Looking for some punching tips

[Ain]

Just looking for some insight on punching ... Trying to get better at it just wondering what's some key components to look for when looking for the right stuff that holds the bigger fish to punch any info will help .. Thanks

[BassBandit916]

I like to punch green vegetation, I tend to have better luck, I try staying away from dead or yellow vegetation. and I like to use 3/0 hooks cause I've noticed anything bigger than 3/0 I have a high percentage of the hook coming out their eye and I feel bad...lol

[DDG]

I like to punch green vegetation, I tend to have better luck, I try staying away from dead or yellow vegetation. and I like to use 3/0 hooks cause I've noticed anything bigger than 3/0 I have a high percentage of the hook coming out their eye and I feel bad...lol

+1 Reading this made me have to chime in, I honestly think people's assumption when doing this technique is to "go big" meaning big weight, big hook, even bait but with that in mind try to think of using the right gear for the right cover. Just cause you are punching, doesn't mean you always need a 1-2oz weight, skirt and big hook. heck the original sweet beaver hardly fits on a 4/0. I'm not a pro but I have been flipping heavy cover since I was a boy, back when I would just use a 3/8oz weight EWG with a reaper on it in ox blood

[Freefall]

That reaper still catches them

I tend to go as light as I can given the cover. Some areas that's 3/4 oz, others it's 1.5oz. It all depends on what's in front of me. The rate of fall can be the difference.

Use a snell knot, I have used a Palomar knot but my hook up ratio is better with the snell.

Be ready to set as soon as the bait goes through. A lot of my punch fish hit it on the fall.

Be ready to have your heart broken, you will loose them at times, it's all part of it.

[Ain]

Thanks guys but there is so much area to punch what do you look for depth surrounding areas ???

[DaLa]

putting green sized areas are better than football field sized areas to get yourself dialed in.

[mark poulson]

What is all the green matted stuff that's now in the Delta in place of the hyacinth, and can you punch it?

[Ain]

The cheese??

[swfongdds]

It is mostly periwinkle with the small leaves. Find some near moving water and punching will usually be good.

[DDG]

Punch anything with cover honestly and look for a lil deeper structure 5-10' but not always you honestly never know where a hog is gonna be. Tulles and grass clumps, pepper grass and especially cheese

[Freefall]

I love me some punch fish...

[mark poulson]

When do you use a punch skirt?

[Freefall]

I use them when I throw bluegill colored baits and later in the summer once the craws get bigger and red.

[Whoopbass]

This is an informative punching video by Mark Lassagne.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1K-DRKqM_g

[mark poulson]

Thanks to you both.

[mark poulson]

This is an informative punching video by Mark Lassagne.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1K-DRKqM_g

I had watched that video when I first got up here in July, but it means a lot more to me now, since I've fished the Delta a little bit.