Top Tactics and Gear for Punching Mats for Bass

Pro bass angler Josh Douglas provides a detailed tutorial on locating the best-looking shallow water habitat for flipping, pitching, and punching bass in the cold water months. He stresses the importance of targeting mixed-cover areas, mainly focusing on what might seem like dead vegetation. He explains that these areas are often warmer and draw in the bass, which follows forage like baitfish and crawdads.
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Douglas stresses that the goal isn't necessarily to find active fish in this stained water environment. Instead, he delves into the bass's habitat, using his eyes more than electronics to spot high-percentage spots. He highlights the significance of finding areas of slight depth change in Florida fisheries, which commonly attract the biggest bass.
Douglas provides insightful tips on punching mats, a technique essential for getting a plastic through the cover and to the fish. He explains how active bass will quickly respond to the bait falling through the mat, while less active ones might sit at the top, requiring a different approach. He suggests flipping the bait into the mat and lifting and shaking it at the top to draw fish in and trigger bites.
Gear selection is critical for successful flipping. Douglas overviews his rod, reel, and line setup for heavy-cover punching. A powerful rod combined with a fast reel and heavy braid is essential for extracting bass from heavy cover. He shares his preferred setup and why he favors a snell knot for this technique.
Josh Douglas's approach to flipping for bass in Florida is a thorough guide for anglers looking to improve their technique and success rate. His emphasis on understanding bass behavior, proper gear selection, and strategic bait presentation makes this video a valuable resource for anyone interested in catching shallow water bass from heavy cover.
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[@cutley2b]

Thanks for the informative video. Am new to pitching/punching and your explanation on the line strands was great! Never would have considered that. A local pond has heavy lily pads so will try the 4 strand for cutting.

[@citydogpack]

Didn’t know the bait would come back easier if you just reel it in oppose to popping it out with the rod. Can’t wait to give that a try

[@shawnwheeler4633]

Sing the Braid Song! THIS IS FISHING!

[@basschaser9356]

Josh Douglas doesn’t know about this technique. Watch Greg hackney for a better idea what to do

[@nolanjones-pz1mv]

Thank you

[@Twangtown7]

You'd think he'd know how to hold a bass.

[@5.7.0bassin2]

What ways that

[@Twangtown7]

@@5.7.0bassin2 Not horizontal. Can hurt their jaw. Unless you support their body with your other hand.

[@robertrabon7871]

Especially big fish. I would rather watch Greg Hackney flip/punch. My favorite way to fish.