home, cleaned it up and oiled it. Looks and works like out of the box. I plan on perfecting my flipping/pitching skills over winter and hit the water right after iceout.

Thanks again,

Bugman