When done correctly, there is nothing more stealthy
than a pitched lure. It gently hits the water and drops temptingly and
quietly toward the bottom – gaining the attention of a hungry bass.
Pitching your bait accurately and quietly isn’t
difficult, it just takes practice and the right equipment. My tackle of
choice is a long, baitcasting rod with strong backbone, like the new Flippin
Stick from CastAway Graphite Rods. It was designed by Bud Pruitt, who used
it during the 2002 Bass Masters Classic. One of the most sensitive and
lightweight, yet durable flipping rods on the market, it features a 7’6”
telescopic rod which comes in two powers; medium-heavy and heavy.
A stout rod, coupled with a Quantum Energy PT 6.3:1
reel with at least 20 pound test line makes a great fish catching combo. On
the end of the line I typically have a jig coupled with either a craw or a
frog Chunk trailer. Depending on the conditions I will throw anything
between ¼ ounce and ½ ounce jig.
The mechanics of pitching is to have the lure glide
just above the water’s surface before a soft, quiet entry. I begin by
resting the bait in my left hand (with enough line out to hold the bait
along side the reel). Some anglers pitch their baits without touching or
holding them, but I’m not as confident with that style. When I begin to
pitch the bait, I swing the rod from my body (using my wrist), pointing it
toward the intended target. The bait leaves my hand and drifts out just
above the water. At that point I control it by raising the rod tip slightly
while applying slight thumb pressure on the reel spool. When the bait
reaches the target, I apply more pressure and lift the rod slightly higher.
The result is that the bait has glided quietly toward the target, entering
the water without a lot of noise.
With practice, pitching becomes second nature. During
the “hard water” season in the north, I will place a small target on the
floor, usually underneath a plant or taller object (to replicate pitching
under a low hanging tree limb). When I am on the water, I spend most of my
day pitching jigs or spinnerbaits, so I get plenty of practice.
This season, consider adding pitching to your fishing
techniques. It might help you with “strikes” on your fishing trips this
year!