Seth Feider provides a tutorial on using the flip shot rig for bass fishing. This technique merges the drop shot rig with a powerful casting rod and line. Often, in clear water with cover like wood or grass, bass require a finesse presentation from a robust rod setup. Here, subtle worms are a “get bit” lure while the strength of a casting setup clears bass from the cover.
FEATURED GEAR (retail links)
- HOOK – VMC RedLine Finesse Neko, 1/0: Buy at Omnia Fishing, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- Check out the VMC RedLine Series Hooks overview video
- PLASTIC – Z-Man Big TRD: Buy at Omnia Fishing, Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- WEIGHT – VMC Tungsten Tear Drop 3/8-ounce: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – Daiwa Tatula Elite Casting Rod, 7’3″ Medium Heavy: Buy at Omnia Fishing, Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – Daiwa Zillion Casting Reel: Buy at Omnia Fishing, Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE – Sufix 131, 30-pound: Buy at Omnia Fishing, Buy Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE – Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon, 17-pound: Buy at Omnia Fishing, Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
OTHER GEAR
- TACKLE BOX – Plano Edge Series Terminal Box: Buy at Omnia Fishing, Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- SCISSORS – Rapala Elite Scissors: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- PLIERS – Rapala Mag Spring Pliers: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
Feider introduces his rod setup for flip shot rigging bass. He prefers a medium-heavy casting rod and reel paired with a heavier line and a 1/0 straight shank hook. While a proper finesse hook, the VMC RedLine Finesse Neko is made from Vanadium steel, which delivers exceptional strength at a small wire diameter. It’s the ideal blend of finesse and power in this situation.
Completing the flip shot rig, Feider ties a 3/8-ounce drop shot weight to a fluorocarbon leader and braided mainline. A Texas-rigged Z-Man TRD is an excellent choice, offering subtle movement and exceptional durability. Plus, the ElaZtech used in these lures allows them to float horizontally, a preferred orientation.
So consider the flip shot rig the next time you’re bass fishing heavy cover in clear water. Feider’s big bass clinic clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of the technique.
