Northwest Fishing Reports

I am looking for some input on a strong flipping and pitching setup. I may get a 7'6" med-hvy or hvy rod...just a decent rod. As far as reel, what are some qualities that are essential or desired, like bearings, speed, and line per crank?

You have a ton of choices as far as rods go. A lot of guys up here like the 7' rods for pitchin, but I like the 7'6" myself. There is a lot more pitchin water than flippin water around here. I like Rogues, but the rod is all a preference thing. I have heard that the Shimano Crucial makes a decent rod that won't break the bank. I would recommend a reel such as the Quantum Energy with the Burner gear. The higher speed helps you pick that line up quick. Depending on what you are going to be pitchin as far as baits go, you can use a 7' MH rod. I like to use these for smaller creature baits and lighter jigs. They have plenty of power to horse a bass out of cover. Another bonus is that the 7' MH rod can double as a carolina rig, spinnerbait or small swimbait rod.

Like WCCT says 7'MH is a versatile rod, you can use it for number of applications. I'll only get my heavy flipping stick when I'm in the thick cover using heavy baits.

I don't quite have the money for the Energy...I have maybe 130 for both the rod and reel...

I use a 7' Extra Heavy Carrot Stick with a Shimano Citica 100DSV right now, though it admittedly doesn't get a whole lot of use around here. I would like to move up to a longer stick for next season, though. Spool it up with some 50 or 65lb braid and you're ready to go. To keep it under $130 I'd suggest maybe a Shimano Clarus (or maybe a Compre if you can find an old model on clearance at Sportsman's Warehouse) and a Citica. I've found great deals on similar stuff on eBay as well.

I just made the trip up to Cabela's today...

Bought a 7' MH Shimano Clarus, a Quantum Accurist, and a BBZ-1 Slow Sink swimbait (this one's for all you swimbaiters!) which was on sale for half-off!