The Punch Rig - Bass Fishing in Thick Grass

[@ShirtRIPPA83]

I was so ecstatic to see you had a video covering this. My boat is out of commission so I’ve been stuck fishing local ponds that are just choked with thick moss. I went out today and saw and heard bass just blowing up in the moss but I couldn’t for the life of me get them to come out and taste my presentations. I knew right away this technique was going to be the only way I’d get to them. After watching this I’m gonna have to head out and give it a shot. Your channel is my absolute favorite bass channel.

[@arjenheitlager7542]

Great vid Gene. Just started punching a couple of weeks ago... and now I'm addicted.

[@Flukemaster]

+Arjen Heitlager It is very addicting. I'm glad you like it.

[@deborahrogers1821]

This has been one of you ur best videos yet because you went into such detail on how to rig it, fish it, and what equipment to use. Great job!

[@Flukemaster]

+Deborah Rogers Thanks Deborah

[@_BLacKWaTeR_]

Thumbs up!!!! ... We need more fall fishing videos!!!

[@Flukemaster]

+Tyler Mccarthy I gotta wait till fall. It's close but not quite here.

[@seanwellman9850]

there is nothing i wouldn't do to get to spend a day on the water with ya Gene!! i love your channel keep up the good videos

[@Flukemaster]

+sean wellman Thanks Sean

[@zisa300]

thx for this video. great bit of info for those of us who enjoy bass fishing but have a lot to learn. maybe one day you could have someone like me on your boat and show the world that your advice can help catch more bass.

[@frankcouste4785]

Awesome explanations on how and why the knot needs to be that. Love your videos brother. God Bless

[@apparaoapparao]

Excellent video. A good follow up video might be how you like to tie the snell. There's 6-7 different ways to tie it and a couple different ways to tie the doubled snell (doubling the line through the eye at the start of the snell).

[@Flukemaster]

+Richard B This is the only snell that I tie.

[@apparaoapparao]

+Flukemaster Ahhhh, thanks, missed it the first time I watched (might have gone to grab a sandwich) It's at 17:20 to 18:30

[@TrevonLapoint]

Been thinking about trying the punch rig for a while. You covered all of the bases and answered all of my questions! Thanks!

[@Flukemaster]

+Trevon Lapoint Thanks Trevon

[@KJVACTS]

Like always your videos are filled with good information and things I did not no thanks.

[@KJVACTS]

Know*

[@PivotalG]

Such a great Technique. I use it a lot in the fall, tons of spot on the St. Lawrence where we get a lot of floating weeds that'll create a nice thick cover for bass to hide under. I do a variation on this one, though, instead of having the weight right up against the hook I give about a 3-6inch gap between the hook and the stop. This lets the weight fall ahead of the bait and the bait to get a bit more of a natural fall. highly recommend making sure you rubberize the inside of your weights if you do this, otherwise when you set the hook the weight will snap your hook right off. Have you ever tried that?

[@Flukemaster]

+Ryan Getchell I've never tried that.

[@lanebouchey8199]

Where do you fish on the st.lawrence

[@PivotalG]

+lane bouchey mostly the thousand islands area (Canadian side)

[@lanebouchey8199]

+Ryan Getchell yea I fish down by waddington

[@PivotalG]

+lane bouchey I've fished down a few of the bridges near there. Morrisburg (where I'd launch from) is direct across from there. Some good spots around there. I used to do a ton of Ice fishing up that way as well.

[@davidmeeks2525]

Thanks for sharing you knowledge. I grew up bass fishing. I all but quit fishing in the mid 90's. I recently started fishing again out of a kayak. Needless to say alot of things have changed such as braid, flouro, frogs, etc. I used toothpicks to peg sinkers back in the day. What are some of the cons using toothpicks to peg sinkers.

[@Flukemaster]

+David Meeks I used to use toothpicks too. The only con is that it does some damage to your line and could cause it to break

[@crobinson3128]

very nice video

[@Flukemaster]

+Chris Robinson Thanks Chris

[@scottb8252]

Love your videos gene, watched who knows how many... And not one cuss word! Love that I can watch any video you make with my boys, and not have to worry about the language they might hear... 2 thumbs up man!

[@Flukemaster]

+scott b You will never hear it. I have four kids and they watch all my videos. I practice what I preach to them.

[@callaseter4811]

😄👍🏻🙏💕

[@mikeguyot7187]

Great video, I down size to 3/8 or 1/4 flippin weights for my T-rigs. Also bought some punch skirts. Works great with beaver style baits. Your advice is money again.

[@Flukemaster]

+mike guyot I do the exact same thing. It has taken the place of the traditional Texas Rig for me.

[@陳宇-o5y]

Nice tips.I use the same tungsten weight.

[@Flukemaster]

+陈宇 Thanks

[@nastradamir]

this is going to help a lot! great video!

[@Flukemaster]

+nastradamir Thanks

[@gkarjala]

Inspiring. You GOT this stuff Gene, thx for sharing with us.

[@Flukemaster]

+gkarjala LOL. Thanks man

[@scrobtimusprime]

Great vid. I was rooting for you to pull a monster out of that slop.

[@Flukemaster]

+BeginnerBudgetBass I know. I've been trying to get that on video for over a year and finally just gave up trying and made the video.

[@charlieg6615]

great video

[@Flukemaster]

+Charlie likes FB Thanks Charlie

[@6_fiteen_21]

Great Info Bro.

[@davidshellhaas1730]

Great video!!--Thanks Gene!

[@Flukemaster]

+David Shellhaas Thanks David

[@seizedcarcass8440]

Punching is something I want to really get good with. I don’t pitch and flip heavy cover enough but I think the biggest issue is i don’t use a straight shank. I’ve recently decided to try them out since I can’t get out of the snags with an EWG as well. I also have really shallow water and it’s rarely over 7 feet.

[@jonathanlatham6577]

As always Gene I love the video. The Vile Craw is by far my confidence bait. I ordered some Black with Blue Flake like you recommended on face book. Hopefully BioSpawn comes out with a new product soon.

[@Flukemaster]

+Jonathan Latham They just did. The started selling the 6.5 inch plasmatail last week. I've been waiting on it for nearly 9 months.

[@jonathanlatham6577]

Ya I remember you mentioning something about that in the MTB Pro Slam. Speaking of worms you should do a Wacky rig worm video!!!

[@bradreid6057]

Excellent, as usual, Gene. On the 65 lbs. braid selection, that, and a 7'11" rod (lever) . . . Archimedes would argue, if he were alive, that you couldn't, even though you look like a strong man, create anything even remotely close to 65 lbs. of up lift pressure at the tip of your rod which would be approximately 7' away from your hands. Try to lift even a 25 lbs. barbell plate off your garage floor for a test. So, is it more about stouter line and extra abrasion resistance? Otherwise, wouldn't something much lighter, say 20 lbs. work just as well? Brad

[@Flukemaster]

+Brad Reid I've actually broken 20lb braid flipping hydrilla. It just can't handle the shock of the hookset and the punishment that heavy sinker puts on it.

[@ejzabojnik834]

Brad, try using 20# test braid punching thick grass and report back how well that worked out for you..

[@lilk911001]

Brad he did mention the fact in the video, he did say that it is overkill but when your fishing in matted grass like that it's not just the fish your catching it's potentially 30lbs of grass on top of that aswell

[@drive4fiveoutdoors527]

great video Gene id like to live stream one day once i get my videos up with john and flair

[@Flukemaster]

+drive4five outdoors Thanks

[@johnathanhodges7673]

awesome vid Gene really cleared up a lot of my questions. Gene have you tried kietch baits if not you should thanks Gene

[@Flukemaster]

+Johnathan Hodges I have. I use their swimbaits often.

[@fishingempire8636]

Great Information!

[@Flukemaster]

+FishingEmpire Thanks

[@Poffer021]

great video gene thanks for the tips

[@Flukemaster]

+Fishing with Kyle the bass attacker Thanks Kyle

[@joshuamacias8714]

nice vid you should use a black and blue jig

[@danielgomes-ur3rm]

I like punching a black and blue jig in Lilly pads

[@Flukemaster]

+joshua macias It wouldn't have made it through those mats.

[@danielgomes-ur3rm]

Dam those matts where that thick

[@rippnlippsfishing5555]

hey Gene u need to make a vidio on how you position your gopros

[@stephenholloway4040]

Always good to learn something new. Just wondering how this rig would work in coon tail moss, lily pads and dollar pads. I fish Banks Lake a couple times a year near Valdosta GA, some of the hardest fishing I have ever encountered due to the combination of cover. Will try the Punch and see how it goes. Have you ever made a video in this type cover?

[@Flukemaster]

+stephen holloway No I sure haven't

[@stevelafrate1968]

Im new to kayak fishing and did it on the cheap, which means that when the wind is up on the main portion of Lake St Clair I'm stuck in the back water areas . They get choked with vegetation as the summer advances. Thanks to this video, I still have pretty productive outings. Lunkers are elusive but the volume is there. So thanks!

[@miguelalvarez1155]

65 pd braid.thats some tuff stuff. didn't you use that stuff like an anchor on your hobbycat. a few videos back. lol

[@Flukemaster]

+Miguel Alvarez LOL. That stuff was mono and a lot thicker than the braid. :P

[@1william89]

Would work from the shore as we'll from the boat? Being a shore guy until the day I get a boat, wondering if it would be tougher rippin em through all the grass back to the shore.?Appreciate the videos learning every time I watch!

[@TylerWardFishing]

can you do a review on the omen and concept reels

[@Flukemaster]

+Tyler Ward (BassLife) I'll do that as soon as I have fished them a little longer.

[@cybacto2904]

Another great video. I really like your instructional videos. Question: Do you have any experience with punching "Water Cover" plants, aka "Dollar Bonnet" plants? A lake I intend to fish somewhat on a "regular" basis has gobs of it. The water is stained, so I can't see if there is even space underneath for bass to hide and swim in.

[@cybacto2904]

Ooops, sorry, that's "Water Shield", not "Water Cover".

[@Flukemaster]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHXHmZmml7SfadE

[@alwaysfishing3977]

thanks for the punch rig for bass and can you punch a zoom baby brush hog and wall work

[@rippingbass8604]

Mr. Fluke Master You are the best. Sincerely William

[@Flukemaster]

+William Toews Thanks William

[@BubbaBassAnglers]

Nice!

[@Flukemaster]

+Bubba Bass Anglers Thanks

[@johnathanhodges7673]

Yeah Gene there impact fat is a great swim bait hey maybe do a review on them just an idea thanks gene

[@elscrappo1395]

Gene i have an idea for you. If you wanna punch grass you gotta come to florida. Im not joking on this, every lake has matts and they are all really thick. Most matts are miles long and shallow so it's more fun to fish.

[@Flukemaster]

+Swag Monie!! I plan on it very soon.

[@elscrappo1395]

+Flukemaster Awesome! That could be a great video idea too.

[@elscrappo1395]

+Flukemaster P.S if you do come down, watch out with that Georgia hat you might get some gator fans hatin on it haha.

[@trolos22]

Great video, very informative, enjoyed it👍

[@Flukemaster]

+‫בלוג הדייג של טרולוס‬‎ Thanks

[@americanman6347]

Best video yet. I think I'm gonna be able to tie a snell knot now. Thanks so much Gene

[@Flukemaster]

+Robert Grasso Thanks Robert

[@jaredgrigsby284]

Would this work with a big egg sinker

[@Flukemaster]

+Jared Grigsby Probably not as good in the thick stuff.

[@marcusyoung2870]

Great video Mr. Gene, but I have one question. Why you no use a spinnerbait along the weed line? I was getting the spinnerbait vibe the entire video.

[@Flukemaster]

+Marcus Young LOL. Because the subject of this video was punching. I did toss a chatterbait around after if finished. :)

[@Bigdaddy19714]

Hey Flukemaster! Just wanted to say thanks for making this video. It gave me the courage to punch and surf some pads at one of my favorite fishing spots. I wasn't catching g much so figured what do I have to lose. After working at it for about 30 min I ended up catching my PB bass which isn't that big being I've only been fishing again for a short time. I call him George and he was about 3-3.5lbs. Slice then I've upgraded that to a 4lber.

[@shawnleonard7855]

This is what I love about your channel. If I want to get your take on something - for example today it's punching - you seem to have a detailed video in your library that I can access. Great stuff. I hope your businesses continues to grow.

[@TheBassTortoise]

Good Deal right here! Thanks Man!

[@chrisinkansas1362]

Love this video Gene, punching and just flipping and pitching is my bread and butter! Explained the technique to a T. Great video bossman!!

[@Flukemaster]

+Chris Beemer Thanks Chris

[@robertlou]

Great video gene! quick question, what do you think about the jika rig? thoughts maybe video? keep up the good work!

[@Flukemaster]

+Lou Lou I like it. I've been fishing it a little bit. I need to sit down and work on an outline for a video about it.

[@robertlou]

+Flukemaster That would be cool! I made a few the last night, I'm looking forward to trying them out. I'm using 2 #3 split rings on 3/0 or 4/0 ewg hooks. We'll see how they work.

[@Adventures101.]

Do you have a newer video out with newer equipment and lures and hooks for more recent? Pretty sure I'm gonna start punching this year. Thank you.

[@Flukemaster]

Nope.... Wow, I can't believe I haven't done another one in the past 9 years. The time of the year that we punch isn't until October and November. I'll try to remember to do another one that's updated.

[@SendIt2121]

Great video gene. I am confused tho when do you use the punch skirt. do the punch skirts need different tungsten weights?

[@Flukemaster]

I use the punch skirt when I'm looking for a bigger bite due to the bigger profile of the rig. They don't need different weights.

[@michaeljostworth2641]

When you use a punch rig would using a swivel up the leader help with possible line twist?

[@Flukemaster]

You don't get a lot of line twist with a baitcaster

[@barnes80]

Cut R Worm is the name of it. Great video Gene. Love your stuff. I used those H2O Xpress weights too

[@Flukemaster]

Thanks Eric

[@jacobandjayce6100]

Man I'm so glad you did this topic! Great job fluke

[@Flukemaster]

+fish wizard Thanks

[@thurstonabcde2164]

what is your favorite brand of trolling motor mine is motor guide

[@Flukemaster]

+Thurston Abcde21 I have had both major brands and I like both of them.

[@yohkodevilhunter8292]

Gene. I have watched a lot of your videos, but don't recall any instructions on how/where to set your boat based on the area you're fishing. How far from the grass edge do you set your boat? Or if you throw a buoy marker; How far from the marker will you try to be on your boat?

[@bassbrains]

Thanks for the sound advice, Gene. I really enjoyed this vid. Recommending it to my fishing mates.

[@Flukemaster]

+Craig Watson Thanks Craig

[@Phiire]

Gene, thanks for taking the time to do this man! There is always good information here! I appreciate it!

[@Flukemaster]

+David Alcantar You're welcome David.

[@nickschwarzenberg4462]

Hey Fluke, do you ever (or did you used to) reuse soft plastics? Not specifically for punching put in general. I would assume the plastics would lose some of their scent or whatever they put on them but i wouldn't know. Thanks, great vid as always.

[@Flukemaster]

+Nick Schwarzenberg I don't reuse them. sorry

[@stevey3491]

my way to fish the thick cover is throw a frog to locate fish, if it is real thick cover 9 times out of 10 the fish will miss the frog (get a mouth full of grass unless the fish is real big), then throw a punch rig to the blow up spot, works good for me

[@Flukemaster]

+steve y (madfrog) I like it. There is nothing like a good follow up bait for any topwater miss.

[@samvanfishing2110]

If you are punching with an offset hook, not a flippin hook, should you still tie a snell not?

[@Noah-vj9vy]

Yes

[@okiefish7066]

looks like you got you a new boat there fluke.

[@Flukemaster]

+okiefish 70 Yep. I've had it for about 4 months. I love it.

[@micahdickens6618]

if I use that knot will it help me improve my hook ups on all my other rigs

[@davidcybuck221]

I would say there is benefit to using that knot anytime a sliding weight is going to be knocking up against the knot over and over. I wouldn't say the knot helps hookups, id say that leverage of the hook against the weight does...and id reserve that for a straight shank hook (like a flipping hook).

[@Grogers70426]

I love the Snell knot bc of the higher chance of a hookset. I'll use it on my Texas rig and sometimes even when I'm out for panfish I'll use it. I started using it after I put on a Snell leader to my main line and realized that I wasn't losing as many fish as the people I was with that were using a palamor or improved clinch. Love the Snell

[@gregorymacmullan8310]

Great video!! Keep em up! I have one question that is actually not related to fishing....who wins, Bama or Dawgz?? And how are you liking the 13 fishing gear?

[@Flukemaster]

+Gregory MacMullan I think the Dawgs will take it by at least 10

[@Flukemaster]

+Gregory MacMullan The the new rods and reels are pretty sick.

[@gregorymacmullan8310]

Heck yeah they will! Ok.

[@FISHANE84]

Good info on the snell knot Gene!

[@publicpursuitoutdoorsmattp5377]

Gene, you say in this video that you will use this rig in place of a Texas rig, but i ve heard you say before that when Texas rigging you don't peg the weight due to it getting in the way of the hookset. does the Snell not eliminate that?

[@publicpursuitoutdoorsmattp5377]

+flukemaster i apologize I seen that on wired2fish. How do you feel about peging a weight when it comes to hookups

[@obs_fabian]

Great video!!!! dont tell me you didnt throw a frog over those mats...

[@Flukemaster]

+Fabian Rodriguez LOL. I did but there was no sign of any life in that grass.

[@bryanharper9669]

This is my 1st year really fishing and I've watched most of your videos. They are so helpful and instructive. On top of that they're easy to watch because you come off as so genuine. Keep it up and thank you

[@ruifernandes1792]

Amazing video Gene!!! All the info needed is there. Thanks!

[@ghuston1786]

Another great video fluke, keep up the good work

[@Flukemaster]

+g Huston Thanks

[@rslim5]

I tied a palomar knot that explains why I missed all my fish. Do palomar knots make the hook sets go backwards as well?

[@scottwilder7485]

This guy is a genius!!great video and understandable explanations

[@samkalter4520]

should you use 65 pound braid and the same equipment if your punching pads?

[@itumblers]

Good ole Gene Genson!

[@bassraider8105]

could I use the same set up were there is Lilly pads I have a lake that's heavy Lilly pads real thick

[@Coryobryan]

Getting a bunch of no8 rods what action and length and heavy should I get for cranking, jigging, and finesse fishing

[@Flukemaster]

+lilcory69 Finesse Rod - 7ft ML Spinning, Cranking 7' M Moderate, Jigs, 7'3" MH Casting.

[@Coryobryan]

+Flukemaster thank you I sure do appreciate it! Heading down to guntersville oct. 16

[@denelvo]

"Dropping bombs" is what it's sometimes called.

[@Flukemaster]

+denelvo That's right. Ish Monroe penned that phrase.

[@randallrandolph4977]

What about a tube ?

[@fidelcordova9374]

youre good man . why dont you compete

[@bassin_with_keith]

Gene, Have you had much luck punching hydrilla on Clarks Hill? Just curious if this was an effective technique on this lake, I've only fished this lake for about 2 years now and haven't tried punching yet but I've been wanting to give it a try. Btw, that's the same cove where I launch my boat! Great video btw!

[@nealatthecrossfishing]

Keith andBecky I’ve never seen a mat on Clarks Hill and I’ve been fishing it for the better part of my 44 years (as long as I can remember of my life). If you know where there at, could you let me know please, I’d appreciate it greatly! I’ve been wanting to try punching myself!

[@bloodgang2374]

down here in louisiana we have dark water so does that mean use a darker bait?

[@bloodgang2374]

+Omar Ortega thanks i always thought it was opposite

[@danielvulaj1463]

Thank you for this great information, where I live the ponds are absolutely covered in grass from end to end I can't wait to try punching

[@johnlemaire4201]

if your fishing in 70 degree water would you use chatterbaits in the fall

[@Flukemaster]

+John Lemaire sure

[@240LTS]

Great video! It was like I was in the boat with you. Didn't have a problem with the audio. Sounded very clear to me. What camera and mic are you using? I'd like to get a mic for my GoPros. Jeff 240 LTS .

[@Flukemaster]

Thanks Jeff

[@collinsaunderson9225]

Hi l have question if you punching in lily's and the water is clear do you use a leader line or straight braid. Thanks

[@granthenderson2146]

so do you think that the heavy dead mats create a warmer pocket due to insulation, or do you think it's creating heat through composting? just a thought.

[@fayemurphy8974]

Do you insert your tungsten?

[@Noah-vj9vy]

+Dalton Scales-Conklin He posted a video about that. He told me personally that you don't have to but he does it anyway.

[@haidendill7905]

I live on chikamauga lake

[@Chief_Kevin]

Would you recommend the snell knot the t-rig?

[@Flukemaster]

+Kevin Beachy Not on a regular wide gap worm hook. Only on the straight shank ones.

[@okiefish7066]

and sponsor as well!

[@brucemillard8123]

punching with a straight tail worm works well. only have to use like a 1/2oz or 3/4 oz weight to get through.

[@Jbomb17542]

What's your take on punch skirts?

[@kylebuschfan1832]

Thank you for the techniques

[@ryanlane1519]

Can't find the right rod for sale online, you can't get it from 13 fishings website. Where do I need to look?

[@Chris-yv9qn]

Where did you get your alumacraft hoodie

[@Flukemaster]

+Christopher Giordano At the Alumacraft Pro Staff Conference.

[@HunterGrayBASSASSASSINZTV]

23:44 It's called the Cut-r-worm

[@thomasrhim6141]

Hey Gene. I use this set up quite a bit as well but often times I find the fish getting spooked very easily as soon as my bait hits the water. I'm not casting but simply pitching and flipping into heavy grass cover . I can see some of the fish swimming off rather then observing the bait. Is there any tip or tick you have to fix this?