ive been hearing that you need a certain rod and reel to properly fish jigs. is that just for flippin and pitchin or all jigs? i have basic spinning reel and about a 6' rod

For flipping and pitching you do want a stout rod, but for less sparse cover a MH rod would do just fine.  You still have a weedguard to punch through so want some backbone in the rod.  

I just got a heavy action flippin rod for this upcoming season because it was a steal on clearance.  But for the past several years I have been fishing jigs on a MH rod.

so basically the purpose of a heavier pole is to be able to set the hook better and easier?

There are many types of jigs.     A bitsy jig can be fished with a spinning rod just as a lot of Shakey Lead Head jigs are.

If your fishing heavy grass mats, then the right tool for the job would make it alot easier to land the fish.     Heavy grass mats require grass rakes to haul a big bass out of the grass.    

What is the action of your rod?    

Matt

im not sure. im thinking medium action. its not ultra light but itsnt that big

I use a pistol grip rod in heavy action for jigs much easier to make it hop.... close range to mid range it is deadly!!

 The big thing now is having a dedicated set-up for each type of fishing and sure wished I had the budget to spend that kind of money ;D! I don't fish where there are mats of grass or weeds like some of the guys are talking about and I use a 6'M Bionic Blade with pistol grip and Citica 200D.Usually throw smaller jigs (3/16-5/16) and do pretty well IMHO.

 When I first started bass fishing I was using a 5'6" pistol grip and a fiberglass rod with a Zebco 33, caught fish with a jig. Work with what you got until you can afford to upgrade. When you get to that point, definitely get something heavier...

                                                          As Ever,

                                                           Skillet

yeah like skillet said, use what you have until you can upgrade but dont avoid jigs just because you dont hav ethe perfect set up.  as long as you are not fishing heavy cover or mats you will do fine with a lighter rod.

so basically the purpose of a heavier pole is to be able to set the hook better and easier?

NO, the purpose of a flipping rod is to be strong and long so you can horse them out of heavy cover.