Category: Catching Methods

Flipping is an ultra-short-range (10 to 15 feet) fixed-line technique where the angler pulls a length of line from the reel with the off-hand and uses the rod tip to swing the lure into cover without opening the reel spool. Pitching is a longer-distance (20 to 35 feet) underhand cast where the spool is released, and the lure is propelled forward on a low, flat trajectory with a wrist snap.

Start by evaluating water clarity, wind, and sky conditions. If you have wind chop, cloudy skies, or stained water (visibility under 2 feet), start power fishing with spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, or crankbaits to locate active fish. If the water is clear, the sky is sunny, and there is zero wind, switch immediately to finesse presentations like drop shots and Ned rigs.

Punching is the technique of using a heavy, streamlined tungsten bullet weight (typically 1 to 2 ounces) paired with a compact soft plastic creature bait to penetrate dense surface mats of floating vegetation that standard lures cannot break through. Once through the mat, the lure drops into the open cavern beneath where bass suspend in shaded cover.