Fishing Tips

Kyle Welcher’s Guide to Flipping Bass in Slack Water

Kyle Welcher’s Guide to Flipping Bass in Slack Water

It’s a fact the bite gets more challenging when the water stops flowing, but there are still fish to be had. Kyle Welcher gives an insightful tutorial on how to overcome tough conditions by using the flipping and pitching technique. He discusses how bass reposition in slack water and how flipping and pitching can generate more bites than conventional baits.

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT BAITS

Welcher emphasizes the importance of bait selection in crowded waters, especially when the current is minimal. He introduces one of his new go-to’s, the Rapala CrushCity Bronco Bug, a craw-like creature bait with a distinctive kicking action on the fall. This contrasts with more commonly used flipping, and pitching plastics, highlighting the importance of switching things up to get more bites under pressured conditions.

ADAPTING TO RESERVOIR CONDITIONS

Welcher skillfully fishes a variety of cover types, from isolated wood near creek mouths to root balls and laydowns. He explains how the cover’s relation to lake contours and backwaters influences bass location, stressing the importance of moving water in positioning fish in river systems.

SLOW AND METHODICAL APPROACH

In the absence of significant current, Welcher advises a slower, more meticulous approach. He focuses on isolated targets where fish are likely to hold, using precise casting and allowing the bait to reach the bottom. Pitching around doesn’t mean fishing slowly. Welcher’s technique involves using a single drop and lift before moving on.

THE IDEAL FLIPPING SETUP

Welcher shares his flipping setup: a 7-foot-6 heavy power 13 Fishing Muse Black II rod paired with 22-pound fluorocarbon, balancing strength and subtlety. He explains why this setup is optimal for heavy cover without being overbearing and negatively impacting the bait’s action.

PATTERN RECOGNITION FOR SUCCESS

The video culminates with Welcher identifying a consistent pattern for locating largemouth bass. He highlights how understanding the types of structure and cover bass frequent, combined with a bait you’re confident in, leads to successful flipping and pitching in reservoirs with slack water.

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