What baits have you tried that have a big profile? i am looking for a punching bait to use with 1.5 oz tungten and punching skirt and also just on fluoro on a flipping stick with a pegged weight but wanted a big profile. Maybe these baits arent good for punching because of the size making it harder to get through a mat? Thoughts?

I use a 6" Gene Larew Hawg Craw, it's a big ole chunk of plastic but it slip through easily.

Jigs and craws man...jigs and craws

And beavers!!!!!!!

Can never go wrong with a big ol fat beaver type bait. I use the RI Sweeet Beaver in heavy matted cover.

A regular sized brush hog in open holes or areas.

Mike

I don't use this technique, but a 5" tube like NetBait has, on a pegged punching weight sounds like it'd fit the bill for you.  The profile is ideal for following a big weight through a mat of vegetation and it imitates both crawfish and shad. Although most of the tube's built in action will be lost, it's still something the fish don't often see.

D bomb with a punch skirt to make the profile bigger

x2 on beavers or Dbombs b/c they don't have craws that tear off

I'd say the D-Bombs, they have a big profile look even though they are only 4".  The punch skirt will give you a bigger profile as well, but punching I try to stay as compact as possible.

Full sized brush hog or a bigger mad paca. Rage lobster is good too but it's not that big.

Berkley makes bigger 5 inch versions of the Chigger Craw and Pit Boss. Those seem like they would be a good fit. 

My favorites are the Space Monkey, Hawg, Bug, and Lobster. 

I have used the 5" Pit boss's with some success. Couple of high tournament finished last year with them. Most people won't throw a bait that big around here, and I don't usually either, but when the fishing gets tough and every one is downsizing, I will up-size for a little bit to show them something different and it has worked.

Reaction Innovations Double Wide Beaver

Had luck with the zoom horny toad as flipping bait.

Reaction Innovations Double Wide Beaver

Mmmm, Ive seen those but never used them.

Something to think about, thanks for mentioning.

Mike

Thanks everyone, some great suggestions there!