Punching Grass Mats?

[bigbass778]

I'm going to be fishing the Potomac River next may.I need some advice on punching grass mats. Rod and Reel set up, line, ect. and anything else I may need to know.

Thanks for your help

[LOZman]

Lots of good makers for that technique. I know that Joey Watts at Flatlands Custom Tackle make a good punch jig. I would use a heavy action rod with at least 60 lb. braid. If the grass is thick, I like to pitch the jig about 10-15 ft. high and let it punch through the grass. Last time I fished a tourney on the Potomac, the grass wasn't all that thick. Of course that was 10 yrs. ago.

Good Fishing!

[somerdink]

I never fished the Potomac, but usually when Im punching Grass I use a 1.5 oz tungsten weight 65lb braid i like a 8 foot flipping stick like the Dobyns Champion 805 punch/ flip works really. Also if you like a shorter rod in the to 7'6 range the Power Tackle grass mat special in GM5 7'6 and the GM5 7'3 are great punch rods also.

[lefthook3305]

A heavy action rod 7'6 - 8' that is light enough to flip all day and sensitive enough to feel light bites.

A compact 7:1 or 6.4:1 reel that balances well on the rod you select.

65lb Sonic braid or Power Pro. These lines will saw through the grass when you hook a fish.

A tungsten weight just heavy enough to get through the mat. The heavier the weight, the more fish I tend to miss. I start at 3/4 and go up as high as 1.5.

A straight shank hook tied with a modified snell knot. I use Paycheck punch hooks and the snell that Bub Tosh shows on Youtube.

I use RI Sweet Beavers 90% of the time. They are a 4" bait and sit perfectly on the hook above in the 4/0 size. If they want a smaller meal go with the Gambler BB Cricket or Yum Big Show Craw and a 3/0 hook. I'm sure lots of baits will catch 'em, but these are the ones I have used.

Many companies are now making heavy jigs for this technique as well. If the grass isn't too stringy go with an Oldham's Jig in 3/4 - 1 1/4oz.

[Champ196guy]

I am not sure, but I wouldnt think the grass would be thick enough to punch in May? might be more of a scattered type of deal. I was there last June and I only saw a few mats thick enough to punch. don't take my word for it, I am far from a local!

[fishinjim]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Champ196guy &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I am not sure, but I wouldnt think the grass would be thick enough to punch in May? might be more of a scattered type of deal. I was there last June and I only saw a few mats thick enough to punch. don't take my word for it, I am far from a local!</td></tr></table>

Champ196guy is, for the most part, right.
If next year is anything like this year, you may come across one or two small choked up areas in early may. Late may there will be a few more if you look, but most of the grass will still be roofless.

[ScottyMac]

That's exactly right. It depends on how wet our spring is. If you are planning your trip specifically to get your punching on, postpone it a month. Mid June is my favorite time to be on the Potomac and the grass is usually ripe for flipping. 1.oz should be plenty but I'd have a 1.5oz nearby just in case you get an extreme low tide. Chigger craws and beavers work the best for me.

[bigbass778]

Thanks for all the advice.

[Legend Chris]

I have the 1oz and 1-1/4 oz punch tungsten weights instock