Has the term "flipping" replaced the term "pitching"? 2024
Smokinal reply :
Please learn me if I am wrong here but I always thought flipping was done with the rod in one hand and a pre-determined length of line out and that line was held in the other. The reel was never touched and the spool is engaged. Meant for quick, short, precise bait placement and the length of line never changes or is reeled in until bait is bit.
Pitching was done with rod in one hand and the bait is held in the other. Spool is disengaged while the bait is sort of sling-shotted out; meant for further "casts".
Why I ask is I see and hear people all the time say they are "flippin" but they are doing what I described above as pitching.
Am I wrong? Have the terms changed or do people just like saying "flippin" better?
iabass8 reply :
They are indeed two different things and you are correct.
Lots of people confuse (or just don't know) the two or just use "flipping" to describe both.
There's probably 20 posts a year on this forum about what the difference is and 10xs that on youtube demonstrating the difference between the two and yet there's still people that don't know.
IndianaFinesse reply :
You are correct, people have started to use the terms flipping and pitching interchangeably, but they are in fact two different techniques.
corn-on-the-rob reply :
It is used incorrectly very often, mainly because the average fisherman is likely doing 80% or more pitching, but calling it flipping, let alone, the crap ton of fisherman who NEVER flip, but call it that.
RoLo reply :
I agree, and have often wondered about the same thing.
I think corn-on-the-cob provided the reason 
Roger
Logan S reply :
Flipping seems to be the term used by most anglers for short range cover fishing....Doesn't mean it's technically or historically accurate, but that's just what people say. I use it that way. It's really just semantics either way, if someone uses either term I'll know what they're referring to and I don't care enough to correct them.
If you really want to get technical, a 'flip' and a 'pitch' could be seen as different types of casts and the actual technique is short range cover fishing....Which could be generically called 'flipping'.
Quarry Man reply :
does it really matter?
RoLo reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 4:00 AM, Quarry Man said:does it really matter?
When we allow words to lose their definition,
we also lose our ability to communicate.
Roger
Chowderhead reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 4:06 AM, RoLo said:
When we allow words to lose their definition,
we also lose our ability to communicate.
Roger
Well said!
Catt reply :
It's kinda like the term "finesse" has come to mean small lures, lines, & rod-n-reels.
Finesse: skillful handling of a situation or resourcefulness in handling situations.
Smokinal reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 5:30 AM, Catt said:It's kinda like the term "finesse" has come to mean small lures, lines, & rod-n-reels.
Finesse: skillful handling of a situation or resourcefulness in handling situations.
Good point Catt. A 1/2 oz jig is not considered a finesse technique but you sure can "finesse" a 1/2 oz jig though a brushpile. I "finesses" a jerkbait in cold water for example.
Team9nine reply :
These same anglers are also the ones who will use "cover" and "structure" interchangeably. Short answer; you are right, they are wrong 
-T9
slonezp reply :
Can't say that what I do even remotely resembles pitchin' or flippin'. I call it throwin' 
A-Jay reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 6:04 AM, Team9nine said:These same anglers are also the ones who will use "cover" and "structure" interchangeably. Short answer; you are right, they are wrong
-T9
Most times I read that, my left eye starts to twitch uncontrollably like Inspector Dreyfuss
A-Jay
slonezp reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 8:48 AM, A-Jay said:
Most times I read that, my left eye starts to twitch uncontrollably like Inspector Dreyfuss
A-Jay
Ohio Archer reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 8:31 AM, slonezp said:Can't say that what I do even remotely resembles pitchin' or flippin'. I call it throwin'
You sure it's not chuckin' and windin'?
WRB reply :
It's important to learn about history and not change it or it will be lost.
Catt posted a good link to Flipping history and Dee Thomas, you all should read it so you know what it is.
Tom
Catt reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 11:32 AM, WRB said:It's important to learn about history and not change it or it will be lost.
Catt posted a good link to Flipping history and Dee Thomas, you all should read it so you know what it is.
Tom
Bass Fishing Archives is the best historical web on bass fishing.
everythingthatswims reply :
I know what flippin' is, but I have never done it to any degree of success. I personally don't see it being necessary, I tend to stay further away from the fish than most (they can feel your boat in the water!), and I can "pitch" as accurately as I'll ever need to.
I call it flippin' but technically what I am doing is 100% pitchin'
OCdockskipper reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 1:23 PM, everythingthatswims said:I know what flippin' is, but I have never done it to any degree of success. I personally don't see it being necessary...
One can flip cover when pitching would be more effective and vice versa, so neither is ever "necessary". Flippin' is the more effective technique if you can get closer to the fish & you need a no splash lure entry. Done properly, you can get more flips than pitches in the same amount of time, useful for tournament anglers.
That doesn't mean you should flip if you prefer to pitch, just showing that it has merits over other techniques in certain situations.
RAMBLER reply :
I don't worry about "flippin or pitchin or cover or structure". I "toss" a worm in a "spot" where I think there might be a fish. The only one I'm communicating either of these "discriptive" terms with is me. Sometimes I even understand me.
RB 77 reply :
Flippin' N' Pitchin' and Cover & Structure are probably the tow most misused, confused or switched terms in all of bass fishing. I have fished with people for years who have been fishing for decades who either don't know or don't care to use the terms properly.
Montanaro reply :
Im not gonna go around correcting people who use it incorrectly. It doesnt even matter as long as youve got the context.
Plenty of pros misuse power/action cover/structure and I dont see them dropping out of the elites or flw.
WRB reply :
Cover and structure can be easily confused because of regional interpretion. Flipping and pitching are as different as making a loop cast or skipping, all are specific casting techniques.
You don't hear a baseball player referring to a curve bass, sinker or fast bass as the same pitch, they are different. Baseball makes a good comparison because the grand old game understands the importance it's history, it's players and the jargon used.
Tom
Montanaro reply :
Outside of deep analytics, nobody counts a hit any different whether its a fastball or curveball.
If i ask jim bob how he has been catching them and he says flipping bushes...does it really matter to me if he is flipping or pitching? Is it worth it to correct him and come off as a bass fishing know it all elitist? I dont think that is what we as fisherman are about.
A5BLASTER reply :
I say who cares what someone what's to call it, life is short and the spawn is shorter.
Y'all waisting time let's go fishing.
Smokinal reply :
The point of my question wasn't to correct anyone; it wasn't to prove anyone right or wrong; it wasn't to make fun of those who don't know the difference. It's about learing, and those who come to forums or watch TV to learn a new technique. Tom had a good analogy in throwing a baseball. To someone not into the sport, it looks like the guy is just throwing a ball. To an up and coming pitcher, well that's a whole different story. A 4 seam fastball is performed completely different than a changeup; and they are in no way a similar pitch.
A flip is completely different than a pitch. (jmo of course)
K_Mac reply :
Yes, a flip and a pitch are two different ways of accurately and quietly delivering a bait, generally at close range. Yes, I know some can consistently pitch a jig into a coffee cup under a picnic table from 30 yards, but most of us aren't that good.?
I thought I knew how to pitch until I started fish with my current partner. He is the best by far I've ever seen, and I have watched him enough to improve a great deal. He can hit spots that seem impossible. Ask him what he's doing and flipping is his answer. In 5 years I've never once seen him flip a bait, but as good as he is he can call it anything he wants.
WTnPuddleJumper reply :
I know one way you hold the rod in one hand and the bait in the other and moreorless pulling the bait out of your hand with the motion of your rod. The other way is wrist casting where like a spinner bait would semi circle the rod sling shotting it. regardless of what you call any cast, if you cast your lure and it lands where you want it and then you reel it in with a bass on the end, then you are doing your job well!!!!
Mike L reply :
Lets just agree it's 2 separate independent styles of presenting a bait to a specific spot.
One from 10ft away and the other 20..
One the reel is engaged and the angler is useing the line to present the bait, and the other the angler is useing the rod.
That's it
Mike
WRB reply :
Not recognizing flipping as a specific presentation you lose the history behind it and the knowledge of who the anglers were that coined the name, developed the technique and the tackle and won tournaments. Most of you don't know who Dee Thomas is and could care less, most of you know who Gary Klien is and may not know his roll in developing the flipping technique. Anyone who flips owes both Dee Thomas and Gary Klien recognition for pioneering flipping. So who developed pitching? I know you have heard of Denny Brauer, but it was Dave Gliebe who first perfected pitching and started winning tournaments.
Tom
Catt reply :
I agree with "it's 2 separate independent styles of presenting a bait to a specific spot".
And it is about distance but for me it's more about depth!
While Flipping & Pitching can both be done in shallow but once we get to a certain depth flipping stops & pitching continues.
scaleface reply :
I pitch way more than I flip . I still use the two terms separately . It really doesnt make any difference except often people are not on the same page during discussions . .
Choporoz reply :
I pitch a little...flip a little bit more....and roll cast most of the time. Depending on the situation (distance, cover, depth) I might refer to my roll cast as a flip...unless I call it a pitch. I'm all about precise language in most of my life. And, I see a lot of value in right words for clarity. But, in my mind, nearly all of bass fishing is more art than science and I refuse to get wrapped around the axle in such differences when it doesn't really matter to me.
jimf reply :
Pitching and flipping are two different terms to me, and the term flipping has not replaced the term pitching. However, I think the technique pitching has replaced (maybe too strong but getting there) the technique flipping. When I first started seriously bass fishing in the 80's it seemed like everyone was flipping, and now everyone is pitching. All the cool kids now are pitching.
hawgenvy reply :
I do a lot of pitching (and the occasional actual flip), but I think I am guilty of calling pitching "flipping" most of the time. No one in this post has mentioned it, but maybe guys use it more because flipping is just a great word to say. It's a fun word. Unlike "pitching." Not that pitching is a bummer -- it has its place. Like in baseball, or when spreading a pail of coal tar. But I like to say "flipping" a lot more. I like how you can drag out the f and how your lips smack together at the end when you say "flip." Flipping. Flip. Now I can't stop saying it. Ffflipp!
(Whoops -- I just spit on my screen.)
5Keepers reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 1:23 PM, everythingthatswims said:I know what flippin' is, but I have never done it to any degree of success. I personally don't see it being necessary, I tend to stay further away from the fish than most (they can feel your boat in the water!), and I can "pitch" as accurately as I'll ever need to.
I call it flippin' but technically what I am doing is 100% pitchin'
Sorry... but if you do not see the necessity of flippin' .. you haven't been to a lake/river that has high water/flooded bushes and 60* dirty water... there is nothing like whackin' a 6lb'er with 10 feet of line out..deep behind some flooded buck bushes.. and just muscle that toad out of the junk!! After a spring COLD front, flippin' is the go-to method for lock jawed monsters!! I have won several early spring open's by flippin ONLY!! The differences of when to flip or pitch is water clarity, cover you are fishing(how thick it is) and water temp(active fish or not) and a little consideration to the depth.
LionHeart reply :
Definitely two different techniques. As someone fairly new to bass fishing it erks me a little when people attempt to use the terms interchangeably. I kinda doubt the bulk of people asking about a "Good pitching/flipping rod" actually understand what they are asking for, much less ever intend to flip into cover.
As I understand it, that would be 2 different rods. Im generally not the kinda dude to correct people, but with so many people confusing action with power, flipping with pitching, etc., at some point I think the right thing to do is to politely correct them. I honestly appreciate it when someone corrects me on something I am confused about, especially if I am actively seeking advice on technique specific gear and the like. Just my thoughts.
Mike L reply :
I use the same rod for pitching and for flipping.
The only difference in equipment is that the reel is locked throughout the flipping process for every flip, whereas when pitching it isn't.
Mike
Catt reply :
@LionHeart actually I cast, flip, & pitch with one rod.
As I mentioned earlier it's each technique is about distances.
Example: as I approach cover, I'll start at casting distance, then pitching distance, & then flipping distance.
Technical I should say 2 rods cause I attack each target with a Texas Rig & a Jig-n-Craw!
fishraptor reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 10:54 AM, Ohio Archer said:You sure it's not chuckin' and windin'?
50% of the time for me on the boat it's Heavin and hoeing....
40% of the time for me it's when my girlfriends on the boat it's "humping and pumping"...
and the last 10% of the time when I'm on the boat when I have had a few too many beers it's "shuckin & duckin'
islandbass reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 4:00 AM, Quarry Man said:does it really matter?
It does if you’re trying to teach someone or when making distinction and differentiation is critical.
Example: barbecueing vs grilling
Some people think they’re barbecueing when in fact they’re grilling. I never knew that there was a difference before but I am glad I know now.
Imagine following cooking instructions where frying and poaching were used interchangeably as pitchin’ and flippin’ . I don’t know about you, but I’d take fried chicken over poached chicken any day of the week. If you can convince people that there is no difference between frying and poaching, my friend, you should work in sales because you’d make a LOT if money for yourself and to buy all the fishing related gear you want. ????
Clarity is golden.
To the OP and the topic, I concur with how your describe and distinguish the two.
CroakHunter reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 5:30 AM, Catt said:It's kinda like the term "finesse" has come to mean small lures, lines, & rod-n-reels.
Finesse: skillful handling of a situation or resourcefulness in handling situations.
I had a few young fisherman approach me that were chucking and winding chatterbaits, I was pitching a 6 inch speed worm with a 3/8 ounce weight and a 4/0 jungle hook. They asked why I was finesse fishing lol
hawgenvy reply :
Theoretically, at very close distances when tossing a bait through heavy cover, flipping is more accurate than pitching, is quicker than pitching, and the spool stays locked so you don't have to worry about a fish grabbing the bait before you turn the crank. I should flip more often, but I'm so accustomed to pitching it usually doesn't occur to me to flip. I'm going to make a point of flipping next time I'm deep in the hyacinths. If I can remember.
WRB reply :
I mentioned a name few of today's angler recognize Dave Gleibe. Dee Thomas introduced the flippin presentation using long jigger poles and Catts link gave everyone the history of flippin with Fenwick rods making a 8' flippin rod for Dee with a reel. Fenwick also sponsored another bass angler Dave Gliebe who was working with Dick Guamer at Fenwick of the development of a telescoping hangle 8' rod with a reel for Dave's new pitching presentation. Dee Thomas only fished a few B.A.S.S. events and returned to California Delta tournament bass fishing, being away from his work and wife wasn't for Dee.
Dave Gliebe went on to win several B.A.S.S. events, qualified for 3 Classics and set the record weight during Florida event in 1977. Dave and Dee competed head to head for decades on the Delta, Dave pitching, Dee flippin.
Tom
hawgenvy reply :
Thank you, Tom. We are deeply indebted to history and the innovators that preceded us, in fishing and everything else. It is amazing how new the modern sport of bass fishing is, how quickly it has evolved. It will be fun to experience it's continued advancement over the next decade.
LCG reply :
There seems to be a lot of confusion with fishing terms.
Pitching is different from Flipping, which has been well described here.
Cover and structure are two different terms which was touched on earlier.
Rod power and action are also two different terms to describe a rod.
I am sure the list goes on. For people new to fishing I think it adds to the confusion and learning curve. Bass resources is a great site and forum to learn from, full of knowledgeable people willing to help.
LionHeart reply :
On 12/14/2017 at 4:45 AM, Catt said:@LionHeart actually I cast, flip, & pitch with one rod.
As I mentioned earlier it's each technique is about distances.
Example: as I approach cover, I'll start at casting distance, then pitching distance, & then flipping distance.
Technical I should say 2 rods cause I attack each target with a Texas Rig & a
Columbia Craw reply :
So Tom, do these photos remind you of anything ? Doug
68camaro reply :
I just watched a video on Bass University called "Flippin Heavy Cover" and 99.98% was pitching, he explained the diffeernce but explained why he preferred pitching.....It was very good but I just don't know why they didn't call it "Pitching Heavy Cover"....go figure!
BassWhole! reply :
On 12/14/2017 at 12:19 PM, 68camaro said:I just watched a video on Bass University called "Flippin Heavy Cover" and 99.98% was pitching, he explained the diffeernce but explained why he preferred pitching.....It was very good but I just don't know why they didn't call it "Pitching Heavy Cover"....go figure!
You normally need to travel to DE and attend Bass Community College to see such silliness.
Columbia Craw reply :
My 1986 Lews " Pitchin' Stik" that was 6'8" long and still telescopic. Heavy action. What a fun stick stick to pitch Stanley Jigs with a pork frog and black 6 inch Gatortail worms with.
WRB reply :
Thank you for sharing Columbia Craw, both the Fenwick Flippin Stick with the Ambassador 500 tricked out with red power handles and Lew's with original BB1 Speed Spool...good memories.
You can flip or pitch with a Zebco Snoopy outfit, getting the bass in the boat requires the right stuff.
Tom
TnRiver46 reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 5:30 AM, Catt said:It's kinda like the term "finesse" has come to mean small lures, lines, & rod-n-reels.
Finesse: skillful handling of a situation or resourcefulness in handling situations.
Every jig all of a sudden is called a finesse jig
hawgenvy reply :
On 12/14/2017 at 12:19 PM, 68camaro said:I just watched a video on Bass University called "Flippin Heavy Cover" and 99.98% was pitching, he explained the diffeernce but explained why he preferred pitching.....It was very good but I just don't know why they didn't call it "Pitching Heavy Cover"....go figure!
Like I mentioned earlier, the word "flipping" has more popular appeal than "pitching." Common usage over time frequently defines words in ways often contrary to the original meaning. Pitching, the more popular toss, is becoming known as flipping, the more popular term.
bueshy reply :
On 3/19/2017 at 4:06 AM, RoLo said:
When we allow words to lose their definition,
we also lose our ability to communicate.
Roger
Great words.
California Transplant reply :
As someone that grew up on the California Delta and fished with some of the best at flipping ( Fee Thomas, Dave Gleibe, and Dean Hendricks ) you are correct. They are completely different presentations and techniques.
boostr reply :
I like Punchn' It's like Pitchn' but straight up...
J Francho reply :
Not on my watch.
Ratherbfishing reply :
"Flipping" is a euphemism used in polite company. "Pitching" is what you do with a tent or in horseshoes.
J Francho reply :
No pitching a tent either.
pondbassin101 reply :
Flipping is also often used as a last second censor, at least in my case. 
BrackishBassin reply :
This topic coming up caused me to pay pretty close attention to the most recent MLF event (just got the chance to watch it today). Not one of the guys actually flipped (that I saw), but every single one of them that was pitching referred to it as “flipping”. Every one.
While maintaining the meaning of words is important to a language’s ability to clearly communicate thoughts/ideas, people need to remember that the only languages that aren’t in a constant state of change are dead. The meaning and usage of words are constantly changing as the culture using the language changes. It’s quite possible that the culture of bass fishing is seeing one of those shifts right now when it comes to pitching/flipping.
Whether or not it’s good or bad is really a matter of personal opinion. If the professionals are making the switch, I’d argue that the change in meaning has already been made. You can adapt to it, or you can fight it. In the end, it’s not really going to matter one way or another.
MassYak85 reply :
They are two entirely different techniques, to put pitching under the umbrella of "flipping" would require a new word to be made up to then distinguish actual flipping.
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