To rig a punch bait, you'll need a few key components. First, you'll need a punch skirt, which is a type of lure that mimics the appearance of a baitfish or crawfish. You'll also need a weight, typically an ounce and a quarter tungsten weight, to help your bait sink through thick grass or cover. Additionally, you'll need a hook that is sturdy and doesn't have any flex.
Here are the steps to rigging a punch bait based on the video context:
Start by threading your line through the weight. In the video, they mention using 60-pound or 80-pound Seaguar braid, which is a strong and smooth line that works well for punching through grass or cover.
Next, slide the punch skirt onto your line and position it above the weight. The punch skirt adds bulk and movement to your bait, making it more enticing to bass.
After that, thread your line through the eye of the hook. The video doesn't specify the type of hook used, but it should be a strong hook that can handle the weight of the bait and the force of setting the hook.
Finally, position the hook in the bait. The video mentions using different types of plastics for punching, such as the Vile Crawl. To rig the bait, you'll want to pull the appendages apart to create a more enticing presentation.
Once your punch bait is rigged, you can start fishing it in thick grass or cover. The technique involves making a pitch to the desired spot and keeping your line tighter than you would with a Texas Rig. This helps keep the bait closer to the bottom, where bass are often hiding. You can then shake, hop, and drag the bait on a tight line to entice a reaction strike from the bass.
Remember, the specific details of rigging a punch bait may vary depending on personal preferences and fishing conditions. It's always a good idea to experiment with different baits, weights, and hooks to find what works best for you.