Just moved to East TX. The lake I'm fishing had thick hydrilla over most of the lake about 100 yards out from the shore. Any tips for punching the grass or topwater frogs brought over the mats? Water seems quite clear, what colors and soft plastics do you recommend for punching? Won't be fishing a jig as I don't have any heavy enough right now. Hooked a gator yesterday on a frog lol

1-1.5 oz punching weight weight. 65# Braid. Heavy flippin' stick with a moderate fast tip. A heavy flipping hook with something like a sweet beaver, craw tube or Flipper, etc. If the weight won't punch thru the grass on the pitch, throw it up in the air with your hand or go to a heavier weight. Punch the mat, hop it once or twice on bottom. Pull up to just under the mat. Shake it a couple times. Retrieve and repeat. Look for little irregularities in the mat and focus on those. Especially where hydrilla and some other type of vegetation come together.

When there is a huge grass mat field, everything looks great; so focus on the edge of the grass (especially the deepest grass), holes, humps/ditches (contour changes), isolated patches, if there are some trees in the mat field, etc.

Gambler Why Not

I recommend you try this "beaver style" bait for punching. I've caught some of my biggest fish ever punching this bait. It has a streamlined body that's great for getting through heavy mats and it has garlic scent, which helps the fish hold on longer.

Yamamoto Psycho Dad

If you're looking for a bait that looks more like a craw, then definitely try the Yamamoto Psycho Dad! This bait is a killer for punching mats! Like the Why Not, it also has a streamlined body built or punching mats. It also has super soft plastic which helps the hook penetrate easily. Definitely a favorite of mine.

The edges and pockets of grass are your best friends. I typically stick to green colors in clear water and black/blue for dirty water.

Just found this on Bassmaster Jigflippa. The timing of your question was perfect.

http://www.bassmaster.com/chris-lane/now-it-s-time-punch-mat