As lakes begin to warm and Spring looks like it is here (finally), we creep closer and closer to one of the most beloved bites all season long: the flipping bite. Guys love to catch them in shallow cover and for good reason. It’s a blast to get your string stretched by a big fish with only a few feet of line out. It’s a close combat way of fishing. Leave your light rods at home…this is big boy fishing.
So what do you need to get in the bushes and flip up some giant bass? Well, the first think you are going to need is a serious flipping stick. Now, depending on the cover you are fishing, this could range from a Dobyns Champion 764c up to the granddaddy of them all: the Dobyns Champion 805 FLIP/PUNCH. Personally, for buck brush and other wood cover, I prefer the 764c but extreme conditions call for the 805 FLIP/PUNCH.
The next thing you will need is a good, quality reel but a powerful drag. The last thing you need in this situation is your drag slipping when you set the hook into a big bass with 20 ft. of line out….this spells disaster and heartbreak. I really like the Shimano products for this application. It comes down to quality: stronger gears, stronger drag, better reel. Check out the new Shimano Curado I Series for my personal favorite.
Now comes the important part. Choosing the right line is always a tricky decision. I definitely recommend a fluorocarbon or braided line and honestly which one depends on your specific situation. If you need the ultimate in power, strength, and durability, braided line is the only way to go. If you need a strong line but aren’t comfortable using braid, then Sunline Super FC Sniper is the line for you.
Flipping is one of the most fun ways to catch fish, especially big fish but your gear is critical. Make sure you get exactly what you need, and it will increase your chances greatly. And when you get a bite, don’t give a light hookset. Set it hard!
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