Punching? 2024
Brett Strohl reply :
I've been fishing a small lake with tons of lily pads, and I was wondering if there are any good videos or instructionals about how to get down into them? I have no idea how to do it.
Catch and Grease reply :
Look up mikeybalzz on YouTube he has tons and tons of videos about punching grass... Not so much on pads but it's pretty much the same.
BassinLou reply :
On 6/14/2015 at 7:30 AM, Brett Strohl said:I've been fishing a small lake with tons of lily pads, and I was wondering if there are any good videos or instructionals about how to get down into them? I have no idea how to do it.
Are you fishing from the bank or from a boat? If you are fishing from a boat, pitching and flipping will be more ideal than punching in pads. Imho. Pads have little pockets and openings that require accurate technique. Punching although a very effective is used for matted vegetation and breaking through layers. Mikey Ballz does have several entertaining vids on punching and flipping.
From the bank, punching and flipping presents a challenge. The main one I see is tackle retrieval in the event you get stuck. Fishing with heavy braid you have to be careful when you attempt to pull loose your bait. protect your rod and reel at all times and utilize a stick to wrap the braid around and then try to pull your bait loose.
Good luck.
Brett Strohl reply :
We're fishing from a boat, so I guess it doesn't seem practical. I guess the problem I see with flipping is that there is enough fishing pressure in this lake that it will be hard enough to get close to them without spooking them. Usually when I catch fish it's when we're slowly working our way around and I'm casting far in front of the boat.
BassinLou reply :
On 6/14/2015 at 10:24 PM, Brett Strohl said:We're fishing from a boat, so I guess it doesn't seem practical. I guess the problem I see with flipping is that there is enough fishing pressure in this lake that it will be hard enough to get close to them without spooking them. Usually when I catch fish it's when we're slowly working our way around and I'm casting far in front of the boat.
I can understand that logic. But when you are pitching into thick vegetation, although fish are weary by nature, when their in cover they are less weary if you can reach them. As far as pitching, you can pitch from a considerate distance. Flipping on the other hand is a little bit more up close and personal.
Darren. reply :
On 6/14/2015 at 11:59 PM, BassinLou said:I can understand that logic. But when you are flipping into thick vegetation, although fish are weary by nature, when their in cover they are less weary if you can reach them. As far as flipping, you can flip from a considerate distance. Pitching on the other hand is a little bit more up close and personal.
I believe it is the opposite - pitching is for longer distance,
flipping is more precise... at least this is what I always
understood it to be.
http://www.bassresource.com/fish/flip-pitch.html
BassinLou reply :
On 6/15/2015 at 12:16 AM, DarrenM said:I believe it is the opposite - pitching is for longer distance,
flipping is more precise... at least this is what I always
understood it to be.
http://www.bassresource.com/fish/flip-pitch.html
Darren, you may be right lol!! I for whatever reason get those 2 mixed up sometimes. 
BassinLou reply :
On 6/15/2015 at 12:16 AM, DarrenM said:I believe it is the opposite - pitching is for longer distance,
flipping is more precise... at least this is what I always
understood it to be.
http://www.bassresource.com/fish/flip-pitch.html
Thanks Darren, dang it I mixed them up again.... lol!!
BassinLou reply :
On 6/15/2015 at 12:16 AM, DarrenM said:I believe it is the opposite - pitching is for longer distance,
flipping is more precise... at least this is what I always
understood it to be.
http://www.bassresource.com/fish/flip-pitch.html
Fixed it Darren, thanks again!!
hatrix reply :
On 6/14/2015 at 9:07 PM, BassinLou said:Are you fishing from the bank or from a boat? If you are fishing from a boat, pitching and flipping will be more ideal than punching in pads. Imho. Pads have little pockets and openings that require accurate technique. Punching although a very effective is used for matted vegetation and breaking through layers. Mikey Ballz does have several entertaining vids on punching and flipping.
From the bank, punching and flipping presents a challenge. The main one I see is tackle retrieval in the event you get stuck. Fishing with heavy braid you have to be careful when you attempt to pull loose your bait. protect your rod and reel at all times and utilize a stick to wrap the braid around and then try to pull your bait loose.
Good luck.
You use a stick to pull a snag free or break off? I have kinda always wondered the different methods people use.
I just wrap the line around my forearm a few times. It won't cut you and you can pull anything out.Since I don't know you I guess I can't actually gurantee it won't cut or hurt you so use caution. Some of you might have abnormally weak skin or are easily damaged for some reason 
The more times you wrap it the better and if you worried get you arm in your shirt kinda or use a rag.
BassinLou reply :
On 6/15/2015 at 1:15 AM, hatrix said:You use a stick to pull a snag free or break off? I have kinda always wondered the different methods people use.
I just wrap the line around my forearm a few times. It won't cut you and you can pull anything out.Since I don't know you I guess I can't actually gurantee it won't cut or hurt you so use caution. Some of you might have abnormally weak skin or are easily damaged for some reason
The more times you wrap it the better and if you worried get you arm in your shirt kinda or use a rag.
You wrap 50lb braid around your arm and just pull using your arm alone? Impressive. I am too soft skinned to even try that. Lol!! I use either a rag that I carry with me, and if it's real bad, i will wrap it around my pliers. On the boat hang ups are not a problem.
Mike L reply :
On 6/15/2015 at 1:15 AM, hatrix said:You use a stick to pull a snag free or break off? I have kinda always wondered the different methods people use.
I just wrap the line around my forearm a few times. It won't cut you and you can pull anything out.Since I don't know you I guess I can't actually gurantee it won't cut or hurt you so use caution. Some of you might have abnormally weak skin or are easily damaged for some reason
On 6/15/2015 at 2:42 AM, BassinLou said:You wrap 50lb braid around your arm and just pull using your arm alone? Impressive. I am too soft skinned to even try that. Lol!! I use either a rag that I carry with me, and if it's real bad, i will wrap it around my pliers. On the boat hang ups are not a problem.
Fella's
To me the best, easiest and most effective way to un snagg, or break off braid or any other type of line for that matter, is to take up some line from the reel, or from what you already have out and wrap it around the side of the reel a few times and then pull.
No need for a towel, your shirt, a dowl, your forearm or pliers.
Mike
Bankbeater reply :
The biggest problem I have while punching is the wind. I usually pick out a mat that I want to punch through, then I move the boat upwind from it. I drop anchor and let out enough rope so that the end of the boat is over, or close to, the mat I want to punch.
Brett Strohl reply :
I've always just wrapped my braid around a stick or the handle of my pliers and pulled free with that. No way I could wrap that around my arm without cutting myself
jitterbug127 reply :
Spinning gear isn't going to be efficient. You need a baitcaster
Brett Strohl reply :
On 6/15/2015 at 11:09 AM, jitterbug127 said:Spinning gear isn't going to be efficient. You need a baitcaster
Lies!!!
Glenn reply :
Okay, so...to pull a lure loose from lily pads, use the straight pull method outlined here: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/lure-unstuck.html but really, just pay attention to the direction the pads are pointing. If they're pointing towards you, then you're more apt to get hung up on the "crotch" of the pad.
To fish pads....a little known secret, if you will, is to use 3" grubs on 15-25lb co-polomar line. Just drag it across the pads, then let it drop when it finds an opening (you may have to give it some line in order to do this). This is very effective.
I tried this with 6" worms, but the tails just hung up on the pads too much. 3" grubs seem to do the trick. 4" Senko's pegged on a 1/4 oz weight also works well too.
Ya, you'll catch a lot of small bass doing this. But occasionally a pig will jump all over it. So you'll need a heavy action rod for this. It's baitcasting country here. Spinning reels just don't have the torque to winch out an angry 4-pounder in the lily pads. Get over your fear of baitcasting gear and use it. You'll be glad you did.
Brett Strohl reply :
On 6/15/2015 at 1:16 PM, Glenn said:Get over your fear of baitcasting gear and use it. You'll be glad you did.
NEVER!!!!! >=O
deep reply :
Well then, I guess you need some inshore grade gear.
Punching to me is just a way of getting the bait under the mat. It doesn't matter if you need to flip, pitch, or throw the bait straight up (not exactly straight up of course- then it'll land on your head) to do that.
From rod tip: bobber stop (or stops), flipping weight, snelled flipping hook on ~65# braid. Bead and skirt are optional. Use a compact bait.
hatrix reply :
Trust me about wrapping it around your arm. Wrap it half a dozen times and just pull or walk back and you will probably be fine lol. You might have some marks that look like if you put a rubberband on your arm but it's nothing. Ya I will pop 50# braid all day or bend out that hook. If it was real bad I would get my shirt or a rag in there before I wrap the line. I always use my forearm and wrap close to your elbow.
ClackerBuzz reply :
On 6/16/2015 at 7:47 AM, hatrix said:Trust me about wrapping it around your arm. Wrap it half a dozen times and just pull or walk back and you will probably be fine lol. You might have some marks that look like if you put a rubberband on your arm but it's nothing. Ya I will pop 50# braid all day or bend out that hook. If it was real bad I would get my shirt or a rag in there before I wrap the line. I always use my forearm and wrap close to your elbow.
flat out really bad advice. just b/c ur willing to risk a trip to the ER doesn't mean others should. clearly you've been luckly so far...so far. wrap braid around ur hand and try to break it free if you'd like a small taste of what a forearm full of veins and arteries is in store for
Miller's Ferry 8 reply :
The best set up for punching is a 6:4:1 baitcaster, 7'6"-7'11" Heavy or Extra Heavy (depends on brand) with 30-50lb braid. Use the lightest tungsten you can get away with I use no less than 3/4oz though. Try to get it in there as quietly as possible. Make sure you peg the weight. Then in spring and summer especially use a punching skirt along with a stout flipping hook and some sort of plastic. Just get creative honestly. But the things you absolutely need are a pegged tungsten weight and the right reel and rod combo.
Secondly, make sure your trolling motor (if you need to use it) is on very low speed and your electronics aren't on. The sonar clicking will spook them sometimes especially on a pressured body of water.
Hope this helps. Go get em buddy.
For any other questions just go to youtube.com and search "punching for bass". It should find some nice results for you to look at.
lectricbassman reply :
On 6/15/2015 at 7:49 PM, deep said:Well then, I guess you need some inshore grade gear.
Punching to me is just a way of getting the bait under the mat. It doesn't matter if you need to flip, pitch, or throw the bait straight up (not exactly straight up of course- then it'll land on your head) to do that.
Ive seen a video of greg hackney launching bait straight up into the air so that it has enough momentum to punch through. It was pretty neat but not something ive ever tried
Miller's Ferry 8 reply :
On 6/20/2015 at 12:57 AM, lectricbassman said:On 6/15/2015 at 7:49 PM, deep said:Well then, I guess you need some inshore grade gear.
Punching to me is just a way of getting the bait under the mat. It doesn't matter if you need to flip, pitch, or throw the bait straight up (not exactly straight up of course- then it'll land on your head) to do that.
Ive seen a video of greg hackney launching bait straight up into the air so that it has enough momentum to punch through. It was pretty neat but not something ive ever tried
Yeah I have actually used Hackney's technique at Lake Seminole. The grass mats are so thick that it is the only way to break through. A 2oz weight and a nice jerk down when the bait is at its peak. The heavy tackle is required in grass like that. You'll never get them out otherwise.
Catt reply :
Hackney technique?
Been doing that for close to 40 yrs
Mike L reply :
On 6/20/2015 at 4:15 AM, Catt said:Hackney technique?
Been doing that for close to 40 yrs
Some folks even longer than that
Mike
Brett Strohl reply :
What's the Hackney technique?
hatrix reply :
I am not telling people to run out and try to snap hevy braid. I have popped 50# before but that's like extreme and pretty much the limit. The way it builds tension an how it digs on your forearm versus your hand are totally different. All I was saying is that it's a quick and easy way to break off with regular line but can also be done with braid.On 6/19/2015 at 12:29 PM, ClackerBuzz said:flat out really bad advice. just b/c ur willing to risk a trip to the ER doesn't mean others should. clearly you've been luckly so far...so far. wrap braid around ur hand and try to break it free if you'd like a small taste of what a forearm full of veins and arteries is in store for
It has nothing to do with me being lucky. It's physics.
Mike L reply :
On 6/20/2015 at 10:06 AM, Brett Strohl said:What's the Hackney technique?
Swing the bait high in the air as you start your pitch so it comes crashing down hard through the mat.
You can add momentum by pulling your rod down hard toward the mat at the highest peak of the pitch.
Mike
Scorchx1245 reply :
Love punching matts in duck weed infested waters, and I have to use a punching skirt.1/2 oz or larger up to 1 1/2 pegged tungsten.
LuckyGia reply :
On 6/15/2015 at 11:09 AM, jitterbug127 said:Spinning gear isn't going to be efficient. You need a baitcaster
Be careful, you could go broke
Seriously, you are fine with spinning gear. I used spinning gear for over 35 years before I went with
baitcast. Then because of my personality, I went nutz and bought 7 rods in 1 year.
I have issues .
I think you would be surprised how close you can get to the fish and not know it.
Unless you are in shallow clear water and can see easily.
just have nice heavy 20lb braid and have fun figuring it out.
I have fished in NY for most ov my life.
I spent my first winter in Florida last year after buying a place down there.
It was a whole new way of fishing. I went from crystal clear water, to dark coffee colored water.
It is all about getting in those weed beds. Just practice.
It literally took me about 2 months to learn to consistently catch fish.
I spent many days coming home without a single bite before I figured it out.
I actually thought I was a good bass fisherman until I hit Florida.
Be patient, and keep your line wet or you will never figure it out.
gobig reply :
There is no way to effectively punch mats with spinning gear. You would miss so many bites its rediculous. I use Bubs punchrod made by IROD, a 7:1 reel and 65lb braid. Tungsten weights that vary from 3/4oz up to 2oz. and a snelled straight shank hook. This is close quarter combat fishing. You are targeting the nastiest stuff in the lake. Don't set yourself up for heartbreak.
vmabuck reply :
At this point, I generally look at a spot where I want my bait to go, and I get it there using whatever kind of cast it takes.
When it is all said and done, if you get it there does it matter what the style of cast is called?
Seems like a lot of focus on really specific terminology for getting the same rig to a spot where you think that fish might be.
I just call it "casting..."
RoLo reply :
On 6/21/2015 at 10:08 PM, vmabuck said:At this point, I generally look at a spot where I want my bait to go, and I get it there using whatever kind of cast it takes.
When it is all said and done, if you get it there does it matter what the style of cast is called?
Seems like a lot of focus on really specific terminology for getting the same rig to a spot where you think that fish might be.
I just call it "casting..."
I'm with you buddy.
Every method and every technique was originally concocted by some bumpkin who gave it a silly name 
In the strictest sense of the word, I 'never' Flip and 'never' Pitch, but use a self-devised catapult-type toss.
I've been using this nameless, unorthodox casting style for around 30 years,
so naturally it splashes down exactly where I'm looking about 95% of the time
Roger
BIGDFISHERMAN reply :
Here I have been focusing on topwater and small lightweight stuff to get through the milfoil. Time to bust out some more money and invest in another "technique".
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