I spent a few hours a couple of days ago punching grass for bass and this is what I learned…
I don’t know why I was missing so many on the straight shank flipping hook, but I feel that if I had punched with the Tokyo rig all day I would have caught more bass.
Hook up Ratios Punching Both Rigs
I’m not sure if it is the weight below the hook on the Tokyo rig but my hook-up ratio did seem to go up vs the Texas rig. I wish the bite would have kept going so I could have caught more bass.
I am not just going off of this trip, but many others spent with the Tokyo rig and the Texas rig.
The Texas rig will always be a favorite and has probably caught me more fish than any other fishing style, but I have to give the Toyko rig a nod when it comes to hook-up ratios when punching heavy cover.
I am not saying that I will totally make the switch when punching for bass, but my past few years of fishing the Tokyo rig has convinced me that it is worth having a stock of these rigs.
Gear I Used To Punch Grass
Get Your Fate Black 7’4″ Heavy Rod Here
Get Your Daiwa Tatula SV TW103 Reel Here
Get Your YoZuri Fluorocarbon Line Here
I was also punching with tungsten as it is more compact for larger-sized weights and comes in and out of cover better.
When punching grass for bass tungsten is always a good idea if you are needing anything above 3/8 ounce to get through the mat or cover.
Final thoughts on Punching for Bass
Punching heavy cover for bass can be an amazing way to catch them. I suggest using the right gear to get them out once you get them on.
That is why I use a heavy action rod and big line.
Go out, grab some gear, and start catching more bass today.
To your fishing success,
Jonathan Burke
LiveBassFishing.com