Help with buying my first bait caster

[zippyFX]

Full disclosure: I do not use a bait caster much.

For flipping and pitching; from what I hear you want a small low profile reel (to minimize the weight) with a high rate of retrieve to get fish out of cover quickly. You do not need a lot of line capacity for flipping and pitching but you will tend to use higher test line (25 lb fluro leaders). You will also likley nee a stiffer rod (MH - Fast action).

If you intend this to be a general setup I would recommend something a bit different; Lower retrieve rate and Medium rod about 7ft.