I'm thinking of expanding my arsenal to include a dedicated flipping/pitching setup. What reel type/ratio would be ideal for this? I'm thinking of going with at least a 7' MH Fast action rod, or a "flipping" rod, but not sure what reel would be ideal.

Do I need a reel with a flipping switch? If not, what reel from the Lews lineup would you suggest? I've already got a BB1 in 5:1, a Tournament Pro in 7:1, and a Tournament MG in 6:1. I really like the Lews reels and would like to stick with them.

LC

Flipping and pitching are casting techniques, that can be done with any rod and reel.  What will you be casting too?  Heavy slop?  Pads, Laydowns?  Docks? Shoreline cover? What baits?  This will have a lot more to do with rod  and reel selection than casting technique.

4 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Flipping and pitching are casting techniques, that can be done with any rod and reel.  What will you be casting too?  Heavy slop?  Pads, Laydowns?  Docks? Shoreline cover? What baits?  This will have a lot more to do with rod  and reel selection than casting technique.

Mostly laydowns, docks, and thick grass. I'd love to find some pads but I've yet to see any in the lakes where I fish.

LC

So, something 7' 3", MH or H and X-Fast taper will be great for tossing jigs and Texas rigs.

2 minutes ago, J Francho said:

So, something 7' 3", MH or H and X-Fast taper will be great for tossing jigs and Texas rigs.

Awesome. What about the reel though? I'm thinking high gear ratio to pull em out quick but is a reel with a flipping switch or button necessary?

LC

I like a 7.x:1 ratio for that stuff, but something slower works in a pinch.  I'm 43 years old, and I remember when 5:1 was considered "high speed." Really, anything that pulls 28 IPT or better is fine.

Flipping switch?  Up to you.  Here's a review I did on a reel with a switch.  There's a couple different theories.  If you cast with the rod in your right hand, then get a lefty reel.  No switch necessary.  Of, if that's too uncomfortable for you, get a righty reel with a switch, so you can set the hook without ever switch hands, and turning the handle.

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/rod-reel-pinnacle-review.html

 

as far as rods go i prefer something in the 6'10" to 7'2" length in medhvy to hvy depending on the rod.. i dont flip but i do pitch and skip quite a bit from the back of the boat and shorter rods work better for me.

and for reels, i think the bb1 is the smoothest reel i own but i prefer the lews lfs reels as far as size for palming.. i would recommend at least 7:1 but all my future reels for t rig , frog or jigs will be 8:1 so i can get the lure back to me asap to hit more targets. i dont find any use for the flipping switch as i rarely ever flip and when i do i dont need a switch because i cast left and reel right . 

A 7' 6", medium-heavy or heavy-power, fast-action "flipping stick" would be a good start, matched with a fast reel, such as a 7.1:1. Pair that with 50 lb. braided line and possibly a fluorocarbon leader and you've got yourself a great starting point to see what's right for you. 

These flipping sticks are a dime-a-dozen on online flea markets, and Memorial Day sales are right around the corner from online retailers.