I have never done punching, and I was wondering if I would need a sensitivity rod for that.

 

I am a bank fisherman. Is there a good rod for punching from the bank?

 

I have a Daiwa Tatula elite 7’1 HF rod that I used for frogging, and I was wondering if it’s good for punching. The rod is rated up to 1.5oz.

 

thanks!

I don't have much experience with punching. This will be my first season where I really work on the technique. I would think that a sensitive rod is very important. That being said, your tatula elite is a good punching rod. I'll actually be using a rod with similar specs to yours, a mojo bass 7'4 H/F. However, most rods marketed towards punching have a Mod/Fast taper and are 7'6-8'0 in length. That's not 100% necessary imo. From the bank, a longer rod would be a lot more cumbersome. Much easier to punch with a shorter rod from the bank. Unless you've got some cash burning a hole in your pocket, I see no point in picking up a whole new rod. 

Just have to be careful not to pull it away from them when you're punching. Not very often do I have a bass drop the bait when I'm punching. I think it's because they're in that thick stuff where they feel safe and completely focused on eating. You don't want a dead stick, but it doesn't have to be a $500 ultra sensitive blank either.

 

I haven't used that rod but IMO, you want a long rod to lift the fish as straight out of the cover as possible when you're punching, not drag them through it. I use a 7' 11" Okuma Matt Daddy and it works great for it.

I flip-pitch-punch from the bank a lot, my weapon of choice is a Lew's TP1B74H; 7'4" Heavy Fast.

 

Like @Bluebasser86 mentioned ya wanna set hook, turn their head, & get em coming up all in one motion!

 

Your Tatula will be fine ?

I use a MegaBass OrochiXX Braillist.  

May switch to a Perfect Pitch though for a bit more backbone.

 

I fish from the bank a lot, more so then in a boat. A long rod can make it slightly more difficult then a short for carrying, and maneuvering around the water, but the benefits strongly outweigh the negatives in my opinion. A long rod helps you with addition leverage to hoist them out of the thick. It also allows for long flips to harder to reach places. I do believe there is a line. I feel 7’6” would be the ideal length from a bank, plus or minus an inch or two, but going to be trying a 7’11 this year from a bank and maybe my mind will change. In a boat a longer rods benefits only enhance (the addition height off the water, the much longer casts, way more leverage)