I fish a med size farmpond that has matted grass about 20 yards from bank to the bank. catching loads of fish but the prob im having is getting the through the grass. cant seem to get them to the top fast enough . when i get them to the grass the seem to digg into it and pull off. any thoughts im useing 7'2" heavy rod with 65# braid.

With a heavy rod and 65# braid you shouldn't have many problems IMO.

Just reel as fast possible. That's the only thing I can think of.

I had the same problem when I first started punching. If the mat is real thick you can actually tear their mouth trying to pull them through the mat. In this case you have to go in after them by reaching through the grass and lipping them.

It sounds like you have the right gear, what lures are you using? Lures with trebles are almost impossible for a bank fisher fishing matted grass. Lures with a single hook would be a bit easier.

When fishing matted vegetation you need to keep your presentation as near vertical as possible, 20 yards of grass is not nearly close enough to vertical; since bank fish you do not much choice but to lose a few fish. One option maybe a longer rod of 8-8 ½ ft. this will allow you to move the fish quicker.

Well it sounds like a place I fish. If there is not alge on the surface there is thick weeds under water. I fish that spot mostly with 12 lb suffix and a MH 6'9 Kistler rod match with a Curado. There are Many times were they go in to the grass.

There is a few things I do when I hook up. First I keep the rod tip up. Second I don't tighten my drag it is lose to were I control it with my thumb. I am not worried about a fish breaking my line. Third If the fish gos left to the weeds rod tip up to the right.

For me if the fish gos in to the weeds I will force it out. No matter what I will get it out. I have pulled many fish covered with 5 lbs of weeds from my spot.

Do you have a high speed reel? If you don't it would help you keep their head up so you can keep them moving over the top of the weeds. Just keep them up high and moving towards you as much as possible. Your rod and line choices sound good to me for the situation.

Do you have a high speed reel? If you don't it would help you keep their head up so you can keep them moving over the top of the weeds. Just keep them up high and moving towards you as much as possible. Your rod and line choices sound good to me for the situation.

I am useing 7:1 reel with a buzzbait they are hitting it right on edge of grass.

Any thoughts?

Chest Waders