What's the deal with the FREE RIG for bass fishing???

Let's have a quick chat about the FREE rig! What is it? What tackle do you need? How do you fish it??
Tackle in this video:
Megabass P5 Windbuster: tackletrap.com...
Ichikawa Muscle Wide Gap Hook: omnia.direct/B...
BassTEK Tungsten Free Weight: omnia.direct/L...
XZone Muscle Back Finesse Craw: omnia.direct/W...
Strike King Menace Grub: omnia.direct/G...
Deps Bull Flat: omnia.direct/3...
Follow me on Instagram! / punchfishing
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Get 15% off at OMNIA Fishing with code: OMPUNCH4RS5Y
omnia.direct/o...
Get 10% off at The Tackle Trap with code: PUNCH10
www.tackletrap.com
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[@Tbowie13]

We did that walleye fishing 30 yrs ago, but we used little colored floats that look like a capsule 💊 and leaches, worms or minnows. We sick a toothpick in the hole of the capsule float to keep it in place and it would float your bait up off the bottom when walleye were suspended a foot or two off the bottom. It worked great!

[@Sagittarius.534]

Greetings. I really liked your rigging method. I usually fish with a simple jig. I'll definitely try it this fishing season. and judging by the posters on the wall, you, like me, are a Star Wars fan.

[@KissmyBasss]

Tried it yday with success. From the fish perspective it feels weightless and they do run a long ways fast if you are pickn your nose. You filled in some blanks for me on weight size, thanks!

[@barryhowell9]

I found it more effective when I lift the rig from the bottom, at the apex of my lift I drop the rod tip as fast as possible so that the weight hits the bottom as fast as it can without causing any drag from the lure. Then when it hits the bottom (if I haven’t been bit) I’ll hop it a few times then repeat, but most importantly is dropping that rod tip as quickly as possible

[@kayakfishingforpredators9107]

Thanks for the explanation. Walleye fishermen know this technique for decades and they use a hockey-stick shaped weight originally.

[@Tbowie13]

Lindy weight/rig

[@pineomt]

Nice tutorial. Thanks. Consider adding a “Quick Shot Clip” from Great Lakes Finesse for convenience when changing weights.

[@PunchFishing]

Great idea!

[@hookfynn82]

6 and 7 inch fat roboworm has been a killer for me as of late. out west we do a lot of worming/shaking and it gives it a little different presentation for counter all the other people doing it. also a huge fan of the daiwa neko fat over the senko.

[@jaypark6004]

I was catching fish this past week on the free rig with a keitech krazy flapper. They were hammering it

[@aarongreenlee7867]

I have been hearing more about the free rig lately. Great video and explanation on all of it. I will definitely try it!

[@PunchFishing]

It's fun to play around with!

[@diggy561]

This is all that I fish, I don't even Texas rig anymore. I also use some baits that float up off the bottom so muck isn't a problem for the most part.

[@PunchFishing]

What is your setup and what baits do you like to toss?

[@michaelloucks4448]

Hey Brian thanks for the video you know what I'm going to use a floating bait good video I see Alot of guys useing the free rig on baitcasting equipment and I would much rather use a spinning outfit God bless you and your family. Ps have a nice fishing season this year.

[@PunchFishing]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@simplyscholar21]

Strike King Magnum Rage Bug. Going to try this technique this spring with them. Last year I mojo rigged it and hammered the smallies. The downside is it's hard to get distance on a cast without it windmilling. Think this might be just as effective, and easier to cast.

[@PunchFishing]

that's a bait I didn't think to try! I have a buncha rage bugs.

[@simplyscholar21]

@@PunchFishing smallies up here love the blue craw color. Can't beat the action, I like them on chatterbaits too.

[@Putaspellonyou]

Bobber stops are a good idea. I've used clear glass or black beads for years.

[@texbassman681]

I actually have the Free Rig tied on; didn’t throw it last tournament; fish were caught primarily on a 3.5” tube and jerkbait; my guess, fish in Texas aren’t used to seeing a tube.

[@simplyengineering2350]

But they are used to it. They love the tube worms. Texas Rig/Free Rig (same thing) works well with all soft plastics.

[@TMVBassin]

i just snell to protect the knot

[@PunchFishing]

That's a great idea!

[@Daniel-tu7fp]

How much does the weight actually weight vids are awesome btw bro keep it up

[@Quids999]

Been waiting for this vid 🔥🔥

[@paulmontes4943]

Great video good information, just started using the free rig myself fun technique for sure....

[@nicholasmoen3244]

See lots of comments about walleye guys doing this with live bait. But has anyone tried it with plastics? Sounds like it should work well!

[@czykrepublic4323]

What's the benefit of this rig versus an unpegged texas rig? The drop shot weight doesn't get hung up as much as a 1/4 oz bullet weight would? It sounds like you fish them both the same.

[@PunchFishing]

No major difference, this is just a light line/finesse version.

[@mysero1188]

@@PunchFishing watch shin fukae talk about free rig , basically a carolina rig fall in pendulum but free rig fall straight .so free rig near structure is better because if a bass is at the bottom of that structure you can get him .. hope you understand what i mean ... my english is not that good !

[@joshuadennis9400]

You probably dont care but if you are stoned like me during the covid times then you can watch pretty much all of the new series on InstaFlixxer. Been streaming with my gf for the last weeks =)

[@charliegerald1094]

@Joshua Dennis Yup, have been watching on InstaFlixxer for since november myself :D

[@Shurmash]

Because the weight hits the bottom faster it lets the lure suspended for a longer time. It's not just for finesse presentations. You can use it on a baitcaster as well.

[@HellaBass]

Do you think high float plastics like Xzone out perform heavy salt baits like senko and help create the separation and slow fall because of the higher buoyancy?

[@PunchFishing]

that's a very good question! I got bites on the craw and a 4" senko. I know in Japan they tend to free rig with salted baits over floating stuff. I do know when I got around fish that were heavily feeding on Crayfish, the Xzone craw got a lot of bites. I would imagine any craw, floating or non, would have gotten their attention equally? I think ideally you want that slow natural fall that you get with salted.. but who knows. Free rigging is kind of a blank canvas.

[@Twangtown7]

MLF pro Shin Fukae fished the Free Rig on a 7'2" med-heaving baitcasting setup.

[@PunchFishing]

Shins been talking about the free rig for many years

[@xCruZChaos]

Ah yes, "rigging" as we call it up here in walleye country. Caught more giant walleyes pulling these around with giant leeches than I can count. I had no idea bass guys start doing this with their plastics. Honestly it's a very enjoyable way to fish, so I can see this picking up big time in coming years.

[@simplyengineering2350]

Here in Texas we've been doing this for as long as I've known. Personally I've been doing it for more than 20 years for bass. Doesn't matter wich style weight you use as long as it slides. Some prefer tear drop weights over bullet weights tho.

[@iamalemontree]

Great video! Do ya pop the rod up or slowly lift it up brother?

[@TMVBassin]

will have to try those xzones, been using the bullflats, also want to try the new slimmer flat don't remember what it's called

[@toddlester8063]

Question... with the weights you mention and the hooks you mention... is there a reason not to throw this on a medium or MH baitcaster with 10 or 12lb line? Seems like it might be more appropriate? 🤔

[@nawinchester]

Thank you ! Informative video. Great content as always. You getting close to open water??

[@PunchFishing]

ice is mostly gone as of today!

[@nawinchester]

@@PunchFishing Lucky, we are still waiting. I drive to my area lakes about twice per week to see where things stand. I think one more week, and we will be good to go in my region. Likely three more weeks 1 hour north of me, which is where I really want to fish....

[@albingranlund8283]

Defenitly going to try the free rig for som perch! I fish alot of highly pressured waters so anything different is good.

[@simplyengineering2350]

Funny how people used to call it Texas rig. Somehow it gets more hype as "The New Japanese Free Rig" tho. Leave it to youtubers to Milk that Hype.

[@Edward-ci8yl]

G lock is my favorite

[@wills.fishing1071]

Maybe a technique for my new 7’3” victory? I’m gonna start with the two “Bass Casting Sinkers” from eagle claw I have lying around

[@PunchFishing]

YES! Free rig would rock on the 7'3 Victory

[@catchingfishjones]

Sounds and looks cool, it's basically a Texas rig with a different weight set up though right?

[@PunchFishing]

Yup!

[@pprice01]

Great video as always Brian. Maybe it’s me, but all I see is a Texas rig. Weight slides freely on the line above the hook. Even the underwater comparisons don’t seem to show much of a difference. I’ve tried them in my pool and can’t see anything all that unique. What am I missing?

[@PunchFishing]

it's not really any different.. just a finesse version

[@ewwee2k]

Thank you for the video. Be sure to let us know how the Megabass Rock Hog does as Free Rig Bait. Is that OSP Dolive stick ll or the regular one? Also have you used a Dolive Fat? Thanks

[@PunchFishing]

Yes, it's the regular 3.5" dolive stick. I bought a BUNCH of Rock Hogs so I'll be tossing them this spring. Follow my Instagram for updates on that bait.

[@marcanzlovar72]

Awesome Brian, what’s your thoughts on Z Man, 4” trd

[@PunchFishing]

in what regards?

[@shawntitsworth4878]

What’s your thought on doing this technique with casting gear?

[@PunchFishing]

100% can be done! Just use an appropriate hook for the line size & rod power.

[@fishing_amy]

I’ll try it tonight

[@contraknight]

Can you use a medium light spinning rod for free rigging?

[@PunchFishing]

I don't see why not, you may want to use a lighter wire hook & a lighter weight though.

[@andrescruz9448]

So like an unpegged Texas rig?

[@PunchFishing]

Same principal yes! just lighter.

[@johnbutler307]

Thanks for the info.

[@PunchFishing]

You bet!

[@tristanwood2512]

Where did you get the 3000 size reel ? I'm waiting for the windbuster to come back into stock.

[@PunchFishing]

Omnia and Tackle Trap both have them in stock but you'll have to call. Use my codes to get a deal!

[@tristanwood2512]

@@PunchFishing Thank you. Will do

[@jessicabledsoe5678]

Can you use a bead instead of stop

[@PunchFishing]

absolutely!

[@Rbunton1987]

There’s under water video of a free rig vs Texas rig and they really fell no differently. Some say the free rig falls more vertical, but that video showed no difference. Kind of interesting!!

[@PunchFishing]

Yes, the techniques are basically the same. Tank testing doesn't really show off what the free-rig can do with the right bait though.

[@davidscales8614]

According to a couple of videos I watched, in rocky areas, the free rig won't snag as easily as a bullet weight, and when it does, it comes free easier because the direction of the line pull is more upward than with a bullet weight.

[@dajahvue]

The old Mango rig

[@bass_n_guitar_8682]

What about gika rig ?

[@gavinbutler4054]

Honestly how do you think a destroyer brigand would hold up for this?

[@PunchFishing]

Absolutely! Great rod for this technique.

[@davemccann3730]

Can you use a baitcasting rig? I hate spinning rig’s!

[@PunchFishing]

Of course!

[@palkaleska2uzla]

Correct video ✌

[@HBeretta]

Great vid man. I've been free rigging 5" senkos since I don't know when over all else. In fact I never texas rig senkos anymore. But lately, I've been free rigging dolive beavers and sticks...deps 3" bull flats and whatever else I see fit.

[@PunchFishing]

Right on! I need to free rig Senko's more

[@Texan1048]

The free rig- for those who don't get frustrated enough when their standard texas rig already gets hung up on everything.

[@samtheangler47]

That’s a Texas rig with a drop shot weight

[@hunterbull7804]

If you’re not free rigging a Megabass Gong, you’re doing it wrong!

[@PunchFishing]

🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@canga1299]

Griff is the man!

[@michaelloucks4448]

Hey hunter why is he doing it wrong tell me your thoughts I'm new to this technique. GOD bless you and your family

[@barryhowell9]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 guaranteed the Japanese have prolly tried that!

[@kyleanderson9453]

Are you panther now?

[@PunchFishing]

always!