Designed for fishing the thickest matted vegetation, a Punching Rig is a highly effective technique and sometimes the only way you can access where the fish are to seduce a bite. A properly set up Punching Rig is also crucial for getting through the mat and fishing heavy cover effectively. In this article we will discuss how-to set a Punching Rig so you can get underneath those mats where the big ones are hiding.

What you need:
-Bobber Stops/Punch Stops
-Tungsten Flipping Weight
-Flipping Hook
-Soft Plastic Bait
-Punching Skirt (Optional)

Add a bobber stop or punch stop to your line and slide it a couple feet up the line to give yourself room to complete the rest of the rig.

Add a tungsten flipping weight to the line next. Tungsten is a much better option than lead because it’s much more compact and punches through matted vegetation more efficiently.

If you would like to add a punch skirt now is the time to do so. Simply thread it onto the line after the weight. A punch skirt adds bulk to your presentation and allows anglers to create custom color combos and another dimension to their bait.

Tie on your favorite flipping hook. For punching, it is highly recommended to use an extra strong straight shank flipping hook. Any knot will work, but many professional anglers and avid flippers believe there are many advantages to using a Snell knot and the Snell knot is the best knot for punching.

Rig your desired soft plastic onto the hook. Rig it Texas style with the hook point protected by the plastic for a completely weedless presentation.

Slide the bobber stop down the line and bring all the elements together. The bobber stop will keep all the elements of your punch rig together when you flip into a mat, which ensures the entire rig goes under the mat and not just a portion of it and leaving your bait behind.

Punch rig Gear Guide

Strike King Regional Bait Selector

How-To Rig a Punch Stop and Punch Stop Hacks