Bass anglers who utilize the flipping technique frequently catch more and larger fish.
Flipping is a simple method of presenting a lure where many bass hang out--around logs, stumps, brush, and in thick weed cover. The idea here is to drop a jig or lure inches from a target's nose on the theory that it will strike if a minimum of effort is required.
To flip, pull out approximately three to nine feet of line (measured from the rod tip to lure), then strip off an additional arm's length. Next, start the lure swinging like a pendulum and, at the back of the swing, flick the wrist and gently propel the lure to its mark. Then allow enough line slack so the lure drops vertically to the bottom where it can be jigged a couple of times. If nothing happens, flip to a new location.
Concentration and line-watching is quite important. When the line twitches, set the hook hard and employ lots of pressure in order to move the fish from its aqua haunt.
Most flipping lures consist of a jig with a skirt and/or a plastic additive of some sort such as an artificial worm. Such fish attracting scents as ProBait Tip-It or Bait Shapes may even augment the number of strikes.
Be sure to position your boat in close to brush, trees, structure, or grass and make certain the lure enters the water as quietly as possible.
Experts recommend that we use greenish colors when fishing in vegetation, and black or blue hues in other situations.
During the spring and summer months it's usually productive to flip in weeds, grass, lily pads, logs, brush, standing timber, and bushes. During the fall and winter months, anglers may want to switch or expand locales to include such vertical covers as steep banks, bluffs, and trees with nearby deep water.
After solidly setting the hook the moment a line twitch is detected, extend your arms horizontally so they act as a spring which will prevent line breakage. After a "pattern" is discovered, look for similar areas, depths and cover.
To date, flipping rigs are often the result of an angler's imagination (or nightmare) with many homemade creations resembling a Christmas tree. With this in mind, engineers at Cotee Bait Company in New Port Richey set about to create the "perfect" lure and recently came up with its Rattlin' Flippin' Jig. Now available at most tackle outlets, this Cotee gem features a low-level deflection hair-trigger weed guard with a funnel receptacle, and a unique "through the nose" hook placement for improved hook capability and strength.
The Rattlin' Flippin' Jig also features a tuned rattle chamber which simulates feeding baitfish, a highly reflective eye that flashes like a wild shiner, a skirt in eight of the most popular colors, and a phenomenal weight system that allows flippers to change from 3/16 oz. to 3/8 oz.--or vise versa--quickly and easily.
Those wanting to learn more about flipping in general or the new Rattlin' Flippin' Jig in particular are invited to call (toll-free) 1-800-776-BAIT.
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