Pitching and Skipping with a Baitcasting Reel

[@dori3590]

HANDS DOWN!!! Most helpful, directional and informative video on KZbin regarding flips, pitchs and skipping. Very well made and directed. Yu didnt waste anytime as well as being a very good teacher! I dont hear anyone diving into the aspects that yu acknowledged in the video. Awesome job!

[@Bassinusa]

Jimmy, I'm really glad to hear that you found my video helpful. It's great to hear that after 48 years you are still exploring new techniques. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, it makes all the hard work that goes into making these videos worth it!

[@dr7814]

What a wonderful informative video. Kudo's to you my friend. I believe you are the first fisherman I've heard not only explain how to pitch and skip a bait, but also how to set your bait caster's centrifugal brakes and spool tension to best apply the techniques. Great Job!!

[@MadSmokerBBQ]

So much info in the technuques in here, I have watched this like a dozen times getting all the knowledge to stick. THANK YOU!!!

[@pentalax]

This has got to be the most useful video I have ever seen on KZbin. Thank you so much!

[@michaelgrant4923]

Of every casting technique tutorial I have seen, this one is by far the best! I have been working on pitching off my deck and haven't had any success. Basically it goes 2 feet hahaha! After this video and properly setting my reel, I am killing this cast. Thanks BASSIN' USA!

[@Bassinusa]

That's great Michael, I'm glad you found it helpful! and thanks for leaving a comment too...

[@longshot5738]

Mr. Cucinello, thank you for this great video. I have watched probably seven or eight others already this evening trying to find out how to set up my baitcaster for pitching and flipping. Nobody else explained it like you did, great job my friend! Also the addition of skipping was awesome. I'll be trying these techniques out tomorrow evening. Thank you again sir, you have unleashed the beast in me!

[@Bassinusa]

David Ezell You know David... great comments like this are the reason I made these videos in the first place. I always enjoy helping people that want to learn something new. On your first trip out, don't get frustrated, it takes a while to get the hang of it. In the beginning less is more, so try shorter flips, pitches and skips... as you get more comfortable you can add distance. Have a great day on the water.

[@longshot5738]

Thank you Sir, I will heed your advice.

[@Bassinusa]

This is a really good question. As you obviously are aware, not every reel uses the same type of breaking system. Some have only one, most these days have a combination. Regardless of which system you have, you need to create resistance to prevent backlash and different techniques and lure weights require more or less resistance. Check out 3:20 into the video... that's the key for any breaking system (including magnetic). You want the lure to just begin to fall.

[@izanafiza]

best ptching and flipping tutorial i ever seen.... other video i seen seems like bragging.. but yours really a teaching... the most important part is how to setup the brake ... and it is a wonderful information

[@AISHAIKHU]

One of the most "easy to understand" video on bait caster reel functions, especially for a guy like me who is just starting to get in to baitcaster. Thank you sir! I wish you could've also explained the drag set for flip and pitch in heavy cover if you are using 7 and up ratio reel with heavy rods in order to pull those big hog of a bass out of those thick vegetation. Thank you again...from Canada.

[@Bassinusa]

Hi Aishaikhu... the concept is really simple for flipping and pitching. With a flip the magnetic/mechanical brake system can be set with more resistance since you are really not making a traditional cast. With a pitch, you follow the same process as I explained, but your thumb really makes all the difference. I like to set the resistance a bit less than I do with a skip-pitch. You want the line to come off the reel freely and let your thumb determine when it should stop. Hope that helps... Thanks for the comment!

[@DavDaDdue]

This was an awesome tutorial. I wanted to try more pitching this year but was afraid of a wicked backlash. Will experiment the nest time I'm on the water. THANKS!!

[@jshootr]

Great video. Been struggling with this for years and never had more than 2 brakes set on my Curados. Can't wait to give it a try.

[@depo8thave]

Finally someone explains how t set the reel, thank you very much

[@Bassinusa]

On your magnetic controls, you most likely have numbers 1-10 (1 being least, 10 being most amount of magnetic force applied). Others use a line that start "thin" and gets "thicker" as it goes around completing a circle on the side of the reel. Start with the break set on "10" or the "Thickest Line" and slowly back off until the lure just begins to fall. Then make a cast. You can fine tune from there add or removing magnetic resistence until you get the desired results. Hope this helps!

[@youspic]

this guy reminds me of a drill sergeant, but i learned A LOT! thanks

[@RMO6701]

WOW.... thanks for the speedy response and the info. Im gonna go out today and try out the tips.

[@Bassinusa]

Usually I like the jig to skip for the first time at least half way between me and my target. If you are having trouble getting the jig to skip, try using more of a side arm approach. Also, when you first start out, us a lighter jig 1/8 - 1/4 ounce with a big plastic trailer, that will help keep the jig on top longer.

[@Bassinusa]

I'm glad you found it helpful and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment...

[@KinGIIRomE]

You've thought me more in the video then what I've learned about fishing my whole life. Cannyou make a video about jigs, lures, crank baits or just baits in general? Believe it or not most of us don't know what bait to use for most occasion. THANKS!

[@TheCheaterFilms]

I always find my jig hits the water the first time and just sinks right there. So where about do you want your jigs to hit the water?(how far away from you). Great video i learned alot, you're very knowledgable.

[@Bassinusa]

Cool... Glad you found it helpful... Thanks for the comment.

[@Winkiedoodles]

Well done. Great information and nicely articulated.

[@UncleDansVintageVinyl]

Excellent video, with very clear explanations. Thanks!

[@Bassinusa]

Glad you liked the video. To answer your question, yes you can skip, pitch and flip with a spinning rod. In fact it is easier than with a baitcaster... You may find it easier to skip side-arm with a spinning rod/reel. You can use your pointer fingure to control the speed of the line coming of the spinning reel. (Point you finger straight out when you want to slow the lure down) It will also help with softer entry into the water. Thanks for the comment!

[@RMO6701]

Hey first off thanks for the video. I love it. My question is.... can i do the same thing with a spinning reel. I own a different reel than the one you have, also i haven't cast a reel in quite a while.

[@turkeytx]

great video, I was wondering about reel settings for skipping versus other casts, thanks!

[@Bassinusa]

@entwistle14 Hi Jack, Yes, it's a St. Croix Avid Series 7' Heavy Power, Fast Action Model #: AVC70HF Glad you found the video helpful and thanks for leaving a comment.

[@Bassinusa]

Glad you liked the video Tom... thanks for leaving a comment too...

[@WarEagleTheBest]

Great video! Explains a lot! What kind of setup do you have? The reel I understand - the Shimano Calais. What kind of brakes are easier to skip with? (VBS(Shimano) or magnetic (Daiwa)) Also, with which line it is easier to skip? Fluorocarbon or braid?

[@bassstriker4446]

Hey Brendan, I also wanted to say thanks for the video & information on flipping & pitching. I have the basics down on what to do but my problem lies with my reel when using lighter baits1/2oz & under. The reel either holds my lure back or if I back the brake off more it causes a birdsnet even with my thumb guarding against that happening. I'm going to take your adive & put put 5 of my centerfuge brakes on, currently only use 3. I also wanted to find out what type/lb of line your using? Thanks

[@Bassinusa]

There's a difference of opinion with a baitcasting reel. One is: Lefties, should hold the rod in their left hand and reel with their right while righties should hold the rod in their right hand and reel with their left. (Just like you do with a spinning reel) Many people were taught the oposite way. There's nothing weird about either way... it comes down to preference. It's all about what works for you personally. Jimmy Hendrix played guitar upside down and left handed...worked for him

[@Bassinusa]

@WarEagleTheBest They both work well for skipping, if you take the time to get them adjusted correctly. (Personally, I like the shimano VBS). As far as line is concerned it doesn't really make a difference, it's all in the settings. Although, if you backlash with braid, you're going to have your hands full. I like mono 17 or 20 lb test Berkley Big Game or Trilene XT holds up really well around heavy cover. I will use Fluoro sometimes on clear lakes when I'm skipping docks. Hope that helps!

[@Bassinusa]

No problem... Thanks for leaving a comment!

[@charleydrumm]

at 64 yrs old, I'm not a beginner. I've never felt the need to flip, pitch, or skip. I guess I use the method where I hold line out with my left hand and swinging it in. Buying a couple of new reels at BASS PRO. I've never seen someone skip a lure. He took the rod and zooom, down the aisle the lure went. He did it 10 times in 5 seconds . "Gimme that thing" and proceed to screw up. I can see many hours of fishing to get that learned. '. '

[@Bassinusa]

Thanks... and in response to your other comment... we are just moving the website to a new server, so there are some issues temporarily. Sorry for that... should be back up in a few hours. Thanks for the heads up!

[@Bassinusa]

I learned how to skip in a 12' sears gamefisher! Sitting down, lol what a pain in the but it was!!! :)

[@smilesmcgee33]

My reel has both, so I guess I should have been more specific. Once my mechanical brake is set, what exactly do I look for in setting the magnetic break?

[@Bassinusa]

HI Bass Striker, Not sure if you noticed, but in this video I was using a 3/16 oz jig, but the trailer was a 4" beaver style bait. It's bulky and buoyant so it skips well and it doesn't sink very fast, so you get the benefit of using a lighter jig for that slow fall you want. It also makes it easier for you to set the reel. If the trailer you are using is too light, you will find skipping more difficult because the lure won't carry the line off the reel well. (Line = 20lb Berkley Big Game)

[@smilesmcgee33]

Everyone and their mother has videos or explanations on how to set the mechanical breaking system on the reels, but how do you determine the setting on the magnetic breaking?

[@Bassinusa]

I had a feeling, but my reply was so long already! lol The Magnetic Brake is used for "fine setting", so you should start with the mechanical brake (or other) first. Think of it as a "coarse" setting. After you get it close, you use the magnetic system to fine tune. You will notice the difference when the spool is spinning at high speeds and begins to slow (like near the end of your cast). Make sense?

[@Bassinusa]

In this video I was using a 7' Medium/Heavy Power, "Fast Action" rod. Some guys I know like a rod that has a bit more flex in the tip for skipping, but I personally found that I would rather have the faster tip for better hook setting in heavy cover. It's a personal preference, in the end what is comfortable for one person may not be for another. Thanks for leaving a comment!

[@kennethratliff1123]

Thank you David I really enjoyed the video and learned a few things also , I did want to ask you what rod you would suggest for beginning pitching ? I use Lewes tournament lite and revo sx reels mostly . forgive me if I have missed the already answered question in the comments.

[@Bassinusa]

+Ray Ratliff Hi Ray... For this technique the most common are either a 7' or 7' 6" Heavy Power Fast Action Rod. I personally prefer a 7' rod, but I'm not a tall guy. For starting out, if you choose a rod that has a little bit of flex in the tip section (like the first 12" of the rod), it will be easier for you to skip. You want a heavy power rod mostly because these techniques are used in and around heavy cover and you're targeting big bass, so you want that extra back bone to get that fish moving in the direction you want it to go. Hope this helps answer your question. Thanks for watching my video! Brendan

[@dirtjunkie21]

Thank you for the great video. I do have one question tho. All I have ever heard was to set the pins in pairs, to keep it even numbers for balance, you said you have 5 of 6 out. Is it really that major to keep them even or is it an overkill to worry about?

[@Bassinusa]

Hi Glenn, I try to always keep them even for the purpose of balance, but sometimes I find I get that perfect setting with an odd number... 4 is too little and 6 is too much, so 5 is the number and the number is 5 :) I've been doing it for so many years now and all my reels still work fine perfectly. Hope that answers your question... good fishing my friend!

[@greatputter1]

Great Video! Thank you for posting such good information.

[@Bassinusa]

Regardless of that fact, there are several types of braking systems and I try to be general in my videos because everyone owns different reels. The basic principal of creating resistance by whatever means is available to you (based on your fishing reel) is the same. You need to create resistance to prevent backlash and different techniques and lure weights require more or less resistance. That aside, I hope you all enjoy the video. Thanks for watching!

[@drunkass77]

I've had good luck with shimano citica reels. I think they are around $100. For rods I usually use cheap Shakespeare graphite rods from Walmart. They are sensitive enough for bass fishing. Shimano makes another baitcaster that is a little cheaper that is probably good too.

[@Bassinusa]

Yes, it's a Calais. They are really nice reels, but they cost a fortune. I kept replacing my Curados every 2-3 years, so I wanted to see if I bought a Calais if it would last longer. They do... I've had that reel for over 7 years, works just like the day I bought it.

[@Bassinusa]

@dr7814 Glad you enjoyed the video... thanks for posting a comment.

[@Bassinusa]

LMAO!!! A drill sergeant! That's awesome... never been called a drill sergeant before... as long as the video helped you, it's all good...

[@88stretched]

@BASSINUSA1 hey guys! just recently got into the bait casters and love them! really found ur vid quite informative about the braking system, still have to figure it all out! just wondering what u meant by switching hands? cos i use a right handed one and cast with left hand tho....is this not normal?! am i weird? haha keep the vids coming!

[@JKDDarthSniper]

Very nice video. Added to favorites. TY

[@manmachine83]

what action rodare you using/recommend for skipping? thanks

[@Spoons7414]

I've perfecting my pitching and flipping but I'm having trouble with presentation. I've been using jigs and senkos. Do you have any tips on presentation?

[@Bassinusa]

Do you mean lure selection? Perhaps you can elaborate a little more, not completely sure what you're asking. Thanks.

[@Spoons7414]

+BASSIN' USA I guess what I'm looking for is my retrieve? I know how to find fish. I can even put my bait right in the hole but for some reason I'm not getting bites.

[@Bassinusa]

There's a lot of factors that go into getting a bass to strike. When flipping/pitching it's mainly. 1) Drop speed - How heavy is the lure you are using? 2) Color - You have experiment with different colors sometimes to get strikes. 3) Size - What is the overall size of the lure you are presenting? You may need to try a smaller compact lure, if you're not getting bit on a larger size (like I used in the video) I like to start out with a lighter jig say 3/16 or 5/16 ounce. You just want to finesse it through the branches and cover. So flip it in there and let it fall to the bottom, but keep the line semi-slack... you want to feel a strike on the fall (which happens a lot when flippin' and pitchin'). Once you've let it sit for a few seconds, start with a slow lift of the rod tip and then a subtle shake, then pause and let it fall again. When bass are in heavy cover, it takes some time for them to get over to the lure sometimes. If you happen to put it right in front of them, they usually hit it right away or within the first 10 seconds. There are times when you have to leave it sit for a long time (especially with big bass). If you can let me know where you are fishing, I might be able to help you with the questions above...

[@entwistle14]

thank you, this was very helpful, also is that a St. Croix rod? - Jack

[@AquAries46]

the best tutorial so far

[@Bassinusa]

Thanks Claudius

[@Bassinusa]

@jmac1313131 Hi jmac, honestly if you have a decent reel and you set the tension controls (centrifugal brake and/or magnetic spool control - not all reels are the same) properly, you can hold the reel either way. What type of baitcasting reel do you have?

[@Bassinusa]

Thanks for the comments...

[@TheCheaterFilms]

@Deaboss I use a shimano caenan baitcasting reel, with a shimano convergence rod. The reel is about $99.99 and the rod shouldnt be too much.

[@raymorhy531]

Thank you for the lesson Sir..really help alot

[@Bassinusa]

Glad you found the video helpful Ray... be sure to check out our website www.bassinusa.com

[@Bassinusa]

Glad you found it informative gp...

[@Bassinusa]

@Timothyk11 Never got the switching hands deal either... like you said, "No switching hands" it's "very efficient"...

[@Bassinusa]

It is actually a track from a royalty free library that I purchased... don't recall the name of the track... there's around 70 Volumes of songs from various genres... although I wouldn't recommend using them... I've been having some issues with permission to use some of the tracks, so I started just writing my own tunes for our videos.

[@Bassinusa]

Thanks Dori! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. Glad you found the video helpful... Hit us up on Facebook to /bassinusa and check out or other videos.

[@stefano54ify]

How would you set up a Daiwa Zillion for pitch skipping

[@Bassinusa]

Hi John, the new Daiwa Zillion has a different brake system than the Shimano, One side has a course magnetic control and the other side if a fine control. That being said, you still want to set the release the same as I show in this video at 3:20 in. Once you make that general adjustment, you just need to tighten it a bit more for pitch-skipping. Hope that helps. Thanks for the question.

[@drunkass77]

That's a Calais? Those are nice looking reels.

[@Bassinusa]

Thanks for leaving a comment... Once you get the motion down, you'll be good to go! Hit us up on Facebook and post a picture of the next bass you catch!

[@j56007]

i love that skippin i need to learn that one

[@pball1331]

Awesome video. Thanks for the info

[@BigRob829]

I still use my thumb and I've been baitcasting for close to 30 years. Nice Shimano though.

[@Bassinusa]

Just wanted to point out that @ 2:42m into the video I make reference to a "Centripetal Brake", Shimano actually calls their braking system a "Centrifugal Brake"... I got a couple of comments, so I figured I would at least post a note to acknowledge the mistake in my video… There are both types of braking systems, Shimano happens to call theirs Centrifugal… I hope no one was hurt by my careless mistake! lol

[@MouaKongXiong]

what kind of rod is that?

[@gt754]

so use a left handed reel for pitch, flip and skip?

[@Bassinusa]

Hi G T ... I use left hand retrieve on all my reels (baitcasting and spinning)... never understood why anyone would want to switch hands after casting. Just a preference of mine... in the end its what ever works, right?

[@gt754]

BASSIN' USA oh ok awesome just wasn't sure but ur rt and thank u so much

[@gt754]

BASSIN' USA love how u cast and will tell my friends about that and send them ur link lol

[@Bassinusa]

Thanks... I appreciate it!

[@The_Dans]

What line do you prefer for this technique?

[@Bassinusa]

+Daniel Smith I use Berkley big game, 20 lb test... XT and XL from Berkley work well too, but the cost difference is significant with big game and the benefits are the same when flippin/pitching. I have been using a lot more fluorocarbon lately for most applications but big game is still my preferred choice for this technique. Check out this article on our website, it might offer some more insight on different line types: www.bassinusa.com/bass-fishing-articles/fishing-tackle/304-fishing-line-basics.html

[@The_Dans]

+BASSIN' USA awesome thanks, I just got a Calais this week and I can't wait to take it out, I might swap to abec 7 bearings before I do though.

[@The_Dans]

+Daniel Smith is it harder to skip with flouro over mono?

[@Bassinusa]

+Daniel Smith I would say that it is harder with one or the other, but if you're just learning, you're going to backlash. Fluoro tends to becomes greatly vulnerable to breaking once it gets a kink in it (like from a backlash). I would recommend you start with mono as it's a bit more forgiving and if you get a birds nest that can't be undone, it's cheaper to re-spool with mono than fluoro. Just something to think about. Sorry for the delayed response.

[@smilesmcgee33]

Yes. Thank you.

[@aproofy5038]

What kind of rod is he using in this video?

[@Bassinusa]

St. Croix Avid Series, 7' Heavy Power, Fast ACtion

[@EquilibriumStandard]

Shimano on a St. Croix. Nothing beats it

[@Bassinusa]

@Daniel Gunter thanks

[@Bassinusa]

By all means... you "do not need a Calais" to flip, pitch or skip... Just happens to be the reel I was using that day... The concepts are the same regardless of the brand rod and reel you are using. Some work better than others, but all should work!

[@effin95]

you use 5 brakes out of 6??

[@martinvanheusden]

He is the best!!!!

[@Bassinusa]

Thanks for the comment Martin... glad you liked the video.

[@Bassinusa]

Thanks Michael...

[@Bassinusa]

I hear ya BTwizy... I'm guessing you can't stand in your 12 foot boat... is it a v-hull?

[@Bassinusa]

@JKDDarthSniper Thanks JKD...

[@TheCheaterFilms]

Thanks so much!

[@SEXYBASSFISHING101]

Very good vid

[@PanicDisorder666]

intro song please..

[@Bassinusa]

For that skipping with that jig, yes 5 out of 6... 4 was too little and 6 was too much... so 5 is the number and the number is 5. lol That was a 3/16 ounce jig with a bulky trailer.

[@Bassinusa]

Thanks for the comment and stop by and like our facebook page facebook . c o m /bassinusa if you get the chance.

[@Bassinusa]

Thanks KinGIIRome... check out some of our other videos on jigs, crainkbaits, spinnerbaits, etc. from our channel or on the videos page of our website at bassinusa . c o m

[@ATFISHING]

2 Tumbs up....every well done

[@Bassinusa]

St. Croix Avid Series 7' Heavy Power, Fast Action

[@Bassinusa]

Before you spend $100 or less for a baitcasting combo, visit our website "bassinusa . com" and check out the article on our homepage titled "The Right Bass Fishing Rod & Reel" by Kevin Springer

[@Bassinusa]

Thanks very much... we have done several videos. Check out our channel and subscribe for updates...