My local fishing hole holds good sized bass and grows over with cheese mats and grass. One day of laying into them with a punch rig and I’m all in as it’s super fun, sort of like ice fishing but with vegetation.

 

I was catching them on a BBB Fighting Frog and a Gambler Why Not. Anyone have any other  suggestions for plastics I’m missing out on? I always like to have a few options. TIA

Look at the Gambler BB Cricket too. Dont let the smaller size fool you.

Reaction innovations double wide beaver is my go to punch bait. 

Believe it or not but for the last 2 days on our trip to Okeechobee this year, I punched with a screw in worm weight and a Senko.  The thin profile of the Senko allowed it to slide through the vegetation like a hot knife through butter.   

My favorite punch bait is one not usually thought of for punching.  A Reaction Innovations, Skinny Dipper.  A guide on Lake Chapala Mexico introduced me to the technique using Skinny Dippers.

I use either a Rage bug or Sweet Beaver exclusively 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

Z-Man GOAT has been a productive punch bait.   

Jackall Archelon

Hollow body, and a hole for a rattle. 

6 hours ago, Mr. Bassin II said:

Z-Man GOAT has been a productive punch bait.   

I've had good luck with them this year as well.  

 

I also like the Berkley Pitboss, Rage Bug and Rage Menace, and the Big Bite Baits Yomoma.  

 

I've had good success with the Strike King Rage Punch Bug lately when I've been punching mats.

 

I've also used Sweet Beavers and Strike Kings Rage Bug and Denny Brauer Flipping Tube  in the past.

@Siebert Outdoors has Rage Punch Bugs 20% off right now. 

3 hours ago, 12poundbass said:

@Siebert Outdoors has Rage Punch Bugs 20% off right now. 

Yeah, I saw that. I might have to make an order!

9 minutes ago, PotatoLake said:

Yeah, I saw that. I might have to make an order!

Great guy and company to deal with. Check out his other goodies. 

Caught my only punch fish this year, so far, in April.  Punched green algae mats with a Max Scent Creature Hog.  It is a ton of fun!

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1 hour ago, Catt said:

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You read my mind, that’s my next thing I’m going to try. I have a 1 1/4 oz. punching jig I’m itching to use.

Thanks for all of those ideas. Perhaps you’ll see a bait monkey post someday soon with some of these suggestions making guest appearances.

I just got some of the Beast Coast Perfect Punch rigs to try out. They look sweet, can’t wait to try it out! I’m going to try Sweet Beaver, Creature Hawg, Vile Craw and BFE.

I don't do a ton of punching, but when I do, I like a compact bait without any flappy appendages. Gambler Cricket, Reins Ring Craw and a Smallie Beaver all do good for me. It still feels a little weird rigging a small bait on a heavy duty hook with a big weight, but it works

Punch Bug or Sweet Beaver

 

 

 

 

 

Mike