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Punch rod suggestions
Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2025 8:41 pm
by Jim Wilson
Looking for a new punch rod. I currently have Dobyns Champion XP 805 and feel it is a bit stiff.
I have my eye on the Phenix Recon elite 805 and Stealth Stixx Punch Drunk. Anybody have any feedback on either of these rods or is there any other brands I should be looking at?
Jim
Re: Punch rod suggestions
Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2025 7:49 am
by ash
I run two punching rods, an 805 for 1.5 oz - 2oz and a 705 flip stick for heavy flippin - that 805 is a bit stiff but its meant to have power to pull them out of the mats - it all depends on your style of fishing and pitchin. With proper pitchin technic you dont really need a soft rod that helps you cast the bait. Hell Dee used to do this on a broom stick
Re: Punch rod suggestions
Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2025 11:26 am
by Popper
Gloomis:
Conquest 905C
Re: Punch rod suggestions
Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2025 3:21 pm
by Jim Wilson
Ash - my pitching technique is fine. It’s my arm hurting when I set the hook. I’m just looking for a rod that will absorb some of the initial energy when I set the hook.
Re: Punch rod suggestions
Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2025 8:41 am
by drew
Pitching, punching and flipping are three different techniques which require specific rods. I personally pitch and punch with a 7-7’4” length rod. 7’6”-8’ for flipping which I have not done since the 80’s when I lived in FL. There are times for lighter grass when I will use a longer rod with a slower action, but I don’t like to give the fish that much leverage against me.
Re: Punch rod suggestions
Posted: Wed Oct 22, 2025 10:06 am
by ash
Jim Wilson wrote: ↑Tue Oct 21, 2025 3:21 pm
Ash - my pitching technique is fine. It’s my arm hurting when I set the hook. I’m just looking for a rod that will absorb some of the initial energy when I set the hook.
Gotcha - Check out the Phoenix line of rods, they are lighter and the but comes down the forearm. The Recon is a good price point and the 804 MH will handle up to a 1.5oz weight no problem - no i am not sponsored etc... but a lighter better balanced rod could be the deal.
Re: Punch rod suggestions
Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2025 3:19 pm
by birdman920
the Irod 7.7 or 7.10 Air Bubs Punch rod are awesome!
Re: Punch rod suggestions
Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2025 6:54 pm
by Whoopbass
Jim Wilson wrote: ↑Tue Oct 21, 2025 3:21 pm
Ash - my pitching technique is fine. It’s my arm hurting when I set the hook. I’m just looking for a rod that will absorb some of the initial energy when I set the hook.
If your arm/elbow goes out then you should look into some type of arm/elbow support sleeve and don't depend on the rod. Every now and then my elbow goes out and I will wear a brace on my elbow. Basically its just a spandex sleeve over my elbow that adds support. It actually works and will give you additional strength to set the hook.
Re: Punch rod suggestions
Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2025 3:24 pm
by mark poulson
Jim Wilson wrote: ↑Tue Oct 21, 2025 3:21 pm
Ash - my pitching technique is fine. It’s my arm hurting when I set the hook. I’m just looking for a rod that will absorb some of the initial energy when I set the hook.
Try a med. heavy rated crank bait rod with a moderate action, rated for 1 1/2oz lures. The moderate action will cushion your elbow on the hookset, but, since you're using heavy braid, you don't need that massive hookset to get the hook into the fish's jaw. It's not like fishing heavy mono, with lots of stretch.