1st time punching mats

Went to a small local lake, almost half of it is matted up pretty good. Usually I would have burned a swim jig on the edges, this was 1st time I have punched and IT WAS A BLAST! Only caught 4 in a few hours, but they were all nice fish. Something about it when you find that hollow spot and you know your bait is in 'the bass house'. Really enjoyed it. Almost took the eye out of a few of them, 4/0 snelled hook had big purchase.

nice fish

Thanks!

And that beaver style bait is PERFECT for what you're doing. I absolutely love punching mats. Great job.

Thank you, yes I love that pit boss for pitching too, great bait overall. Now I'll be looking for mats everywhere Im hooked!

One of my favorite ways to catch fish! Try using a straight shank hook, it will hold the bait on your hook tighter and the you'll get some better hookups. Strike king heavy cover flippin hook in 5/0 is my go-to and i've tried a bunch of diff ones.

Thanks, lol have some on order, along with new braid, & 1oz tungsten Having fun sure is expensive!

Amberlamps is spot on about the straight shank 5/0 Heavy cover flippin hooks. That is exactly what I use. I also put a dab on super glue on the top and bottom of the bait keeper that is on the hook because I have had alot come loose on the shaft and slide down. Also I would suggest some heavy duty braid for punching mats. I use 65lb Power Pro Moss Green and when you set the hook do it with authority to get the bass turned and headed up and out of the grass quick to help reduce chances of getting tangled up and the fish come off. By the way that's how I got my name RodBreaker. When I set the hook using a punch rig I try to break the rod.

Oh and it seems that I usually hook them right through the eye or the top of the head dang near every time. Punching is my favorite way to fish. Even though you might not catch 50 fish in a tournament the ones I do are usually studs. Have fun and good luck swimjigin

Thanks Rodbreaker, haha I do try to cross their eyes. Fun way to fish for sure!

Nice fish. Good job.

Mat punching is one of my fav techniques also! theres just something about getting up close and personal and pulling em out of the slop!

nice job

I Love punching!!! I started using 2 bobber Stops. Holds things together better.....

sweet