Fall Flippin’ For Big Bass

During that transition from summer to fall, the fish can be super stingy and hard to figure out, but one pattern I have found to be pretty consistent is punching grass.

What to look for: When punching, you look for clean edges or isolated patches. It seems as if the deeper, the better. Most of the time, a clean edge can only be found on the edges of creek channels. Most of your bites will be within 2 feet of the edge, being that the fish are using this canopy for shade while also being within striking distance of any bait that swims nearby. With time you will be able to call your shots, for instance, when you are coming up to a slight point in the grass, if there are fish in the area, there will be one there.

Equipment: When I am punching I want something that I know can get the fish out of the thickest of thick.

Rod: St.Croix Mojo 7’10” Heavy/fast

Reel: 7:5:1 Lews Hypermag: The reason I don’t use a super fast reel is because I think the bigger gears in the reel come with a sacrifice of torque, which you will need to get the fish out.

Line: I use 80lb Fitzgerald braid so that when I set the hook hard to get a big hook in the fishes mouth, the line holds up just fine.

Weight: Thickness of the mat really determines what weight I punch with. I like to start with a 3/4 ounce elite tungsten and work my way up until I don’t have to finesse it into the mat. Tungsten is much better because it is much more compact than lead and goes through the mat better.

Hook: 5/0 Hayabusa FPP STRAIGHT flipping hook

Knot: Arguably the most important part my my set-up is the snell knot. Upon the hook set, the weight will slide down the line, and the knot will cause the hook to fold upward and hook the fish in the roof of the mouth. This allows for almost perfect execution. Also, if the weight is not pegged well, this will not work and it will keep the bait from getting through that thick cover.

Bait: I like to use a compact bait in order to make sure the fish gets the whole bait in its mouth. My go to baits are the V&M baits J-BUG and the Zoom Speed craw.

This pattern has become my bread and butter this time of year and is known to produce big bites.It’s one of those techniques that you just have to commit to in order to gain confidence. If you wish to dive deeper into punching grass or any other techniques for that matter, you can message me on Instagram with more questions @cade_lipham