Hey guys. I'm pretty new to the jig/trailer scene. I'm trying to figure out a few things that i cant get answers to. at least not from my hw.

Ive kind a sorted variety of 1/4-1/2 jigs, but it takes some force to get through some of the mats ive been trying to get to. Havent pulled one out yet. Am i spooking them? how to you cast into and through it? any suggestion would help.

also would you recommend something thick for a trailer like a beaver/hog versus something with good action like a ragetail craw when using this technique?

I have much better luck ditching the jig and just throwin a t-rigged plastic(chigger craw..cough..cough).  I use at least a 3/4 oz weight and up to 1 1/2 oz.  As far as getting it through the top layer, do whatever you gotta do.  I've had to toss my bait up 10-15 ft before to get through the mat.  If the mat is thick enough that you have to punch through, it's unlikely that you will spook many fish.

A jig is not the ideal bait for punching mats! A T-rigged craw(like the 4" Chigger Craw) is a much better choice. Also, you may want to step up to a 1oz or more Tungsten flippin' weight for better penetration.

Strange since I remember Lonnie Stanley designing ¾ oz jigs for Tommy Martin to punch Hydrilla on Toledo and Rayburn back in the early 70s.

Many anglers think a silent approach when fishing jigs in grass is the proper approach; by that I mean they want the jig to fall quietly through the grass and come through the grass cleanly. My approach is to be noisy, that is I want my jig to cause a disturbance by moving grass as it falls and when its coming though the grass.

I think of it like this, unless the bass is facing your jig as it enters the grass with the silent approach your jig will likely go unnoticed but create a little commotion and that bass will not only turn but swim towards your jig.

Terry Oldham's Eye-Max jig is one of the most effective grass jig made; couple it with a Rage Tail Lobster and you're good to go.

A jig is not the ideal bait for punching mats! A T-rigged craw(like the 4" Chigger Craw) is a much better choice. Also, you may want to step up to a 1oz or more Tungsten flippin' weight for better penetration.

Agreed, I like a craw or creature for punching mats way better than a jig.

a 3/4oz or 1oz jig will work for most weeds, but it's a lot less of a hassle if you just use a pegged 1oz or 1 1/2oz tru-tungsten weight. Less time spent pulling weeds off your jig, and more time spent fishing.

I agree with Catt, the past few months I have been doing a lot of punching. My better number days are on days that I make a lot of noise when dropping my bait in the weeds. Although my bigger fish have come with a more quiet entry.

Having a predetermined mindset that one lure is better than another will limit your success immensely.

What worked this morning may in fact not work this afternoon

Having a predetermined mindset that one lure is better than another will limit your success immensely.

What worked this morning may in fact not work this afternoon

Precisely.

Al Lindner summed up presentation in two words: "Stay Flexible".

No matter how much we've already learned, we're still a long way from knowing it all.

There are many times when I prefer that the hook and sinker part company, but never when mat-punching.

I'm one who flatly refuses to peg any bait with a toothpick, so when mining weeds I'll generally opt for a T-rig Jig.

Below is a Jig and Craw that's indistinguishable from a bullet sinker and separate hook.

The Owner Sled Head Jig incorporates a screw-coil retainer, therefore you'd have to rip a plug of plastic

out of the craw's head before the weight and bait can part company:The Zoom Big Critter Craw is ideal for mat-punching

because it's streamlined with a very narrow cross-section. Although it has appendages, they're very soft and short.

JIG-AND-CRAW

Roger

When I'm punching mats with jigs, I try to get a jig that has a bulky look to it, and a loud rattle! By bulky I mean that the skirt flares out lots, check out this video.

http://www.thunderstruckjigs.com/videos.html.

I've become very fond of SK pro model jigs! I love the rattles in there! I also will add a rattle to my chunk I like SK 3X, or rage chunk. My go to color is solid black, or brown. I just don't seem to catch anything on black an blue? :-? make sure you use a jig over 1/2, 3/4 or more is better though, just makes it some much easier!

Also try an Okeechobee, they're made for punching mats!

Jigs (3/4-1oz.) will get the job done on most occasions, however, some of the grass down here requires even heavier jigs to get through. I have at times resorted to pitching the jig straight up in the air to get it to break through. Give me a jig with a trailer or a 10" worm with a large weight and I am happy. I seldom peg the weight when pitching the grass. I like the idea of the weight free falling and then the worm following it a little later. Let the weight draw attention and when the bass comes to check it out here comes that big worm slowly following it down. With the weight on the floor you can draw the worm to it with slight pressure from the rod.

Wow guys, i took some of your advice, and within 5 punches, wham! ;D. Huge cheezy smiles on my face. Felt like a kid with a lolly pop. It was a great feeling. I went with this:

T-rigged chigger craw w/ 1 oz. bullet. Worked like a charm.

FIRST PUNCH! Thanks!!

WTG Bro!!!   Gotta love it when a plan comes together!

I love that colora lot  

^^

Nice bass there man! Congrats!  

That's a great catch.