need some help pitching

[Fishin Phil]

Basiclly what I found on here is this.  "Pitching involves releasing the lure from your hand with an underhand pitching movement as you let the line feed through the guides while you thumb the spool."

I've been trying to figure out if I'm doing this correctly.  I usually point the rod strait up and drop the lure till its even with the reel.  This is where I get a little confused.  I've tried just an underhand cast while letting the lure just leave my hand, and I've also held the lure and actually pulled back loading up the rod tip and releasing the lure during the cast.  The second method seems to spring the lure out a little farther, but since I'm not acurate with either one yet, I don't know which method is correct.  Does it even matter?  Any advice on pitching would be appreciated.  Thanks

[Brian_Reeves]

With a traditional pitch, don't load the rod up.

I've gotten to where I've eliminated traditional pitching and flipping from my casting techniques.  I just use a small sidearm or a 'wrist flip.'  But my friend says I have the ugliest cast in bass fishing.  Hey, whatever gets you the no splash and accuracy right?  Play around with everything and learn to cast with either hand.  Eventually you'll find a technique that works for you.

A good way to practice without going fishing (HIGHLY important for married guys lol) is to take a small plastic bowl to the backyard.  Set it up 15-30ft from you and practice keeping the bait as low to the ground as possible and making it inside or hitting the bowl.  Invite your fishing buddy over and make a game out of it.  Me and Clay practically play horseshoes and drink a few while having this really stupid competition.  The practice shows when we fish standing timber or grasslines though and it's a reasonably fun way to practice.  I recommend doing it while BBQ-ing.

[Deuceu72]

Practice, Practice, Practice.................I have coffee mugs set up all over our house to practice with...........Some are partially hidden behind other items, some are further than others etc.............I practice all the time in our house...Drives the wife nuts when she cant find a coffee mug!  ;D ;D ;D

[Chris]

A) Make sure your magnets are set on zero if the reel has a pin system set it as free as you can.

Bring your lure down so that it is even with the reel.

C) Hold the reel so that your palm is down.

E) Hold the lure so that you don't hook yourself.

F) Dip the rod down to a 8 o'clock position.

G) Lift your wrist and rod to put the rod at a 11 o'clock position while letting go of your lure. You want to keep your elbow tucked at your side move your wrist not your elbow.

H) Let the line peel off the reel while lightly feathering it with your thumb.

I) Strip off about 3 extra feet of line so that your lure falls straight and engage your reel.

[BadKarma42]

Good tips already.  I also found that as i was learning/practicing, it was helpful to use a heaveir weight.  That allowed me to get the mechanics down a bit easier.  I think it really helped to establish muscle memory.

[Shad_Master]

Deuceu72, you must not have any ceiling fans in your house  ;D

[Deuceu72]

Actually, I do.............It's cost me 1 G Loomis Rod...I learned quickly after that....

[vincedia]

Can thisbe done with spinning gear? Or will I drive myself nuts?

Vince

[Lightninrod]

Some reading on pitching

From BR

This article has a short video showing pitching.

Dan

[Brian_Reeves]

That video would be funny if the guy had a pet cat.   ;D

[bassnleo]

Can thisbe done with spinning gear? Or will I drive myself nuts?

Vince

It is easier with casting gear but it can be done with spinning and it actually comes in quite handy. I learned to pitch and skip underhand with a spinning rod, works great around docks with lighter baits like senko style baits.

[Fishin Phil]

Thanks for all the tips.  I'm really starting to get the technique down.  I've been casting at a frisbee in my backyard.  Anyone have any tips for accuracy?  I know in most other motion related activities (swinging a baseball bat or golf club) stance and follow through are critical and directly effect accuracy.  Any advice?

[BadKarma42]

I definately pitch with my spinning gear.  I found that as soon as I release the lure, I let the line run thru my hand for better control since you can't thumb like you do a baitcaster.

As for accuracy, practice practice practice.  Practice from different angles and with different weights.  If you fish from a boat, perhaps attempt to simulate the height (ie standing in the boat) to the ground (water).  I found that standing on flat ground and practicing was rather different that being in the boat.