Mike L

When punching I use either a RI Sweet Beaver or a Rage Bug only. If I need the heaviest of weights (1oz-2oz) I grab the beaver first as it will penetrate easier. When using a lighter punch weight down to 3/4, I like the bug better because once it gets through and I start working it, I want the added action compared to the beaver as it won’t be affected as much going through. You assume correct. You are completely out gunned using a spinning rod with 8 lb line. Keep that stuff for your most finessey of presentations. I use 2 different combos for the thickest stuff, 4 carrier 80# and 65# original Power Pro. You certainly don’t need the 80#, and it’s rare that I do. Over the years it’s just become a confidence thing for me. When I asked a well known pro while Marshaling an Elite event one time why he does his answer was “Why not!” No, I wouldn’t assume they won’t be anywhere including thick reed fields. There most likely will be open or at least thinner patches surrounded by the thicker areas that you need to look for and saturate, using different angles of presentations. Personally I love punching hydrilla first, then hyacinth. When not punching, my most effective presentations are swimming a Magnum Speed Worm or Rage Cut R through eel and Kissimmee grasses including over and through thick pad fields after always trying a frog first. But I’m always looking for the heaviest and thickest ares of grass and pads first. When not sight or bed fishing that’s where the big girls live most of the time when you can find them. Mike

I wouldn’t have it anyway way. The more grass, weeds or any type of vegetation is just fine with me. And the thicker the better! Mike

Audi Q5 Mike

Yeah Buddy!! Its hot and steaming down here like most of the country this summer, but it’s Every Day down here with no real relief until October. September can be as oppressive as July and August Plus, being that the first wave of bedding fish can start in early to mid November, I’m all ready for it to begin. Mike

Whatever’s on my phone. When fishing a tournament more than about 50 miles from home I access the local weather reporting agency. Be it local radio or that areas county Emergency Services extension office. Mike

I hate deep clear water! Here in Florida your equipment, bait choices, locations and presentations are more defined. If you know where and how to look for the “best” areas to fish relatively shallow stained water, the ability to target shoot your presentations while covering water can greatly increase your chances of success. Mike

Shimano Curado E7 Mike

In club tournaments we always have a voluntary side pot for the heaviest and a “trash” fish. Give me a set of dice, a table and leave me alone! I play poker with the same friends every 3 months for the past 20yrs. But I only do it for the participation, cooperation and stimulating conversation!! Mike

Ditto It’ll be awhile Mike

In my opinion 50# or 65# braid is neither a hinderance or unwarranted in the waters I fish in the majority of the time. There are times in specific locations that I with I had brought my combo spooled with 80#. Can a bass hear it being pulled through the water? Can she see it as it drops in front of her? And If so, does it make her turn away only because of it? Nobody really knows for sure. But one thing I do know, not once did I give any thought or concern that I put myself at a disadvantage because of the sight or sound my line could possibly make going through the water. Mike

Dobyns Kaden 715 Mike

It happens…. You’ll get it Just practice, ask questions and practice more. Mike

Happy Birthday Pal! Enjoy Your Day Mike

@Darth-Baiter Excellent Video! Watch the whole thing especially from 10:20 to 12:20. Obviously said it better than I could Thanks @Catt for finding it. Mike

Yep Sometimes that’s the only way to get through. At my last trip to Okeechobee 2 weeks ago the heaviest weight I had was an 1 1/2 oz and still had to bring it up above me standing on the deck to get through. OP Just another thought… All a punch is, is a pitch or flip with a weight heavy enough to penetrate or “punch” through. That’s why a heavier rated rod with heavy line enough to accommodate the weight is needed. A longer handle just makes life easier. I cast and reel right handed and make subsequent deliveries with my left also, but only up to 3/4oz weights. For 1oz to 2oz weights I pitch right and reel right only. Mike

No There is cause and effect on most things and not matching a rod a reel to fit what you need is one. A balanced setup with everything matched as close as you can is one thing, but learning how to do it efficiently is another. If your friend is not having the same physical problem as you watch what he does or any other fishing friends you may have. Another option is to watch some videos made by professionals instead of the commercial you tube crowd. Mike

I’m one of them. I would rather punch, flip and pitch all day, which I do more times than not, than any other presentation. It’s rare that I would need a 2oz weight but there are times. If you’re worn out and physically beat up as you describe either your equipment, technique or both needs to be changed. Yes, a longer handle will help with the leverage you need, that’s the first thing you need to change. With a short handle you’re forcing your wrist, forearm and lower back to do all the work instead of the rod just to get it in the water!! No reason to be effected so much as you describe. Mike

SDJ for fluorocarbon Palomar for braid Snell for bottom contact Don’t use leaders Mike

Everything I own can be used for something else. My punch and weightless set ups are the only 2 that I use almost exclusively for each of those, but in pitch they’ll work for a few other things Mike

I use cheap mono backing on every reel regardless of what the mainline will be. Mike

Brake cleaner Rubbing compound (very lightly) Mike

Also, Make sure you’re putting it on with tension and use your fingers to follow the level wind as it moves back and forth. If still does it just pull off enough line to get it even and then ..see above. Mike

You both benefited and are satisfied with the result. Can’t be wrong when that happens Mike

Ditto Mike

I gotta start using those things more! Mike