Bass fishing is probably the one of the most popular forms of fishing in America.
It has grown in popularity over the years, and bass fishing has evolved to create a wide variety of techniques – one of which is flipping.
First let’s take a quick look at the three best flipping rods from the lineup…
To flip successfully, you will need a specific flipping rod and that’s how I can help. I may not be Scott Martin, but I have dedicated many years to fishing and I have decided to share my thoughts with you!
The Best from The Review
Top Pick
Dobyns Rods Fury Series Casting Rod
You will be able to get your bait where it needs to be, have enough backbone to set the hook. Relatively affordable price for the quality
Dobyns Rods Fury Series Casting Rod
The all-round best flipping rod is the Dobyns Fury – you get top quality at a reasonable price.
The rod is durable, long-lasting, lightweight, and versatile for both flipping and non-flipping thanks to the length, power, and action.
Best Value
KastKing Speed Demon
It’s extra sensitivity and low weight make it an awesome choice, plus the quality for the low price is hard to pass up.
KastKing Speed Demon
If you are on a budget the best rod is the KastKing Speed Demon as it is versatile, durable, and reliable.
For an incredible price you get a rod that hits the nail on the head when it comes to the specifications and it can be used for other techniques too.
Editor’s Choice
G. Loomis IMX-PRO Casting Rod
A great rod to cast with, use with braid or mono, and every component from the guides and reel seat to the high quality cork handle are top draw.
G. Loomis IMX-PRO Casting Rod
I think you can guess what my choice will be. I think the best flipping rod is the G. Loomis IMX Pro.
It is a combination of low weight with high power, with features that make it a rod that will perform better for longer compared to others.
It has all the specifications needed, whilst able to be used across salt and freshwater.
Our Best Flipping Rods
Read on for a full review of my favorite flipping fishing rods, for an in-depth look at what could be your next piece of equipment…
Dobyns Rods Champion Series
For both salt and freshwater. It has the ideal power rating with a fast action so you can hook up and keep bass away from cover.
Dobyns Rods Champion Series
The Dobyns Champion Series Rods are top quality and come with quite a high price tag, but it is worth it.
Build
This one piece rod is made from top draw graphite blanks that deliver strength, power and sensitivity.
They are also light enough to give your arm a break on the long fishing days.
Guide and Reel Seat
Rods come built with kevlar wrapped tangle free guides that last, and a reel seat that makes sure your reel is not going anywhere mid cast.
Power and Action
The flipping setup chosen has the ideal power rating with a fast action so you can hook up and keep bass away from cover.
The power rating describes how much pressure it takes to bend or flex the rod. If you want to know how to choose the right fishing rod power for your fishing applications, click here.
Length
It is also the ideal or common length for flipping baits effectively into the target zone.
This fishing rod can be used for a variety of fishing in both salt and freshwater, so do not let the price tag put you off as it is more than worth the investment.
The Dobyns Rods Champion Series is also the best frog tackle if you’re bass fishing using frogs as bait.
Specs
- Model: DC765FLIP
- Power Rating: Med-Heavy
- Length: 7’6”
- Line Weight: 12-25 lbs
- Lure Weight: ¼-2 oz.
- Action: Fast
Pros
- Specs above stack up for the best flipping rod set up
- Comes with tangle-free guides and a high-quality Fuji reel seat
- Made from high quality graphite material with a kevlar wrap for strength and durability
- Length does not spook bass in the shallow water
- Solid backbone for handling bass
- Fast action rod tip ensures you can set the hook well
Cons
- Expensive
Best Value
KastKing Speed Demon
Incredibly good value. If you are looking for a versatile budget option then the Speed Demon is a good flipping rod option.
KastKing Speed Demon
Kastking have made themselves a reputation for producing quality rods at affordable prices, – just look at any Kastking perigee and any of their perigee ii models – and they have done the same with the Speed Demon.
These rods are incredibly good value, and if you are looking for a versatile budget option then the Speed Demon is one of the rods to choose.
Build
Made using a high modulus graphite blank, they are; tough, strong, powerful, sensitive and can handle either fresh or saltwater.
They come with quality guides and a solid reel seat that can handle pretty much anything you want to throw at them.
Power and Action
The model chosen for flipping below comes with a heavy rod power and a fast action for making sure you hook up and keep control in the fight.
Length
The length is a bit longer than the others in review at 8 feet, making flipping a little easier but it does make the rod quite heavy – You may get quite tired using this longer rod all day long.
The one major negative to this longer rod is where the hook holder is.
For some reason it is exactly where you hold the rod and it digs in while you are fishing, making it uncomfortable to use.
If you do want this rod, I would recommend cutting the hook holder off entirely.
Specs
- Model: KRDCSTSDP-75FL1
- Power Rating: Heavy
- Length: 8
- Line Weight: 15-30 lbs
- Lure Weight: ⅜ – 2 oz
- Action: Fast
Pros
- Made from high-quality modulus graphite construction rod blank
- Great price for the quality
- Comes with high-quality Fuji guides and Fuji reel seat
- Features great strength, length, and backbone for catching bass
- Casts well and feels nice in the hand
- Awesome length for effective flipping
Cons
- The hook holder digs into your hand
- Heavy – may get tired of using it
SHIMANO Curado Casting Rod
The model below is an ideal rig with all the right rod specs for being able to flip effectively.
SHIMANO Curado Casting Rod
Shimano has been around for many years and are known to be one of the best rods and reels makers.
Their products are not cheap though, but the high prices are deserving of the design and quality that ends up in your hands.
Build
The Curado is made from a unique carbon rod blank with the addition of Nanoresin to give it extra sensitivity and to help it transfer power through the rod more efficiently. The power transfer is not so useful for flipping, but it will increase your casting distance with other techniques. You can also read our guide on how to cast farther to give you tips and tricks for increasing casting distance.
The rod comes with top of the line guides, fuji reel seats and a super comfy grip ergonomics cork handle that isn’t going anywhere no matter how much fish slime you have on your hands.
Model
The model below is an ideal flipping rig with all the right specs for being able to flip effectively.
It is known to be quite heavy and stiff compared to KastKing Perigee and other Perigee II rods, so beginners may find it hard to fish other techniques outside of flipping with it.
The weight may also end up causing your arm to get tired on a long day.
Specs
- Model: Fluoro flip
- Power Rating: Heavy
- Length: 7’6”
- Line Weight: 15-30 lbs
- Lure Weight: 1/2oz.-1 1/2oz
- Action: Fast
Pros
- Comes with light high-quality Fuji reel seats and guides
- Unique carbon rod blank with Nano-resin, awesome to cast with and is really sensitive
- The power and action are ideal for bass fishing
- Enough backbone and strength to hook up any bass away from heavy cover
- The ergonomic high quality cork handle is a pleasure to fish with
Cons
- A little expensive but It is worth it for the quality of the ro
- Might be a little heavy and stiff
Lew’s Fishing American Hero Speed Stick Rod
It’s extra sensitivity and low weight make it an awesome choice, plus the quality for the low price is hard to pass up.
Lew’s Fishing American Hero Speed Stick Rod
The Lews Fishing Speed Stick is a part of the rods for veterans.
If you buy the Lews Fishing Speed Stick, some of the profits go to helping veterans who have served and protected the US – an awesome cause.
Lews as a manufacturer are well known and reliable.
They create great fishing rods, and this flippin stick is no different.
Build
It is made using an IM & graphite rod blank that delivers: strength, power, durability and sensitivity while being lightweight.
You also get some of the best stainless guides with this rod that are not going to bend or have the inserts pop out.
Sensitivity and Weight
The model below is great for flipping with all the right rod specs to get your flip on successfully.
It’s extra sensitivity and low weight make it an awesome choice, plus the quality for the low price is hard to pass up.
The rod doesn’t quite feel as balanced as it should be, and you may need to add some weight to the butt end to get the feeling you want from it.
It is also a little stiff for some and a beginner may struggle to cast with it effectively.
It’s line weight range is from twenty to forty pounds.
Specs
- Model: AH76HC
- Power Rating: Heavy
- Length: 7’6”
- Line Weight: 20-40 lbs
- Lure Weight: ½ – 2oz.
- Action: Fast
Pros
- Made from premium IM7 one-piece graphite blanks
- Comes with high-quality stainless-steel guides and inserts
- A portion of the profits goes to veterans
- Awesome price for the quality of the rod
- Ideal set-up for a bass fishing flippin stick – great power, action, length, and backbone
- Nice sensitive tip for feeling every bite
- Lightweight rod for long fatigue-less fishing days
Cons
- The rod is not as well balanced as it could be
- It is pretty stiff, ideal for flipping and pitching but not so good for all techniques
Top Pick
Dobyns Rods Fury Series Casting Rod
You will be able to get your bait where it needs to be, have enough backbone to set the hook. Relatively affordable price for the quality
Dobyns Rods Fury Series Casting Rod
Another rod from Dobyns, the Fury series is a little bit more wallet friendly than the Champion but still retains the high-quality Dobyns is known for.
The Fury series rods are a versatile set of rods that can be used for multiple techniques.
Build
The rod blank is made from a high modulus graphite, each rod has great durability, sensitivity, power, and action while being lightweight.
You will be able to fish with this rod all day long without the risk of fatigue compared to a perigee ii.
Reel Seat and Handle
The reel seat on the rod is excellent and the guides are kevlar wrapped to ensure neither they nor the inserts go anywhere.
The cork handles are made with premium AA rated Portuguese cork and are comfy enough to handle all day.
The model below is ideal for an effective flip.
You will be able to get your bait where it needs to be, have enough backbone to set the hook, and guide your fish away from any snags during the fight.
Price
Another thing about this rod for flipping is the relatively affordable price for the quality, it is certainly worth a bit more in my eyes.
The only thing about this rod for flipping that could get to you is that the butt section is a little short for some people.
This may affect your casting, but you should be fine in the end, and it makes no difference to flipping.
Specs
- Model: Flipping Rod
- Power Rating: Medium-heavy power
- Length Weight: 7’6”
- Line: 12-25 lbs
- Lure Weight: 1/4-2 oz
- Action: Fast
Pros
- Rod has great sensitivity, power, and strength
- Made from a high modulus graphite for max durability
- A great rod to cast with and has some solid backbone
- Pretty light for all-day casting
- Versatile for doing more than just flipping and pitching
- Awesome value for a rod of this quality
Cons
- Short Rod Butt
Abu Garcia Vengeance Casting Rod
Made from a 24-ton carbon blank that is incredibly strong and durable, while remaining light.
Abu Garcia Vengeance Casting Rod
No rod review would ever be complete without an Abu Garcia in the line-up.
Abu Garcia has made a global name for themselves amongst the fishing industry and continues to send out awesome rods and reels.
They are the Scott Martin of rods.
Build
The Vengeance is made from a 24-ton carbon blank that is incredibly strong and durable, while remaining light for addicts who like to catch fish tirelessly all day, like me.
The blank balances the rod beautifully and will give you some extra casting distance for when you are not flipping.
Guides and Reel Seat
It comes with top quality guides with titanium inserts, a durable reel seat, comfy handle and a clever hook holder that can be used for any kind of lure. You can even use my top buzzbaits, which I reviewed here.
It is important to note that the seat does tend to loosen on its own which can get quite annoying.
You will have to constantly check and tighten it to avoid a catastrophe like the reel falling in the water while you are fighting a fish.
Length
The model chosen below has all the right specs for flipping but it is a little shorter than the other rods by 0.5-1 foot.
This means you might have to sneak up on the fishing area or sacrifice some flipping distance, so be aware of that.
Specs
- Model: VENGC70-6
- Power Rating: Medium-heavy power
- Length: 7’
- Line Weight: 12-20 lbs
- Lure Weight: 3/8-1 oz
- Action: Fast
Pros
- Made from a 24 ton carbon blank for durability and strength
- Comes with a hook keeper for not one but all applications
- Can be used for a few types of fishing
- Comes with excellent stainless steel guides with titanium oxide inserts for durability
- Good lure weight range
- High Quality Materials and Low Price
Cons
- The reel seat can become loose
- A shorter rod for flipping compared to others
Editor’s Choice
G. Loomis IMX-PRO Casting Rod
A great rod to cast with, use with braid or mono, and every component from the guides and reel seat to the high quality cork handle are top draw.
G. Loomis IMX-PRO Casting Rod
As you can probably tell, I have a soft spot for G Loomis and whether I’m spinning or fly fishing, they are my go-to rods as they are some of the best flipping rods available.
They have some of the most loyal following in the fishing world and that is because their rods are amazing.
You will struggle to break them, and each is designed to be the best for purpose
Build
The rod blank is made from high-quality modulus graphite. G. Loomis takes the blank and puts it on their own homemade rolling table to create an exceptionally strong and light rod.
They use their own multi-taper design that lets them use less material while strengthening all possible breaking points.
Features
You end up with an incredibly light and super strong rod that is sensitive to fish with.
It is a great rod to cast with, use with braid or mono, and every component from the guides and reel seats to the cork handle are top draw.
Power
The model below has one of the best flipping rigs, and you get to have a heavy power rating without the extra weight that comes with it thanks to the design.
This means any big bass does not have a chance of getting to a thick cover once you hook them with this rod.
The only downside is that this flipping rod is expensive, but you will love it and most likely have it forever.
Specs
- Model: IMX-PRO 894C FPR
- Power Rating: Heavy
- Length: 7’5”
- Line Weight: 17-25 lbs
- Lure Weight: 1/4-1 oz
- Action: Fast
Pros
- Unique multi-taper design makes rod light but strong
- Amazing power, sensitivity, and strength
- Light for fatigue-less long fishing days
- Enough backbone for punching hooks
- Excellent build quality
- Perfect balance and castability
Cons
- Expensive
What Is Flipping?
Flipping is a technique used to fish shallow water areas near the bank that is often full of heavy cover such as weeds – this flipping technique is known as pitching water – and is where bass tend to hang out.
Here you cannot cast, you will be best flipping instead.
How to Complete a Flip Cast
- To complete a cast you will want a flipping rod length of line out, with a lure hanging off the end of your rod.
- Then pull some line off the reel and hold it between the reel and the first guide – kind of like making a bow.
- Once ready to go, swing your lure towards your target area back, and forth once.
- Then when its momentum is heading to your chosen spot, let the lure continue, and slowly let the line out of your hand.
- The line in your hand should be all gone, and now running directly from the reel to the rod. That’s flipping, it is as simple as that!
- To flip again do not reel in any line, instead pull the line to make a bow again and then repeat.
- Once your bait is in the chosen area gently twitch it and keep it shallow so as not to get snagged, and wait for a bass to pounce.
What Is A Flipping Rod?
A flipping rod is a normal casting or spinning rod that has a specific length, power, and rod action to get the job done properly.
It is not a special flipping rod that is any different from a normal spinning rod, or a rod for casting you may have used before.
Can A Beginner Use a Flipping Rod?
Yes, you do not have to be a professional fisher like Scott Martin to do some flipping and pitching.
A beginner can use a decent flipping rod and should have no problem getting used to it. In fact, flipping is a little easier compared to calculating the timings for casting a long distance.
Can You Use Flipping Rods for Other Techniques?
Of course, a flipping rod is still a casting or spinning rod with the right specs for a multitude of uses from frogging, to cranking, flipping and topwater fishing.
You can change your tactics from flipping when you need to without changing the rod or reel.
What Kind of Rod Is Best For Flipping?
If you are used to spinning rods, stick with those for flipping.
The same goes for casting rods.
There is no need to change what you are used to start flipping.
The best flipping rod is either a spinning or a casting rod.
The best specifications for flipping rods are
- Length of 7.5 – 8 feet.
- A fast action rod to assist the punching hook entering through the mouth of a bass.
- Medium-heavy to heavy power to stop a bass going into a snag.
What Line is Used for Flipping And Pitching?
This is a personal choice based on your preferred line.
Most bass anglers use a braided line for everything including flipping because, braid is best.
It has almost no stretch so you can put a lot of pressure on bass to keep them out of snags.
Braid also has many advantages when compared to mono, so it is my advice to use braid for flipping.
For the line weight, the wider the line weight range the better because this means that your rod is durable and strong enough to hold a wide range of line weights. But make sure that your rod can at least hold the perfect line weight range for flipping which is 10 to 25 pounds.
What Makes the Best Flipping Rod?
Length
Your flipping rod needs to be long enough for you to flip far enough without the bass seeing you – The optimal length is between 7 and 8 feet long.
This means you can stay far enough away to not spook any bass, while being able to flip far into your target water.
Using a shorter length flippin rod will bring you too close to the bass and they will swim off.
A shorter rod will not give enough flip distance to get bait in the water where you want.
Power
Ratings vary from ultralight to extra heavy but the best power rating for a flipping rod is medium-heavy to heavy.
This gives your flipping stick enough strength to stop a large bass from snagging you, but it is not too stiff that the flipping stick feels like a broomstick.
Action
The action describes where the rod bends and affects two things: hook setting ability and rod sensitivity.
The best flipping rod action is fast where the rod bends near the rod tip.
This gives enough backbone to push the hook deeply through a bass’ tough mouth, and sensitivity to feel every bite that comes along.
Materials
The best materials for any bass rod are graphite and carbon fibre.
Both are: light, powerful, durable, and cast excellently.
Carbon fibre tends to be expensive and a better performer but only professionals will notice the difference
Weight
Regardless of whether you are flipping, or doing any other kind of fishing, you will always want a light rod.
The best flipping rod is one you can use all day long without getting an arm ache.
Your best plan is to choose a rod that is lighter than other rods.
Summing Up
Here’s a quick review of the top three flipping rods…
There isn’t a bad flipping rod in this review, they will all flip well and work for other flipping techniques. The choice is yours.
For anyone looking for a reliable great all-rounder, the Dobyns Fury is a winner.
You get a quality design and build along with all the features of a flipping rod that has your back, and will do for a long time.
If you do not want to spend much but want a flipping rod that does the basics well and will last, cast your eyes to the Lews Speed Stick – a great combination of affordability and durability with all the specs you need for flipping.
Anyone who is simply looking for the best flipping rod, then the G. Loomis IMX-PRO is the place to be. The design, build, low weight and performance simply can’t be beaten
If you need more options for your bass fishing adventures check out this best rod and reel combo for bass fishing review.
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