Catching big bass in thick vegetation is hard, selecting the right gear and knowing a few of these tricks will get you farther. KVD breaks it all down for you right here.
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Bass are naturally drawn to thick vegetation. When I’m fishing, I focus on vegetation that creates shade, whether it’s thick bulrushes, phragmites like the ones behind me, or even eelgrass or coontail gathered against a seawall corner.
When I spot matted vegetation on the surface—like hydrilla or milfoil—my go-to setup is a punching rig. Here’s the gear I rely on for this technique:
- Rod: Greg Hackney Signature Series 7 1/2 ft flipping stick.
- Line: 65-pound braid.
- Reel: A high-speed model like the Hyper Mag.
- Hook: A 3/0 Mustad Alpha Point flipping hook.
- Weight: A 3/4 oz or 1 oz weight, depending on the density of the vegetation, ensuring it easily punches through the cover.
For bait, I use the Strike King Rage Punch Bug, specifically designed for this technique. The bait features small ribs that protect the hook point, preventing it from snagging on grass, wood, or other cover. This design allows for seamless presentations and efficient hook sets in dense cover.
Why Unpegged Weights Work Best
A tip I picked up from seasoned anglers is to leave the weight unpegged. This allows it to slide freely along the line, moving around reeds and phragmites with ease. This unpegged setup enhances your ability to navigate dense vegetation while maintaining precision.
How to Execute the Punching Technique
The process is straightforward but requires repetition:
- Pitch the rig into thick vegetation.
- Let the weight punch through the cover as you tight-line it down.
- Jig the bait a few times before lifting it out.
- Repeat the process in nearby spots.
Think of it like a bowling ball—you’re making multiple presentations in dense, shaded areas to maximize your chances of finding bass. This technique isn’t just effective for numbers; it’s also a proven way to catch big fish hiding deep in the cover.
Punching is all about persistence and precision, making it an essential technique for any angler looking to dominate in heavy vegetation.
