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Gary Has Flipped Over Pitchin’ Light
By Jerry Puckett

May/June 1993

To flip or not to flip – is that the question? Or, what about pitching with flipping tackle? Do we need the super stiff rods and well rope line? Is a quick hook-set the answer to missed fish? Gary doesn’t think so. In fact, he has developed a system of light line pitching that is paying off for him in more fish landed per bite.

Standard flipping tackle (while well suited for some of the extremely heavy cover) is unnecessarily heavy for most applications. The combination of a very stiff graphite rod and low stretch heavy line gives a very quick (maybe too quick) reaction time for hook setting. For purposes of the hook-set we have to consider two reaction times: the angler’s reaction time and the tackle’s reaction time. In basic terms, from the time the angler senses the bite to how long until the rod is moved. From the time the rod is moved to how long until the bait is moved. Both times are factors in the total reaction time.

What we have experienced is that combining the quick reflexes of the tournament grade angler with the low stretch high bite transmission qualities of 25 to 40-pound line that is strung on a pool cue-like flipping stick, results in a total reaction time that is too quick in many cases. Fish are being missed because they never had the bait fully in their mouths.

Again, the issue here is total reaction time. The occasional angler might be well served by coupling his slower reaction time with quicker reacting tackle. In Gary’s case, he has found that slower tackle produces more fish and he has assembled a totally integrated tackle combination as follows:

Rod – Seven-foot #3 Yamamoto Grub Rod. The quick tip allows pitching lighter weights but has sufficient backbone for moving quality fish.

Reel – Any of the premium grade multi ball-bearing reels afford good pitching distance and retrieve rates of between 3:1 and 5:1 afford adequate power.

Line – Premium quality 15 to 17-pound test.

Bait – The new 17-series big grub (double-tail) or 19-series (single-tail).

Weight – 1/8 to 3/8-ounce screw-lock Pigtail Sinkers. This is one of the bullet sinkers with an inserted tube for line protection and spiral wire for attachment to the bait.

Hook – Owner straight shank worm hook in 3/0 and 4/0 standard or the 2/0 and 3/0 XX-strong wide gap model.

Scent – Gary Yamamoto Fish Attractant – applied every 20 to 30 presentations.

Rigging – When Texas-rigging the hook, go 1/4" to 3/8" deeper into the worm than normal before exiting the side. Then Texas rig or rig Texposed depending on the cover. The additional depth places the hook eye (inside the worm) and sinker about 1/4" to 3/8" apart. This space is vital for reliable hook-set.

This tackle combination allows Gary to make very subtle presentations whether pitching or flipping. The lighter line affords a little more stretch which slows down the bite perception and hook-set as does the #3 action rod with the lighter tip section. The 17 and 19-series grubs are natural flipping choices as are the Owner hooks which balance the bait perfectly in the stated sizes.

The Pigtail Sinker is chosen because it allows the bait to be presented as a unit without the hinging associated with pegged sinkers. In order to penetrate cover and correctly swim the large tail the bait must fall vertically as a unit.

The scent is a vital part of this combination. The combination of salt and scent afford you the confidence that the "slow down" method will not cost you fish. The fish will not drop the scented bait. You can bet on it. Occasionally we have led the fish out of heavy cover before setting the hook. If you inadvertently pull it out of their mouth, drop the rod tip and give it back to them. They will pick it up over and over. Trust the bait.

Possibly the most important part of the Pitchin’ Light system is the rigging method for the hook. The space between hook eye and sinker affords a critical hook setting plus: hook movement without sinker movement. Fact number one, a hook that won’t move won’t set. Fact number two, if a quality fish clamps down on your sinker and your hook is against the sinker, your hook will not move until the fish opens its mouth. Fact number three, when the fish opens its mouth your bait will then move rapidly toward your upper body and head unless it has previously begun to set. To us this hook/weight spacing is dirt simple and basic, but we don’t see anyone utilizing this trick.

Next time the flip or pitch bite is in place try giving Gary’s system a shot. The two keys are the use of balanced components that compliment rather than fight one another, and the bait/scent combination that ensures the fish will stay hitched. Remind yourself that there is no hurry, you can be too early but you can’t be too late.

Give it a try. You may find, as we have, that you can produce more fish by Pitchin’ Light.

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