Help me choose the next additon to my arsenal; A flip and pitch combo

[ludwig]

For my next rod+reel purchase I'm looking to get into flipping and pitching. Looking to fish laydowns, heavy matted grass, pads, pockets ect. Thick stuff. So I think this is what I would go for, 7'3"+ MH/H X-Fast action rod. But if you have reason for me to budge from this, let's hear it! Also if you guys could reccomend some good tools of the trade, both rods and reels it would be appreciated!

Tight lines, Ludwig

[OneUp]

Personally, I like a little more give in the system than an XF rod provides.  I pitch exclusively with braid and since there is no stretch with braid, you need a little more moderate action, IMO.  Of course, if your not planning on using braid, an XF should be fine.

[gotarheelz14]

I just got a Daiwa Zillion 7'6 Fast action, Heavy power. One heck of a rod. I like it so much and works so well that I use it for all my plastics now. It is extremely light, well balanced and very sensitive.

I have heard people say that it is the best rod they have fished in the price point.

Carlos Saravia

[Micro]

I agree with Oneup. Flipping and pitching aren't the same. While you can get away with the same rod for both, pitching and flipping rods have slightly different attributes.

Flipping rods are generally long and stiff to the tip. Pitching rods don't need to be as long, in fact shorter is sometimes perferable. Pitching rods usually have softer tips so they load up a bit on the pitch.

I have an Allstar American Classic flipping rod and an Allstar American Classic pitching rod. The flipping rod is 7'6" and the pitching rod is 7'. Both are heavy/xtra fast and are rated for the same lure weights. But the pitching rod is shorter and has a softer tip and I can get much better accuracy when pitching.

If you want one rod to do both, I'd go with a pitching rod over a flipping rod. IMO, it's easier to flip with a pitching rod than pitch with a flipping rod.

As for a flipping or pitching reel, I'd recommend a Shimano reel with the flipping thumb bar, such as the Core 100MgFV or Castaic.  The Castaic is a bit dated but it performs exceptionally well and is built like a tank.  Or I'd recommend a Diawa baitcaster since most, if not all, of their reels can be reengaged simply by pushing up on the thumb bar after it has been depressed.  This is a very handy feature.

[bryand82487]

I use a Core 100 MGFV paired with a Cumara 7' 2" Med-Heavy X-Fast.  Awesome setup!

[Craiger12]

I usually pitch and really never flip, but I use braid exclusively for heavy cover situations and have no trouble with an extra-fast tip. For what you described I would recommend a Dobyns 735/736 depending on how heavy the cover is. I am currently using the 735 but I'm looking to step it up to the 736 for pitching into the really heavy stuff. As for a reel, I would look for something with a solid drag such as an STX. However, I use a Zillion and haven't found the drag to be an issue.

[BASSclary]

Revo STX-L at TW for $119 , and a Dobyns 736

And some Samurai braid if you can afford it.

[Al Wolbach]

If you are looking for a dedicated reel for pitching/flipping I recommend at least look at Ardent.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10200550_175003000_175000000_175003000_175-3-0

You need a reel with a lot of drag if fishing really heavy cover and this reel has that covered.........Al

[Red]

I recently got my first pitchin/flippin rig.  I don't know your budget, mine was pretty low.  I went with the Lamiglas Excel 7116 ($120).  It is 7'11".  I use a Revo S-L with braid, and I fish some pretty heavy timber.  The rod is awesome!  I have no problems pitchin or flippin with it.  I haven't caught a ton of fish with it yet but I did get one 5lber a couple weeks ago and this rod made this fish seem like a dink.  It handled it with no problems.  It can also double for a swimbait rod, it is rated for up to 2oz. lures.

[MMan16]

I have a Donynns 766 flippin stick champion series paired with a Revo Stx. I use 50lb fireline braid. Its mainly used flippin and for frogs over heavy vegetation but I also through deep cranks on it occasionally. Great combo IMO.

[ludwig]

Thanks for the input guys! Lot of great suggestions. Seems like almost everyone is going with the revo for this application. Reel aside, my rod budget is up to 180.00 or so. I saw the Dobyn's mentioned and that looks pretty good. But before I sink my teeth in...Would I be better off going for a MH or just a H rod? Woud like to flip, pitch and tinker with swimbaits eventually. Being as i'm young and not made of money, I really like gettng multiple functions out of one weapon.

Thanks again guys! Tight lines!

[BASSclary]

Definitely go with the Heavy rod.

[northern basser]

Not sure if its in your price range,  but the old shimano chronarch 50mg works awesome for pitching.

[ludwig]

Unless I see a good deal on something else, I will be going with the following. An Abu Garcia REVO STX and the Dobyn's 7'3" HF rod. One last question, and it's a bit redundant. Anyway - do I go for the 6:4 or would I be better off with a burner reel? I'm leaning towards the burner, would think it would be more useful. But i'm lacking experience in this department.

Thanks again guys, I've got it narrowed down and I'll let you know how this combo fishes!

[Stephen D.]

From what I've read on BR the past few months, a burner reel would be better for this application.  It will allow you to get the fish up and out of cover faster than a 6.4 reel.  Again, that's just what I've read, so some of the more experienced guys on here may have a better answer...

[MMan16]

I like a high speed reel 7.1. You need to be able to pick up as much line as possible when you get a bite in heavy cover. Also when you start throwing swimbaits you may like having the high speed reel better. This way you can burn the swimbait or slow roll it. I think its easier to slow down a high speed retrieve than speed up a slow retrieve reel.

[Al Wolbach]

Unless I see a good deal on something else, I will be going with the following. An Abu Garcia REVO STX and the Dobyn's 7'3" HF rod. One last question, and it's a bit redundant. Anyway - do I go for the 6:4 or would I be better off with a burner reel? I'm leaning towards the burner, would think it would be more useful. But i'm lacking experience in this department.

Thanks again guys, I've got it narrowed down and I'll let you know how this combo fishes!

The Revo is a good choice. I would suggest you get the 6.4 reel although the the burner may be a tad better for this application. The 6.4 will be a better all around reel a year or two down the road as you acquire more equipment. You may want to put this reel on a crankbait or spinnerbait rod down the road......................Al

[Hot Rod]

Get the Burner.  When flip/pitch very heavy cover it is imperative to take up slack as quickly as possible to set the hook and move the fish away from cover.

Plus you can make a lot more pitches and cover more water with the higher speed reel.

[Nibbles]

Idk about you guys, but I find that I am able to pitch a lot more accurately with a 6'6" than a 7'+. That and I get better hooksets with a fast tip than an extra fast tip when fishing thicker gauge hooks like those on jigs.

[ludwig]

Wound up grabbing a Revo STX burner. 119.99 at tackle warehouse. Could not pass that one up! CAN'T WAIT to try it out!