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. Check them out at Cast
Away Rods.
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 Gambler Hibdon Ninja jig
coupled with either a Guido’s Original craw trailer or a Flex Chunk trailer.
Depending on the
conditions I will throw anything between ¼ ounce and ½ ounce Ninja Jig. However,
regardless of the size or trailer option, I always reach for my B.A.N.G.
Pure Craw spray for the final touch. Not only does it help mask human scent,
it
also gives the bass another clue that they have found a nice snack. Look
for Gambler
and B.A.N.G products at your local tackle stores or check out Gambler
Bang.
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!
Jeff
Morton
Any
fishing or vehicle questions? Drop me a line… jeffmorton@gofishmidwest.com.
Go
FISH Midwest, YOUR source for Midwest fishing information… and more!
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