Need some help on a new Flipping Stick

[taylords]

I have been searching for a new Flipping Stick for some time and have not been able to settle on a rod. I have many different rod brands from a GLX Loomis to an older Helium LTA Flipping Stick but cannot necessarily narrow down my choice to what Rod I rally want to invest in. With that said, I just received my Alton Jones Football head Jig rod that I am going to use for my Chatterbaits and as soon as I unpacked this rod I felt a level of quality that I have never felt before from any rod manufacturer. Even Kistler’s older rod models. This rod felt great in my hands and the tip was very responsive and I can tell that it will really mix it up with a Chatterbait. I have not had the chance to get it out on the water yet but I know that its going to be one of my best rods.

I was soo impressed with the rod that I am now really looking at buying my Flipping Stick from Kistler. The only problem is that I “DO NOT” want a telescopic Rod. I honestly feel that this really kills sensitivity. I am not a pro but on the Potomac River I spend allot of time Flipping mats and this is a very indispensable tool for this body of water.

Is there any chance that Kistler would make me one that is not telescopic. Like they would ever do that for the normal weekend bass warrior. ;o) I am looking for a rod that is anyhwere from 7 feet 8 inches to about 8 feet.

I just thought I would ask, If not, what do you guys suggest? I don’t want to spend Steez money but LTX Money or lower is ok with me.

Thanks for your help!

Donavan

[SFVUCEO]

I concur with you wholeheartedly on the one piece aspect and as someone who fishes the Potomac as much as I can, I understand where you are coming from.

I just had a chance to answer a question from a gentlemen inquiring about a pitching rod and I think much of it applies as well to your request for help:

1. In pitching or flipping, since it is a pendulum based technique, go with the longest rod you can because it will give you a better "pitch or flip", and if needed, more accuracy at longer distances and when that "HAWG" hits, much better power and leverage to move him out from the cover or out from underneath those grass mats on the river.

2. The biggest mistake I see guys make is that they spend too little on their rods and two much on their reels. In applications where sensitivity is needed, such as pitching and flipping soft plastics or jigs, go with the most sensitive rod you can afford. And if you are tight on the budget, hold off and save if you can, to get at least the next model up from where you were thinking.

3. I know there are alot of brands out there that look like Kistlers, say there better than Kistlers, etc... but remember who was the first to do many of the things you are now seeing standardized in the industry today, 5-10 years later. Trey Kistler was on the cutting edge when there was no edge and I think he continues to be, both in his designs but also just as important, in his quality control. Sensitivity, power, backbone, the right parabolic bend, control and castability dont just happen by accident and just cant be mimiked through look-a-likes or by changing the color of the blank. There is a reason, even in down economies, why Kistler Rods fly off the racks!

All that being said, I love the one piece He76MHC or in some cases the He76HC, many ask why the difference, Medium Heavy or Heavy, it is another mistake I see alot of guys make, especially if they are braid users, as am I and I am sure you are. You will sacrifice very, very little in power and hookset by utilizing the MHC but you can do so much more in accuracy and distance, especially critical considering tidal movement makes where fish position more transitional than the average body of water. The other factor is controlling the fish boatside, where so many guys lose fish because the fish surges and a heavy rod cant cushion that power run. Understanding that there are occasions where a HC is called for such as flipping a 1 1/2oz All Terrain Jig or punching with a 1 3/4oz Penetrater Tungsten Weight, then yes, the HC is the right pick!

All in all, there our tons of options out there, I respect that and I appreciate you for taking the leap with your Chatterbait Rod - I think you now see what I did almost 10 years ago and if you do, you will not be sorry with any Kistler Rod you choose. There is much more to the Kistler Rods than just the rod, it is the company, the man, and what those stand for that seperates Kistler from anyone else!

If I can help with anything else, just let me know?

Good Luck and Gods Continued Blessings for your upcoming 2009 fishing season!

IAN

P.S. Dont just think because you are a weekend angler that Kistler wont custom make you something if you cant find the right fit. You are the reason that they exist and if possible and if needed, determining thatnonthing within their production models will fit your specific needs, they will work with you![size=18][/size]

[taylords]

First let me say I appreciate your feedback and the details that you provided!

Second, I do hope that this turns our to be a truly altering experience in buying a product. If I can get a good competitive price, excellent quality and superb customer service in one place I’d be a real piece of work to not stay and shop for life! I think I will honestly contact Kistler to see if they could provide a longer one piece rod. If not I might try your reco but still prefer a little bit longer of a rod for those Mats!

Hopefully they will see this post and just tell me that they would make it..;O) and it wont cost me a new Bass Boat..;o))))

Thanks again,

DT

[SiceAppoito]

i dont have depth finder or downrigger just a 60 hrs johnson on a 15 foot boat. i like to troll and dont know what the right speed is or if my 60 hp will go slow enough. i also dont know how to tell what depth i am trolling at i am trolling mostly for walleye. can someone please help me with this? any help would be great

[Ranger 188]

Donavan, If you want to stay with Kistler, then order a Z-bone rod on-line or talk to Lance at Kistler. I don't flip heavy mats mostly sparse weeds and I have an older LTA 7-6 with the full cork grip. Best flipping rod I own. I personally think their older rods were the best ever! I own 1 Z-bone now but a spinning rod. You can build a Z-bone in the ST blank for under $300.00, and the LE for $360.00. If you're punching mats go with the Heavy-mod. action. and spiral the guides, causes let torque on the blank. You can order any length you want, and it will be 1 piece.(I agree 1 piece rods are stronger and more sensitive) If you have any questions, call them, Lance is great to talk to and will help with any questions you have. (their probably at I-cast this weekend) Gregg[/quote]