Updated 2/13/2024
Flipping and pitching are stealthy, close-quarters bass fishing techniques that prioritize short, accurate casts to desirable bass cover like stumps or vegetation. Pitching involves holding the bait in one hand to perform an under-handed cast that uses the pendulum motion of releasing the bait to cast 10 to 20 feet. Flipping involves pulling line from above the reel to control casting distance and repeatedly perform short flipping casts to a target within 10 to 15 feet of the angler.
These are specialized techniques that require fit-for-purpose equipment to increase odds of success and improve fishing comfort for the angler.
We’ve done the hours of testing and research on the best flipping and pitching fishing rods available assessing strength, value for the price, material quality, fishing comfort and much more so you don’t have to. Read on to see our top picks.
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
Our Top Picks
- Best for the Money: St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting
- Best High End: Fitzgerald Titan HD
- Best High End Alternative: St. Croix Victory Casting Rod
- Best Under $100: KastKing Perigee II Casting
- Best for Beginners: Lew’s American Hero Speed Stick Heavy Flipping Casting Rod
- Best Spinning: Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod
The Best Bass Flipping & Pitching Rods
Flipping and pitching rods target bass in the thickest, nastiest cover. These specialized techniques require comparatively long, heavy-duty rods to allow for comfortable, accurate casting and the ability to rip big bass out of the weeds.
Read on to see our recommendations for the best flipping and pitching rods by category including best all-around, best budget, best for beginners, and more.
1. St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting
- Length: 6’8″ to 7’11”
- Rod Material: SCIII Carbon
- Guides: Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with Aluminum Oxide Rings
- Grip: Split premium cork grip
- Warranty: 5 Year
Pros:
- Great variety in available length, power, and action
- Premium rod at manageable price
- Excellent Warranty
Our choice for best flipping and pitching rod for the money is the St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod. We have found this rod line to be the perfect balance of quality components, versatility, and price point. The Mojo Bass rods are workhorses of the bass fishing world and I expect most bass boats have at least one of these rods onboard.
What sold us on this rod for the top choice is how much value you get for the price. Other rods on this list may be slightly lighter or more sensitive, but generally their price point will be significantly higher. We’re suckers for a great deal and realistically would be happy if every bass pole in our collection was a St. Croix Mojo Bass.
The Mojo Bass Casting comes in the perfect spread of lengths, powers, and actions. The best choice for a flipping and pitching fishing rod is either the 7′, 7’4″, or 7’11” heavy power fast action variant.
This rod line was updated in 2016. The rod blank is St. Croix’s proprietary SC III graphite fiber which is lightweight, durable, and sensitive with a higher strain rate than fibers commonly used by other rod manufacturers. It also includes St. Croix’s innovative IPC tooling technology that effectively eliminates transition points in the rod. The Mojo Bass rod line is on the lighter end of available bass rods with superior sensitivity without sacrificing strength.
2. Fitzgerald Titan HD Pitching and Flipping Rod
- Length: 7’6″ to 7’10”
- Rod Material: Carbon
- Guides: Titanium guides with Nanolite Rings
- Grip: No-slip EVA Foam
- Warranty: Lifetime No-questions $75 plus return shipping
Pros:
- Light for its strength
- Beefy
- No-slip grip
Our top choice for a flipping and pitching bass fishing rod is the Fitzgerald Titan HD rod. We went more towards the premium end of rods for our overall pitching and flipping choice because cheaper, heavier rods will wear you out on a long day of fishing.
Fitzgerald really has made the perfect, fit-for-purpose pitching and flipping rod. This rod is incredibly light for its power. It comes in perfect lengths for the application (7’6″ to 7’10”). The rods have the heavy and extra heavy power needed to rip big bass out of deep cover.
While we generally prefer cork handles, this is a case where we like the no-slip EVA foam. Cork can be slippery when wet and the no-slip EVA is perfect for when you need to really reef on a bass. We recommend pairing this rod with 65 pound braid to give you the ability to rip through aquatic vegetation and pull out the biggest bass.
The only downsides we could think of for this rod is the comparatively higher price point and limited options for flipping lighter weight baits. This rod is a delight to fish, but we acknowledge it isn’t budget friendly. Check out our following recommendations for other options. Remember, you don’t need the most expensive equipment to catch fish!
3. St. Croix Victory Casting Rod
- Length: 6’8″ to 7’11”
- Rod Material: SCIII+ Carbon
- Guides: Fuji Concept O guides with deep press inserts
- Grip: Split premium cork grip
- Warranty: 15 Year Transferrable
Pros:
- Premium rod at manageable price
- Excellent Warranty
A great alternative choice for best high-end flipping and pitching fishing rod is the St. Croix Victory Casting Rod. We particularly like the 7’10”, heavy power, fast action variant for flipping and pitching.
St. Croix has crafted one of the lightest, strongest, most sensitive flipping and pitching rods available on the market.
The rod features four of St. Croix’s innovative technologies.
Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) eliminates all transitional points in the rod blanks for smoother actions, increased strength, and greater sensitivity.
Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART) is an exotic carbon fiber material that adds a magnitude (10x) of strength with virtually no increase in rod blank diameter or weight and significantly improves the hoop strength of the blank by preventing it from deforming under severe loads (like the donkey bass you pull out of the slop)!
The Taper Enhancement (TET) blank design provides curved patterns for improved action and sensitivity.
And last but not least, rods manufactured with the Fortified Resin System (FRS) advanced manufacturing protocol consistently test 33% stronger than those built with standard resins and curing methods.
Also, St. Croix manufactures their high-end rod lines in Wisconsin for United States based anglers looking to support local manufacturing.
4. KastKing Perigee II
- Length: 4’6″ to 7’6″
- Rod Material: Carbon Fiber
- Guides: Fuji O-Ring
- Grip: Split EVA Foam
- Warranty: Lifetime manufacturing defects only for handling fee. Lifetime accidental damage for 1/2 rod price plus handling fee.
Pros:
- Budget friendly
Don’t let the low price fool you. KastKing’s Perigee II fishing rod line provides surprising quality at a budget price which makes it our choice for best flipping and pitching rod under $100.
We recommend the 7’4″ heavy power and the 7’6″ medium-heavy power casting versions of this rod for awesome budget flipping and pitching bass fishing rods.
This rod is a breath of fresh air in the budget fishing space. A full carbon fiber blank keeps weight low and sensitivity high.
As expected with budget rod options there is some give and take on features. The split EVA handle doesn’t feel as good as cork handles on some of the higher end rods in this list. Also, we would like the option for lengths closer to 8′ for taller flipping and pitching anglers.
5. Lew’s American Hero Speed Stick Heavy Casting Rod
- Length: 6′ to 7’6″
- Rod Material: IM7 Graphite
- Guides: Stainless steel guides with stainless steel inserts
- Grip: Split EVA Foam
- Warranty: 1 Year manufacturing defects
Pros:
- Budget Friendly
- Versatile for multiple fishing techniques
Our choice for best flipping and pitching rod for beginners is the Lew’s American Hero Speed Stick 7’6″ Heavy Flipping Casting Rod. For beginners, we focus on budget and versatility. We think anglers should start with a middle-tier rods that can be used for many techniques before purchasing high-end, specialized equipment.
The 7’6″ heavy power Lew’s American Hero Speed stick fits the bill. This rod works for most budgets. The 7’6″ length is on the longer side for all-purpose rods, but can be used for many other techniques like spinnerbaits, crankbaits, etc. We don’t think beginners should purchase an 8′ dedicated flipping and pitching rod unless they already have a few all-around rods in their arsenal.
This rod features a sensitive, but strong, graphite blank, stainless steel guides/inserts, and a split foam handle. There aren’t many bells and whistles, but that’s ok. It has the right price and features for an excellent value proposition for a beginner friendly flipping and pitching rod.
We do note that this is still a casting rod that is paired with a baitcasting reel which can be intimidating for beginners. Pitching and flipping is much easier with a casting setup, and we recommend this as a great way for beginners to step into casting reels. If that is a no go, check out our next recommendation for a flipping and pitching spinning setup.
6. Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod
- Length: 7′ to 8′
- Rod Material: SLC2 Carbon
- Guides: Fuji Alconite
- Handle: Premium Cork or Rubber Shrink Tube
- Warranty: 1 Year manufacturing defects only
Pros:
- Highly versatile for multiple fishing applications
- Premium rod features for reasonable price
Our top choice for best flipping and pitching spinning rod is the Penn Battalion II Inshore Rod. This rod captures a great balance of value, price accessibility, and quality features.
It may seem like a strange choice to pick an inshore fishing rod for a bass technique. The challenge with flipping and pitching is that it requires long, sturdy, heavy power rods, and most freshwater spinning rigs don’t go above medium power.
We picked an inshore rod as our top spinning flipping and pitching rod because inshore rods are designed for bigger fish. This translates perfectly to the power needed for ripping big bass out of heavy cover.
We recommend the 7’6″ medium-heavy power or the 7′ heavy power version for this application.
The SLC2 Carbon rod blank and Fuji Alconite guide material construction are considered mid-tier materials that should last plenty long with proper care. The full cork handle feels great for prolonged fishing trips. We do wish Penn offered a better warranty (like St. Croix), but it’s hard to complain at this price point.
If you must have a spinning flipping and pitching rod, this is a great option. That said, we still recommend learning how to use a baitcaster setup for this fishing technique because it is easier to accurately cast compared to a spinning setup.
Check out our article on the best bass spinning rods for additional options.
Comparison Table
Check out this handy table comparing some of the key features of the rods on our list.
| Rod Name | Length | Rod Material | Guides | Grip | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting | 6’8″ to 7’11” | SCIII Carbon | Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with Aluminum Oxide Rings | Split premium cork grip | 5 Year |
| Fitzgerald Titan HD Pitching and Flipping Rod | 7’6″ to 7’10” | Carbon | Titanium guides with Nanolite Rings | No-slip EVA Foam | Lifetime No-questions $75 plus return shipping |
| St. Croix Victory Casting Rod | 6’8″ to 7’11” | SCIII+ Carbon | Fuji Concept O guides with deep press inserts | Split premium cork grip | 15 Year Transferrable |
| KastKing Perigee II | 4’6″ to 7’6″ | Carbon Fiber | Fuji O-Ring | Split EVA Foam | Lifetime manufacturing defects only for handling fee. Lifetime accidental damage for 1/2 rod price plus handling fee. |
| Lew’s American Hero Speed Stick Heavy Casting Rod | 6′ to 7’6″ | IM7 Graphite | Stainless steel guides with stainless steel inserts | Split EVA Foam | 1 Year manufacturing defects |
| Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod | 7′ to 8′ | SLC2 Carbon | Fuji Alconite | Premium Cork or Rubber Shrink Tube | 1 Year manufacturing defects only |
Conclusion
Flipping and pitching for bass are specialized techniques that require long, sturdy fishing rods for the best results. Options like the Fitzgerald Titan HD and the St. Croix Victory Casting Rod are perfect for the job due to their fit-for-purpose designs, quality components, and comfort factor.
Check out our articles for great reels to pair with these rods:
- Best Baitcasting Reels
- Best Baitcasting Reels for Bass
- Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels
- Best Bass Spinning Reels
- Best Saltwater Spinning Reels
Check out our related rod articles:
- Best Bass Fishing Rods
- Best Baitcasting Rods for Bass
- Best Bass Spinning Rods
- Best Musky Rods
- Best Frog Fishing Rods
- Best Jig Rods for Bass
- Best Walleye Rods
Check out our related rod and reel combo articles:
Read on to see our breakdown of important factors to consider when picking a flipping and pitching fishing rod.
How to Choose The Best Flipping and Pitching Rod
The most important factors for selecting the best flipping and pitching rod for you focus on rod length and rod power.
For even more reading, check out our article on how to choose any fishing rod.
Length
Rod length is an important consideration for bass anglers. Flipping, pitching, and punching are better suited for rods from 7’6″ to 8′ long to allow for a sweeping, accurate swing of the bait to the target. This is on the long side for fishing poles, and is important when looking for fit-for-purpose flipping and pitching rigs.
7’6″ is a great all-around length. Closer to 8′ is perfect for taller anglers because the extra few inches translates into easier casting. Shorter rods will limit the ability to comfortably flip and pitch accurately to cover.
Power
Rod power is the fishing industry’s terminology for rod stiffness. Rod powers range from ultralight to extra-heavy.
Medium-heavy to heavy power rods are the bread and butter of the flipping and pitching world. Flipping and pitching is almost always into heavy cover, and the rod needs to be able to rip large bass out of the thickest, nastiest weeds. Lighter rods will struggle to handle these conditions
Action
Rod action refers to how far down the rod will bend when pressure is applied to the tip. Rod actions range from extra-fast (bends near tip) to slow (nearly the whole rod bends).
The faster the action, the more sensitive the rod will feel. The slower the action, the more casting distance you can get (the rod will feel like it whips more when you cast).
Flipping and pitching anglers lean towards fast or extra-fast actions because these actions translate powerful hooksets most quickly to the fish. This improves odds of successfully landing fish.
Check out our article on fishing rod actions for even more information.
Handle Material
Rod handle feel is an important factor to consider when picking a bass fishing rod. Common handle types are full cork, partial cork, rubber shrink tube, cork tape, or EVA foam. Rubber shrink is usually considered a more budget option, whereas full cork feels better to grip and handle. Flipping and pitching that can require forceful hooksets, EVA foam can be a better option because it is not slippery when wet.
Rod Guide Material
Rod guide material is important because lower quality materials are heavier and will rust quicker and could potentially fail.
The highest end rods have titanium or silicone carbide (SiC) rod guides whereas middle end or budget rods will have some variation of aluminum oxide or stainless steel.
Higher end rod guides are made with lighter materials with lower friction that will either rust slower or not at all. Less expensive rod guides are heavier and will succumb to the elements more quickly.
For additional information on rod guide considerations, check out our article that explains fishing rod guides in detail.
Rod Material
Rod blank material affects rod strength and how the fishing rod deforms during casting or reeling in a fish. Common rod materials are graphite, fiberglass, and composite. Check out our deep dive on rod blanks for more information.
Graphite
Graphite rods have incredible sensitivity in lightweight packages. They are great for detecting subtle fish strikes. Graphite rod disadvantages are that the rods can be a little weaker than the other options and more susceptible to breakage, especially around nicks or scratches.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is strong, durable and flexible but weighs more than graphite. They are less sensitive than the other types of rod materials.
Composite
Composite rod materials are a mix of graphite and fiberglass that seek to have the light weight and sensitivity of graphite rods with the strength of fiberglass rods.
Reel Seat
Reel seats are the component where the fishing reel is secured onto the fishing rod by tightening a locking nut. The basic parts of a reel seat are the body, hood, locking nut, and barrel threads. Common reel seat materials are either graphite or aluminum which are both lightweight, corrosion resistant materials. Reel seats are sized to match the power of the rod. For example, a reel seat on an ultralight fishing rod won’t fit a massive 10000 size spinning reel.
Most freshwater applications utilize fully graphite reel seats due to graphite’s light weight. For heavier duty saltwater applications, reel seats are commonly upgraded to machine-grade aluminum for increased strength. For targeting the largest fish on the planet, the complete rod butt and reel seat can be aluminum for maximum strength.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining your fishing rod ensures its longevity and performance. After each use, rinse it with fresh water to remove dirt and debris, especially if you’ve been fishing in saltwater. Dry it thoroughly before storage to prevent rust and corrosion. Occasionally check for any signs of wear or damage. Store your rod vertically or horizontally on a rack, avoiding extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
Explore our ultimate guide on fishing rod maintenance and care for comprehensive insights into maintaining your flipping and pitching fishing rod, avoiding common causes of damage, and mastering preventative strategies to ensure your gear remains in prime condition.
Flipping and Pitching Rod Frequently Asked Questions
What type of rod is best for flipping and pitching?
Casting rods between 7’6″ and 8′ with heavy power are best for flipping and pitching. Casting rods, and their paired baitcaster reels, are easy to handle with one hand which enables comfortable flipping and pitching. The longer rod and heavy power allow for accurate flips and pitches with enough backbone to pull big fish out of thick cover.
What reel to pair with flipping and pitching rod?
Flipping and pitching rods are best paired with baitcaster reels. These reels are comfortable to function with one hand, which enables the angler to effectively flip and pitch. Spinning reels can be used for flipping and pitching, but are tougher to accurately cast with this technique. Check out our article on the best baitcasting reels for our top recommendations.
What pound test line for flipping and pitching?
For flipping and pitching 30-65 pound test braided line allows anglers to retrieve fish through the thickest cover. Fishing line for flipping and pitching needs to be strong enough to cut through lily pad stems and other thick vegetation. Lighter lines may break in these circumstances and cause lost fish.
Written By: Andrew Juran
Andrew is a seasoned angler with over 25 years of experience fishing across the United States. He has caught hundreds of bass using various techniques and mentored many in the art of fishing. An advocate for sustainable fishing, Andrew is an active member of the Coastal Conservation Association, an organization committed to marine conservation.
For frequent fishing tips, behind-the-scenes looks, and real-time catches, connect with Andrew on Instagram
