How to Flip and Pitch Mats for Bass | Hackney’s Wisdom

Sit down, relax and kick your feet up while Greg Hackney shares his deep passion and knowledge about shallow water flipping and pitching. Hackney posits that big bass thrive in matted grass nearly 365 days a year (except for the spawn) and that all hardcore bass anglers need to fish matted vegetation, whatever the type, and wherever it exists to see if it's "happening." Several tips are embedded within, ranging from the best flipping rod and tackle for penetrating, triggering, and extracting bass from the forest.
KEY TACKLE
• PLASTIC - Strike King Rage Punch Bug, color - Black Blue Flake: wired2.fish/StrikeKingRagePun...
• HOOK - Strike King Hack Attack Heavy Cover Flipping Hook, 6/0: wired2.fish/SK-HackAttack-Fli...
• WEIGHT - Strike King Tour Grade Tungsten Weight, 1- to 1-1/2 ounce (most common range for punching mats): wired2.fish/StrikeKingTungsten
• ROD - Lew's Super Duty Split Grip Speed Stick, 7'11" Heavy: wired2.fish/LewsSuperDutySpli...
• REEL - Lew's Custom Pro SLP Casting Reel: wired2.fish/LewsCustomProSLP-...
• LINE - Gamma Torque High Performance 100% Spectra Braid, 50-pound: wired2.fish/GammaTorque
So why are these areas prime for taking? Matted grass provides excellent surrounding and overhead protection and ambush points while heating up quicker than the surroundings; these factors make them resilient to the adverse effects of cold fronts. And then there's food -- rich soils and organic matter support food webs that support invertebrates like crawfish, sunfish, and various minnows.
And let's be honest, punching mats isn't for everyone -- it's hard work so often passed on or overlooked altogether. Once you get bit, your job becomes dropping your cricket into every nearby nook and cranny. Hackney stresses the importance of choosing a powerful and balanced flipping rod for making effortless and pinpoint pitches and flips.
Hackney outlines all of this and more in what is arguably our most insightful and thoughtful look into the tactics of targeting bass in and around matted vegetation.
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[@HeavenlySnipez]

There's tons of teaching videos on KZbin, but the ones where you can really learn something no matter your part of the country are insanely slim. THIS teaching video hits all of the marks. Can't wait to finally meet Greg this year and thank him for the tips! Hack Attack is the MAN

[@carlosm9886]

Definitely, 99% of the fishing videos I see now just regurgitated filler or just telling you to texas rig a senko. This guy actually has precise tips.

[@bigkemna87]

Probably my favorite angler to watch when it comes to bass fishing and bass fishing education. Greg just explains things so clearly and his knowledge comes through in a way that every angler can understand and appreciate. He holds nothing back.

[@chrishamre2119]

Greg and G man tell you all the details. They seem like regular guys that you fish with. I really like listening to them.

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks Chris. Both a excellent educators AND fun to learn from.

[@Mr.Higgs.]

I love it when someone in fishing says "those fish are unmolested". That makes me think of a 25lb bag day to me.

[@basstobasscookingbrentbabi5411]

He has spoken! Our Louisiana leader will win it all this year - he is in the zone🎣

[@buckmountaintaxidermy7788]

Hackney knows EXACTLY what he's doing with that black and blue jig!We need to take notes!👍

[@RedJerk5]

There’s something wonderful about watching someone who has mastered a skill. They’re so meticulous and careful and exact. I’m aw

[@AlfredoTorres-sb6sw]

Wired2Fish- MORE HACKNEY Just get in the boat with him and turn on a camera. You cant not enjoy learning from the guy. Without a doubt one of the best to have ever picked up a rod and reel.

[@frederickschaaffiii4302]

100% best at it.. can listen to Hackney teach for hours on end.. kudos brotha

[@danielmcnish6555]

Master tactician. This is excellence at its best. Unlimited knowledge.

[@bassfishingtexas2637]

Greg is one of the coolest and always enjoy his videos! Great video W2F

[@Wired2Fish]

He's one of our favorites as well. All of our staff really enjoyed listening to his wisdom (and passion). He's one cool dude.

[@bassfishingtexas2637]

@@Wired2Fish Definitely... I ran into him at a ski resort in Taos, out of all the places, and he was so cool...

[@kevinwolfe6149]

I could listen to hackney all day

[@DirkDigler209]

My favorite type of fishing!! Nothing better then setting the hook while punchin and you hear that straining sound of tight lines and donks!!!!

[@robertpatterson3406]

I love Gregs teaching style , he is truly a master flipper and pitcher if not the best .

[@kejaymy2001]

YES...Hack talking about flippin’! Always a good watch!

[@jwluciano]

Great tips! Love how he breaks down the balance of the 1 1/2 oz weight with the heavier flippin rod in the hand/wrist area

[@Wired2Fish]

Great attention to detail. We're always being sold on featherlight rods, etc. etc. but having some weight is important when there's a lot of weight on the business end.

[@glennw9927]

Greg is THE reason I went out and got the flipping rod and punching weights. Great teacher.

[@rogerglasco5941]

Greg, great video. I live here in south central Florida and have that same vegetation. I bought my new Ranger from Toho Marine over in St Cloud, Fl. They gave me a Great Flippin rod as a gift. I have it rigged for pitchin and flippin. I love it. Thanks for the tips.

[@iraregister7589]

Wow what an entertaining video. I don't really fish like this much in the mountains, but I could watch Greg do this for hours.

[@Leatherface-]

When I see a grass mat it's like love at first sight. I love me some flipping and pitching.

[@Wired2Fish]

We're right there with you Maurice! Thanks for watching.

[@stephensharples8686]

Very quickly becoming my favorite technique

[@russdennis7026]

Imo this type of Bass fishing is the most fun.

[@michaelloucks4448]

Hey Mr hackney excellent video the grass fishing has always been intimidating but all these grass videos I've seen from you the past year and a half and the next time I get to grass fishing I'm definitely going to be more comfortable because of all this great information you've given me. Thanks so much for your time God bless you and your family your pal fisherman Mike from Missouri.

[@HunterThomasFishing]

This video has gotta be one of the best ones I’ve watched.

[@OFFFishing]

He knows what he is talking about 🎣

[@phillipwhittaker2389]

Appreciate it @wired2fish I know exactly where he's at and got to fish that jewel! And info is always spot on with Hack

[@fresnobassn744]

Hack is the Man!🙇‍♂️👏👏💪💪

[@marcuspierantozzi]

Hack is a living legend!

[@tdeeb6359]

Excellent video. Helpful advice and good tactics!! Thank you sir!

[@ohiobassmaster.]

Hackneys the man hands down 🙌 In my head I'm the Hack Attack everytime I pick up the big stick with braid. There's just no better bite for me.

[@smoovefishing]

Hack is the master at flipping and pitching!!

[@chrisezzyk1632]

Hackney is a machine!!!!

[@BigT-dp5qd]

This guy is frkn awsome !!

[@juzzonmorris]

Thanks for the teaching, I'm in Maryland, we have both brackish and freshwater.

[@NeilGraham.I.M.F]

Love just sitting here listening to Greg talk about flipping this stuff. Great video!

[@Wired2Fish]

Thanks for watching. We really enjoyed putting this one together! The dude is passionate and the content is exceptional.

[@HAM-lm8cx]

I could watch this dude all damn day da hack attack.....

[@1MrVillain]

Outstanding content!!

[@huffman476]

Ty,ty for your wisdom.

[@JL-un6eb]

Great video. Hack is so good at it.

[@timlawrence7246]

No matter the subject, when I watch and listen to the Hack Attack I pick up nuggets.

[@DIYSTEM]

very good instructions thanks

[@edwardcowan7012]

Love fishing like that! Have one lake I fish that punching trash clogged pockets is the best way to catch big ones.

[@camhester4251]

Hack you are the man

[@OhMyLarryFishing]

GOAT Video

[@TripleAstyle1]

Just a true LEGEND

[@Wired2Fish]

One of our favorite anglers to film. Humble and so full of knowledge and passion. It all comes through in this video.

[@paullapato9447]

Looks like Headwaters Lake in Fellsmere. Hack is the man!

[@shadowswordfish3745]

Awesome stuff can’t wait to see him smack them on the elites again!

[@brandonsmith606]

Man I just like this guy, his willingness to teach, and his enthusiasm are contagious

[@Wired2Fish]

Absolutely. We feel the same.

[@robertschurg6300]

So informative.

[@Wired2Fish]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brandonburker7330]

The GOAT

[@davidblake5199]

Greg rocks

[@rodcashman4793]

Fantastic information thank you for sharing learn alot from your video 📹

[@Wired2Fish]

Glad it was helpful Rod. Thanks for watching.

[@DirkDigler209]

Great video so funny when you said I’ll just use him as bait and pitch him back in there

[@A.Blair_Fishing]

Great video man. I love how in depth you go and its a real learning experience!

[@Wired2Fish]

Appreciate it!

[@KenStarks]

This is an education you cannot buy. Thanks man. Sometimes Greg is a bit subtle with his instruction. Notice at 3:48 or so when he shows you the trailer, he's showing you how to side hook the bait, probably just burying the hook into the ridges and not the meat. I increased my punching hookups by 20% after noticing he did that.

[@mattthomen1608]

The snell knot is awsome. It blast through the plastic easily,and side skin hooking allows less plastic to pop through. If it don't hang up its a great way to Pitch,and punch.and if the bait gets worked use the opposite side to get more use from the bait.

[@elainewillis1961]

Really cool

[@Wired2Fish]

Hackney is a fun guy to listen to. Lot's of wisdom to absorb.

[@randyanderson7010]

Hack you the man!

[@jpro83]

Michael Jordan of rippin lips!!! Hats off to you brother!!

[@brandonbrightfishing7477]

This is badass

[@Wired2Fish]

👍 We weren't sure how to title. 87 flipping and pitching tips? The goes on and on -- like a radio of rich content.

[@cjr4497]

I have been doing this since the late 90's. This is the one technique that justifies buying the most expensive rod you can afford. You will be worn out quick with a rod that is not balanced. Like hack said, you don't "need" the 7'11", but when you break out the 1.5oz to 2 oz it make things a lot easier.

[@highjenks3d]

This takes patience I love pitching and flipping cover, I see it all the time anglers throwing and moving I've seen them coming and going and I haven't moved 20ft, but they got a goose egg and I've got my bag, I rarely have to go over 3/4 the weight is only for punching it through the mat mostly here in Texas but cover is where bass go and I find any isolated spots the small cover away from the main patch the more remote the better it could just be a stick out in the open or a t post from an old fence isolated all alone there is something about the orientation of a piece of cover away from the main I don't know why or what it is but bass claim a piece it may be a single little rock the only one out on some flats they will use it claim it and even become territorial to it, it's odd there can be a giant batch of cover and one little isolated patch 30ft away and that has a fish on it more often than you will find them in the giant patch it's odd to me

[@lotticus8599]

Grateful for a chance to glean from the Muhammad Ali of of flipping… awesome content per usual, W2F !

[@johncoopes1056]

GH is the man

[@Wired2Fish]

🎣 = 🧠

[@Aqua_Holic_Fishing]

I'm always fishing much of the opposite, but man, some real tidbits of gold in this video. Must sub and checkout other content here.

[@mikeantes9597]

Putting on a Clinic my man

[@gerryhazelton9569]

Do you use straight braid when punching?

[@johnm2617]

Who else better to learn from than mr hackney !

[@dogmandavid1650]

The black and glitter seems to be what they're biting at right now. Any chance for more creature bait videos?

[@platinumhandymansolutions]

What knot, is there a snell involved? Thanks

[@darekchildress7648]

I love the line... the fish live there all year long unmolested...lol

[@user-sl3zc8sc7r]

Cómo me doy cuenta en cuando pike un pescado con ese arregló

[@CasualBassGuy]

He makes you want to flip some mats don’t he???

[@Wired2Fish]

120%

[@zacpearson1878]

Having a big debate with my friends, when punching do you lift to the top of the Matt and drop or do you shake it up

[@Wired2Fish]

Hey Zac, here's a comment Jason Sealock provided to a similar questions on this video on Facebook: "most of the time you’re pulling/hopping the bait up to the top of the mat and letting it back down. How many times you do that is sort of based on the mood. Sometimes when its a cold front you might have to yoyo it 10 times to get a bite. Sometimes when they are chomping you pick it up once and they are on and you just blow and go."

[@zacpearson1878]

@@Wired2Fish thats very helpful thankyou

[@antunezfishing5195]

🔨

[@jimrob27]

do yall know if he was using a heavy or extra heavy lews super duty?

[@Wired2Fish]

Yes sir: Lew's Super Duty Split Grip Speed Stick, 7'11" Heavy (full product details in description)

[@johnjohnson1657]

Will be nice when he retires from the tourney trail and starts his own bass fishing show...

[@Wired2Fish]

We'd pay a subscription fee for it 💰.

[@jb_wathen]

Is he fishing straight braid, or is there a fluorocarbon leader?

[@Wired2Fish]

#straightbraid

[@jb_wathen]

Thank you

[@makcatchem9614]

Great vid, although in the description is not the rod he is using. In Vid is a full handle not split grip

[@Wired2Fish]

Yeah that rod ain’t available atm.

[@Wired2Fish]

Same action and length thou

[@dogmandavid1650]

Also, I'm GARBAGE with a baitcaster.. and chance you can teach some box and open reel tactics to work into this technique?

[@norcal_angler5310]

Nope baitcaster is necessary for punching. Time to learn!

[@ke3552]

Haaaaccckkk!

[@rossespinoza768]

He said unmolested,😆😆 that was great!!!! I get it though........🐋

[@bigfishonline33]

Hack Attack.

[@markshannon6639]

If Hackney can't get your attention while giving you a fishing lesson then you might want to take up badminton.

[@Austindfell]

“Unmolested” lol

[@glennchristie2316]

I’m watching a man stand in a boat & talk. Please get your cameraman to follow the bait into the weeds and pads. I just bought a rod & reel like yours and want to learn how to place the bait into the holes. I’m hearing you talk but I’d like to watch how you place the bait without getting hung-up on the weeds and how to keep from getting backlashes.. No information books come with the reels anymore. Also - how to set the hook to catch the fish.

[@chriskilgo2527]

Name another pro that gives more real information than Greg Hackney. You can’t do it.

[@Wired2Fish]

The dude is a content machine. Still passionate about fishing -- gets in a lather just talking about it.