punching gear

[bassaddic]

I want to try punching mats this year, I have some punch skirts and hooks coming, what rods are you guys using for this and any tips would be greatly appriciated

[rodbender1]

For punching mats this is my rod of choice.

CastAway's Skeleton series Grass Master Braid SKFGHB73, 7'3" XH, light weight, great power and back bone , plus has a good tip which allows it to serve double duty as my Frog rod, when fishing real thick stuff. Tungsten weights are almost a must, lot smaller profile so penetrates the mats easier, braid for the strength and low stretch, when you get bit, get that hook set and turn the fish ASAP.

[HeadHunter9]

the longer the rod the better for me, 7'6 or 8' with a 5 power

[BILLY]

Check this out.
http://www.leftcoastbass.com/BubToshPunching.asp

[rebeav]

checked out the link.....closed it out after one minute. Slinging a descent fish (for Cali) and who ha n just a bit too much for me personally. Reminds me of WR catching a pass for a first down then standing up and showing his number eventhough they are losing by 21 and the 2 minute warning has passed.

[fishnhunt]

I use the shimano crucial 7'6" heavy rod fast tip at BPS I paid $150 for it and flip grass everytime I fish. have pulled some hawgs out with it

[Legend Chris]

Don't forget some of my 1oz punch weights!

[swilliams]

i use a dobyns 765 flip for 1- 1 1/2oz weights but in the real thick stuff (the stuff you see raccoons and otters walking across) i use the 766 flip with a 2oz weight. i use the trokar flipping hooks. i've tried the bmf, paycheck and the gambler and they don't compare. the bmf i will use when practicing and fun fishing, but in tournaments i only use the trokar. a lot of folks talk about the other two, but i have missed more fish on them than any other hook in my box. if they hit the trokar, they are stuck with very little pressure applied. i saw the new owner hooks that are coming out and i will be trying those as well when the hit the market. i use castaic reels for the most part. 65lb braid on the 765 and 80lb braid on the 766.

don't winch the drag all the way down, it is likely to tear a hole in the fish's mouth and you will lose it. when the fish hit, you don't need to use a "bubba set" if you are using the trokar and braid. reel down and lift up and it will be stuck. if you are using the other hooks, set hard in my experience.

[jigginjeff]

Do you peg weights when punching?

[ssbassman]

Yes peg the weight.

[supermat]

Here is a quick video a guy shot with me after a day of punching on the California Delta. He's new to punching but after a full 8 hour day with me he's quite qualified to give you an unbiased opinion on what I consider the 3 most commonly used techniques for punching.
When you're done with that click on the logo to go to the homepage and check out some of the other videos. I hope you find it helpful!

http://tacticalbassin.com/punching-heavy-cover/

[cmclairday2]

Good vids on that site. Thanks!

[TrippyJai]

Thanks work the video. I needed some help with punching mats.