I was wondering what kida flippin sticks you guys use. I dont mean what brand but what size rods i.e. weight length. Do you guys think a rod that is 7ft weighted 1/2-1 1/4 15-20 lbs med-heavy would be be enough. I flip with 20 lb berkley big game. The rod im using now is a great rod but by the end of the day my arms and back are sore because it weighs so much...

Any advise would be appriciated.

Daniel

I use Castaway rods and they are great the specs are below. I am very happy with them and I know a lot of BNT guys use them.

#FR76 7'6" 12-25lb 1/4 -1 HEAVY
#FR8 8'0" 12-30lb 3/8 - 1 HEAVY


FIT

dan i just stick with a 7 ft. med/hvy rod. ive been flipping with this length and action rod for a while and honestly never really had any problems with not gettin a powerful enough hoookset, not being able to pullfish out of thick cover etc. its also a lot easier to flip with all day than a longer heavier rod, and this action i can throw almost everything else with...blades, jigs, frogs, c-rig etc. etc.

I personally like my loomis sticks, 7'6" heavy action.

An important thing about flipping is how you are holding and positioning your rod when flippin'. If you keep the rod closer to your body and not have your arms out, you're going to be less tired. That's the most common mistake I see with guys flippin is due to holding the rod too far from the body.

You're fishing Berryessa, right? Show me your technique there and I'll let you know if you could position yourself any better to reduce the strain on the body.

Todd

Good point Todd,positioning does make a big difference.Also you want a quality stick,if your using a so-so quality rod its going to usually be alot heavier because they`re a composite blank.

I only use the Castaway FR76 and have been since 1999. I will be changing to the new Okuma Flip'n rod before spring. Both are light, extremely strong, yet sensitive rods.


www.okumafishing.com
www.castawayrods.com

Hey John,I`ve heard good things about the castaway bud pruitt fs,do you have one or have you tried it?

Interesting. And here I thought that my arm and wrist were getting tired due to my age. Are you going to be fishing the BNT Berryessa tourney this month too? I'd sure like some pointers on this.

Buzzfish

P.S. I'm serious.

I`m not sure if your talking to me or Todd,if you mean me no I wont be making it to berryessa but I`m going to try to make it to beacon harbor later this month for the delta region.And I`ll be a flippin fool there,my style is a little unorthodox(sp>) though,not one I would suggest to anyone.Todd on the other hand has good flipping fundamentals come to a highland springs tourney or blue lake and check him out he doesnt have any flaws that I could see that would cost him a fish like most of us do.

I was refering to Tood but any pointers are welcome. I would really like to join you guys for one of your tourments but doubt that it will happen this year. I'm even considering skipping the Berryessa gig due to work. Too many irons in the fire so speak.

Buzzfish

Thanks for the props Bill! You trying to butter me up for something??? :P

No Clint, I won't be going. This coming tournament is already pushing the limit as the baby is seemingly close to coming. Things are starting to change quickly!

On the other hand, I'm sure John could give you some great pointers in maximizing your efficiency and minimizing fatigue if he's fishing. Rod positioning and keeping everything as minimal as possible is really the key to being ready and not getting tired.

I'm far from perfect but have tried to get as efficient as possible.

Todd