What is flipping & pitching (and what a reel must do)

Flipping and pitching are short, precise presentations (often 10–30 ft) that put a jig or Texas-rig quietly into tight cover, then demand instant line pickup and serious winching power to haul fish out. Your reel should offer:

• Fast pickup (high gear or high IPT), low start-up inertia, and consistent braking so short, low-trajectory pitches don’t fluff.

• Rigid frame + smooth, strong drag for horsing fish from grass/wood.

• Ergonomics for one-handed work — crisp thumb bar and confident palming.

 Cheat-sheet for Quick Pick Up.

• IPT goal: 28–36+

• Gear ratio: 7.1:1–8.5:1 (or 10.1:1 for speed builds)

• Frame: One-piece aluminum (minimum)

• Drag: Smooth carbon, ~12–20 lb usable

• Spool: Lighter/shallow for short pitches; deeper for heavy braid

• Brakes: Fine-adjustable (centrifugal or hybrid); magnetic okay with micro-adjust

• Handle: 90–110 mm with big, grippy knobs

• Zero back-play anti-reverse for instant hooksets

If you want to fish in shallow cover and flip properly, grab one of these without any doubt. Hopefully, you’ll get your result.

8 Best Flipping & Pitching Reels With Pros, Cons, & Buying Guide!

1) Daiwa Tatula Elite Pitch/Flip (P/F)

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Why it’s great for flipping & pitching: Purpose-built for the job. Daiwa re-engineered its Magforce braking specifically for pitching/flipping, so the magnetic pressure changes as the spool slows — exactly what you want for short, low-arc pitches. Also features T-Wing System (TWS), Zero Adjuster, and a light A7075 aluminum spool that helps start up fast.

Best for: Precise pitching into wood and docks when you want minimal spool surge and ultra-predictable control.

Key features (highlights):

• Magforce tuned for P/F; T-Wing System; Zero Adjuster; A7075 low-mass spool.

Pros

• Inherently controlled, low-fluff pitching.

• Tech stack (Magforce P/F + TWS) helps beginners and pros alike.

Cons

• Purpose-built focus means you’ll still want a second reel for bomb-casting cranks.

2) Abu Garcia Revo SX (Gen 5)

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Why it’s great: A do-everything reel with fast pickup (~32 in per turn on the 7.3:1) and a frame that stays put when you lean on fish. The Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag is smooth and stout, and the IVCB-6 braking offers fine control to dial short under-hand pitches.

Best for: Anglers who want one versatile reel that handles pitching lighter T-rigs or compact jigs in mixed cover.

Key features (highlights):

• X2-Cräftic alloy frame, IVCB-6 braking, 32″ recovery on 7.3:1, Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag; EXD concept for casting efficiency.

Pros

• Great all-around value with legit braking finesse.

• Smooth drag for close-quarters surges.

Cons

• Not as technique-specific as the Tatula P/F or Pro SP.

3) Abu Garcia Revo Rocket

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Why it’s great: Speed. The Rocket’s 10.1:1 gearing is built for instant pick-up and tight line control the moment your bait touches down — a big plus when pitching to multiple targets quickly. Abu’s IVCB-6 braking and Power Stack drag round out the short-game package. Abu explicitly calls out flipping as a technique this reel excels at.

Best for: Fast-paced pitching to isolated cover (stumps, posts, sparse grass) where quick retrieve and rapid re-deployments matter.

Key features (highlights):

• 10.1:1 gear ratio; IVCB-6 braking; X2-Cräftic alloy frame; Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag.

Pros

• Blazing pick-up helps you control slack instantly.

• Plenty of braking range for short presentations.

Cons

• Ultra-fast reels can trade a bit of winch torque; pair with a stout rod.

4) Shimano Curado MGL 150HG

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Why it’s great: The MGL (MagnumLite) spool starts up easily for soft, quiet entries, while the HAGANE aluminum body, Cross Carbon Drag, MicroModule gearing, X-Ship and SilentTune keep everything rigid, smooth, and efficient under load — ideal traits for short-range hooksets in cover.

Best for: Finesse-leaning pitching (3/8 oz jigs, compact plastics) in sparse to moderate cover where ultra-smooth startup matters.

Key features (highlights):

• MGL spool; HAGANE body; Cross Carbon drag; MicroModule, X-Ship, SilentTune.

Pros

• Extremely controlled, smooth startup.

• Rigid, palming-friendly platform.

Cons

• Not as specialized as Tatula P/F or Pro SP for ultra-short, aggressive P/F only.

5) Lew’s Team Lew’s Pro SP (Skipping & Pitching)

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Why it’s great: Designed with Andy Montgomery specifically for skipping and pitching. The 32 mm super-shallow spool (holds ~40 yds of 20-lb fluoro) accelerates instantly, and the Knot Slot keeps your line lay smooth. The QuietCast ACB braking adds a “Skipping Zone” so you can keep the spool tame on low, skipping trajectories.

Best for: Dock-skipping jigs and tight, low-trajectory pitches where shallow-spool control is king.

Key features (highlights):

• 32 mm shallow spool + Knot Slot; QuietCast ACB with Skipping Zone; robust aluminum frame.

Pros

• Purpose-built control for skipping (and, by extension, short pitches).

• Feather-quick startup helps with quiet entries.

Cons

• Shallow capacity is intentional; not ideal if you also want long casts with heavy line.

6) Lew’s Speed Spool LFS (SS1SHA)

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Why it’s great: A budget-friendly workhorse that still checks the boxes: one-piece aluminum frame, P2 Super Pinion for gear alignment, Hamai-cut brass Speed Gears, and an externally adjustable Magnetic Control System. The SS1SHA trim delivers roughly 31 IPT with its 7.5:1 gearing — plenty for pitching and quick line control.

Best for: Anglers building a dedicated P/F setup on a tighter budget; great starter or backup P/F reel.

Key features (highlights):

• One-piece aluminum frame; P2 Super Pinion; MCS external brakes; SS1SHA ~31 IPT / 7.5:1.

Pros

• Affordable without giving up the P/F essentials.

• Predictable magnetic braking for short pitches.

Cons

• Heavier/less refined than premium options; bearings and spool aren’t as quick as shallow-spool “SP” or “P/F” reels.

7) Quantum Accurist (with Flippin’ Switch)

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Why it’s great: One of the few modern reels with a true Flippin’ Switch — classic one-handed flipping fans love this. The Accurist’s one-piece aluminum frame, PT bearings, ACS cast control, and zero-friction design aim for smooth, repeatable short casts, while the switch lets you thumb-bar, drop, and auto-re-engage with a turn of the handle.

Best for: Traditional one-handed flipping sequences in heavy cover (mats, reeds) where you want the switch to speed up repetitive presentations.

Key features (highlights):

• Flippin’ Switch; aluminum frame; ceramic-carbon drag; ACS cast control; 8+1 PT bearings.

Pros

• The flipping switch can genuinely speed up your cadence.

• Solid, straightforward build for life in the jungle.

Cons

• Extra mechanism adds complexity/weight vs. standard reels.

8) KastKing MegaJaws

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Why it’s great: KastKing’s AutoMag Dual Braking (AMB) system provides broad control and stability through the cast. While not a dedicated P/F reel, the short main shaft / free-spinning bearing design and available fast ratios make it a capable budget pitcher once tuned tight on tension/Mags.

Best for: Cost-effective pitching practice and all-around use when you still want generous brake control.

Key features (highlights):

• AutoMag Dual Braking; strong gear set; high-speed ratios available; manageable weight for palming.

Pros

• Big braking range helps tame short, low-arc pitches.

• Good value for anglers new to P/F techniques.

Cons

• Not as low-inertia as shallow-spool specialty models (e.g., Pro SP).

Quick Picks by Style (so you buy the right one)

• Dock-skipping & super-short pitching: Lew’s Team Lew’s Pro SP (shallow spool + Skipping Zone).

• Technique-specific P/F with magnetic control: Daiwa Tatula Elite P/F (Magforce tuned for P/F).

• Fastest pickup / hit-and-go pitching: Abu Garcia Revo Rocket (10.1:1).

• Smooth finesse pitching in sparse cover: Shimano Curado MGL 150HG (MGL spool + MicroModule).

• Budget yet capable for P/F: Lew’s Speed Spool LFS SS1SHA (~31 IPT, MCS braking).

• Classic one-hand flipping workflow: Quantum Accurist (Flippin’ Switch).

• Value with wide brake adjustability: KastKing MegaJaws (AutoMag Dual Braking).

Comparison Table (features & best uses)

Notes: Exact ratings vary by sub-model/handedness. For IPT and ratio, check the specific model you add to cart and keep the spool topped off to maintain real pickup speed.

How to choose a flipping & pitching reel (step-by-step)

1. Define your cover & line first

   • Thick grass/wood? Go 50–65 lb braid → choose a reel with a stiffer frame and, ideally, a larger/stronger spool.

   • Sparse to moderate cover / clear water? 17–25 lb fluoro → mid-size, faster reel with a responsive spool.

2. Prioritize pickup (IPT) over ratio alone

   • Fast pick-up (28–36+ IPT) helps control slack the instant the bait lands. Keep the spool topped off to preserve IPT.

3. Pick a rigid frame & smooth drag

   • One-piece aluminum (or better) frame plus a smooth carbon-fiber drag. You need alignment and consistent output under load.

4. Spool & brakes = control

   • For the shortest, quietest pitches (and skipping), a light/shallow spool starts up easier (e.g., Pro SP shallow spool; Curado’s MGL). Dial tension just past side-play; set brakes moderate, then back off until your entries are quiet and backlash-free.

5. Clutch durability & ergonomics

   • You’ll engage/disengage constantly. Thumb bar should be crisp, knobs grippy, and the reel should palm naturally on your 7’–7’6” H/MH fast rod.

6. Left vs right retrieve

   • Most right-handed anglers prefer left-hand retrieve so the rod stays in the hook-setting hand and you never switch mid-pitch.

7. On-water tuning checklist

   • Tie on your typical 3/8–1 oz jig/T-rig.

   • Tension: remove side play, add a touch tighter than “bomb-cast” settings.

   • Brakes: Start mid-range; adjust until low-trajectory pitches land soft without fluff. Feather with the thumb at launch and just before splash-down.

30-Second Store Test (or At-Home Audit)

1. Palm & thumb bar: With your rod or in-hand, press the clutch 10–20 times. It should re-engage crisply every time—no mush.

2. Rigidity check: Squeeze the frame/sideplates lightly while turning the handle. Any creak/flex? Walk away.

3. Spool start-up: With tension set to just remove side-play, flick the spool with your thumb. It should start easily, not feel “heavy.”

4. Brake range: Spin the dial(s) through their full range. You want noticeable, small increments—not “all or nothing.”

5. IPT reality check: Mark the line at the tip, turn the handle one full revolution, measure how much line came in. You want ~30–36 in on a topped-off spool.

Match Your Water to the Reel (Fast Picks)

Heavy mats/reeds, thick wood (50–65 lb braid):

• Spool size: 150 class or deeper (less dig-in, maintains IPT)

• Reel traits: Rigid frame, stout handle (95–110 mm), strong drag

• Brakes: Centrifugal/hybrid for predictable short bursts

Docks & skipping (17–20 lb fluoro or 30–40 lb braid):

• Spool: Shallow/32–34 mm starts quick, quiet entries

• Reel traits: Finer brake control, smooth levelwind, compact palm

• Extras: “Skipping/pitching” tuned reels shine here

Sparse grass/rock (17–25 lb fluoro):

• Spool: 70/100 class (light/ported) for easy start-up

• Reel traits: High IPT, micro-adjust tension, smooth drag

Line & Spool Size Pairing (Cheat Map)

• Fluoro 17–25 lb: 70/100 size spool (medium/shallow)

• Braid 40–50 lb: 100/150 size spool (medium)

• Braid 50–65 lb (punching/thick stuff): 150 size spool (deeper)

tip: keep the spool topped off—half-empty spools lose real IPT.

Brake & Tension: “Set-and-Forget” Starting Points

• Tension knob: Tighten until side-play just disappears, then add ⅛–¼ turn for short-cast control.

• Centrifugal/hybrid: Start mid (e.g., 2 of 4 blocks on or 4/10 internal), then back off until pitches land quiet with no fluff.

• Magnetic: Start 4–6/10, then reduce until trajectory stays flat and controlled.

• Thumb work: Feather at launch; light brake with the thumb just before splashdown.

Feature Decoder (What Actually Helps)

• Shallow/ported spool: Lower start-up inertia ⇒ quieter, shorter pitches & skipping control.

• High IPT (or very high ratio): Instant slack pickup after the bait lands.

• Robust clutch: Repeated engage/disengage without sticking = reliable cadence.

• Flippin’ switch: Optional; speeds up one-hand flipping cycles.

• Premium spool systems (SV/MGL/etc.): Reduce start-up “lurch,” improve forgiveness at short range.

• Non-disengaging levelwind (varies by model): Can aid even line lay on repeated short pitches.

Final buy advice (tie it to your water)

• Heavy matted grass or reeds: Tatula Elite P/F or Quantum Accurist (Flippin’ Switch) for repeatable one-hand flips and controlled spool behavior.

• Docks with lots of skipping: Lew’s Pro SP — built expressly for it (shallow spool + Skipping Zone).

• Cover-hopping, fast cadence pitching: Revo Rocket — that 10.1:1 speed is tailor-made for quick pick-up.

• Mixed cover, finesse-leaning: Curado MGL 150HG — MGL spool and MicroModule smoothness.

• Budget setup: Lew’s Speed Spool LFS SS1SHA or KastKing MegaJaws — both give you enough brake control to learn P/F without drama.

Conclusion

So, these are our best flipping reels. We’ve shared the top 9 reels for flipping available on the market with their features, pros, and cons. If you’re looking for a flipping reel, you can get one of these. All these are tested.

If you want to read more articles like this one, visit our website. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment here or contact us directly.

Happy fishing!

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