I'm about to start my first flippin rod, 7' 6" heavy telescoping blank. Never seriously fished this way with a rod designed for it. Given I know so little, do any of you have any tips for me in setting up the rod? For example, I saw a "pro" on TV flippin and he had a big round (REALLY BIG) butt knob, I presume it's for balance. Any comments on that? Or other things a newby may not know? thanks

If you're talking about Shaw Grigsby those are a slip on butt they call a Koosh or something. They're a flotation device. Personally I don't buy into adding weight to a bass rod to "Balance" it. A well thought out handle and guide train on a quality blank usually feels and fishes pretty well. Some feel a Mod Fast action helps keep the fish hooked. I find a mod-fast preferable for punching (1.5oz> weight fished through matted cover) otherwise I still build Hvy & XH flipping sticks on 7'6" - 7'11" fast action blanks with beefy powerful butts. 10.5-12.5" rear grips. Spiral wrapped

As Mike hit on, be sure to give yourself plenty of length on the grip section so you can control the flip/pitch and also have good leverage to set the hook and pull a fish out of or from around heavy cover. I too like a spiral wrap, but since it's your own custom build, do what you'd like.

I don't normally add weight to balance a rod either, but thought it might be different for flippin rods. I'm not a fan of spiral, will stick with the Fuji system, 6mm running guides, all on top. The guides are so low that there is not appreciable torque induced, IMO. Yes, it was Grigsby. I normally don't stand his goofiness for long, but had to watch for the flippin technique tips.

On the telescoping flippin' rods I've built, I embed a dowel in the butt that will gently hold the upper rod piece in place when the rod is collapsed. The dowel is sized to the inner dimension of the upper piece

Since it's a telescoping blank, you'll need to install the first guide in a position just outside the blank's length when collapsed, you don't want any guide damage from collapsing the blank for storage.

I used to enjoy watching Shaw before he turned into a walking billboard. I understand sponsorship, but really! Sorry off topic.

Thanks Spencer, that's the kind of thing I might have overlooked. I think it will come out OK naturally, but will make sure.

Michael,
Are you flipping or pitching? There is a LARGE difference between the two. You will find that even the "pro's" on TV get it mixed up. Many anglers and builders use the terms universally and that lends for a lot of confusion as to which technique you are actually using. IMO the builds are completely different and there are many variables that must be taken into account especially for a true flipping rod.

If you are simply pitching your baits, build in whatever is your normal style and use your typical components. What reel are you using? This can add yet another variable that must be considered. If it is a flipping rod I used to build them with a larger stripper than I would typically use to get the extra height I feel that is needed. I now like to use either the Kigans as well as some of the higher framed Fuji's that lend well to accomplish this.

Do a quick search of some of the post by Steve Gardner and you will come up with a large amount of information that should help you out quite a bit.

Tom

Doug, could you elaborate on the dowel? I don't understand, thanks

Tom, I plan to do mostly pitching with the rod, dropping heavy jigs/trailers into holes in very thick cover. Not sure of the reel yet, but have an old round Abu Garcia that I don't use for anything any more, but I could go in any direction. I'll do the search. thanks

I checked the videos on Utube and what I will be doing is mostly pitching, not flipping. As I understand flipping, the reel becomes, as in fly fishing , just a tool to hold the line and fight the fish after hooking.