Punching for Bass

[bonefish]

I fish a few lakes that have some super thick weed patches and I want to try using a punch rig to see what I can do. I want to pick up a few weight sizes but not sure what to get. I know out west they use weights that are over 2oz. What is a good starting point for use in MN for a typical millfoil scenario. Is 1oz and 1 1/4 oz enough or too much?

Thanks!

[HellaBass]

I rarely use more then an 1oz in MN, often 3/4 does the trick with Tungsten

[Cecil]

Yeah, 3/4 to 1oz is plenty for the weeds around here

[RK]

I'd agree. I might have a few 1-1/2 ouncers lying around but rarely is anything over 3/4 needed.

As much as I love Tungsten, with the number of pike I deal with, even using braid, it starts to get painful getting bit off a few times a day. I still use lead a lot.

[cruiseforever]

What lures do you like to use for punching?

[HellaBass]

What lures do you like to use for punching?

My Fav is Kompak Craw from Evolve

[RK]

What lures do you like to use for punching?

I use Chigger Craws, Beavers, sometimes just a bulky straight-tailed worm. Havoc Punch Craws are pretty good too. Do like punch skirts, but don't always use them.

The other thing you can do re: punching is what I call a 'Bubba Shot' rig, which is basically a beefed up drop shot rig. I'm pretty sure I didn't make the term up, but I can't remember where I heard it. If you're getting bit on the drop a lot (fish sitting up under the pads off the bottom, for example) or the bottom is sandgrassy or really soft so your bait disappears into it, a heavy (3/4 to 1 oz) bell sinker 8-10" or so below a bait can work pretty well. Can't have too long a dropper between the hook and bait or it doesn't go through the gunk very well, and sometimes you have to shorten the dropper to around 6".

This also works very well in rushes, btw.

[RumRiverRat]

Powershotting is what I have heard that technique called RK.

I used it a few times last fall on sand grass flats.

Tied up a punch rig with a 1oz weight a 4/0 Flippin hook and a Strike King Menace grub.

Plan on flipping, pitchin and punchin milfoil and pads saturday.

Froggin in the pre dawn hours and then hitting all the slop I can find very methodically.

Fishing a lake that you can put in at the access, drop the trolling motor and start fishing.

Lake is C&R for Largemouth and known to kick out the occasional 6 to 7 pound fish.

[jalberg]

Getting bit off with a punch rig sure stings!