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I really like the idea of tying off a second lure above the weight or off the longer end of the tag. I know I will try this later on but as for now, maybe it's better to learn one bait on the end of my line?? I would assume the second bait or one hanging off a longer tag doesn't get caught much on the top of the mat. It seems some of the mats around here, I'm using at least a 1.5 ounce and still getting stuck on top some of the times. Im making my entry into the mat at a very low trajectory slowing the bait down, thumbing the spool as it gets close to the target. I've seen some people make high pitches to get it to penetrate and I'll experiment with that later. As for now I'm just increasing weight to keep the entry low and softer on impact.

More great info guys! As far as looking at a mat and breaking down an area to pitch that looks best is like a new fisherman arriving on a new lake and wondering where to start. I see the mat and flip the heck out of the whole thing, now that you guys have explained a little more what to look for maybe this will help locating spots in the mat without having to really think about it. At first it was inconceivable to me that a 1-2 ounce weight feeling as connected to it as you do that you couldn't feel the slightest bite when pumping your bait and that is what really puzzles me. Lately, this slump the fish here were biting so light I never felt them?? Next I have to learn what aquatic plants these mats are comprised of to help me break them down a little easier. Right now it just looks like one giant weed! I watch alot of Mikeybalzzfishing on youtube as he has 100's of flipping/punching vids on there. I analyze the heck out of these and apply what I learned when I'm out. The bad, in the vids I can't see the breakdown of the mat to which he's fishing usually. I do like that sometimes he gives an explanation of what he's doing and what the bite is like.

^ LOL

"Wimpy fish" seems these Florida bass are so finicky for sure! "Poke and Pray" is EXACTLY what I feel like when flipping or pitching. I usually set the hook as soon as I feel the fish like I do when jig fishing, but there were several after pumping the bait a couple times I never felt anything and they were there holding the bait in their mouth!! I was wondering how many fish I have been missing on the drop, as that may be normal with this technique?? My concern, using the heavy weights similar to heavier jigs, the bass probably spits it quickly unlike texas rigged baits with 1/8-3/8 sinkers. How many of you have had a bass hold a 1-2 ounce tungsten weight in there mouth for any significant amount of time before you knew they had the bait.

Excellent info guys! James 14, With the scenario depicted in your post, I'm thinking this weekend may be an exact situation in which you explained. I'm probably heading to Okeechobee Saturday and it seems like bucks are on beds off and on lately. With the front moving in Saturday, do you think this will be a good time to flip mats? All this practice is so my trips to Lake O aren't wasted with learning. In the small canal I fish I know exactly where the deeper areas are and they are matted over. I will target this area a little more next time as I hit these places alot when I only have a couple hours to pass. In regards to letting the bait sit on the bottom for a few seconds, in your opinion, do you think bass spit the bait almost immediately when they feel that one-two ounce tungsten weight on it? I have not let it sit for this reason, but I will let it rest on the bottom more next time out.

Hello everyone, I was flipping over the past few days as this technique I've decided to learn this year. I've caught fish doing this before but am havning trouble with consistency. Reason I say consistency is I believe with the low water level and cold temps here is south florida, I would think the fish would bury themselves in these mats. Although two days ago when I was out the water temp was 63 degrees, so maybe that is not cold enough in south florida for the fish to take refuge to the mats?? I have been practicing flippin a local canal here that is fairly narrow (50 feet wide) but holds good numbers of fish with the occasional 6-8 pounder caught every so often. With the water level dropping, the canal has completely matted over with weeds with the depth anywhere between 1-6 feet below the surface. As far as my technique, all the basics, flipping stick, tungsten weight 1-1.5 ounce pegged and a good stout flippin hook. My question is, how do you break down an area to flip, I hit points of mats and then work in. How often will you pump/lift/jig the bait, before pulling out for the next flip. Of all the fish I've caught flipping, I have only felt the bite a few times, all the others were heavy when I went to lift the rod tip up. Is this normal? I am using a netbait paca craw in red shad and pb and j colors right now, I'm not sure if the color is making a big difference opposed to bad technique? Thanks for any input.

I've heard it's not so great there. I remember ten years ago when I moved here there was the occasional murder in my area here in Ft. Myers and it was pretty big news. Now it seems there's a murder every other week. I know many places are much worse, but I have watched this place get worse year after year. I also understand cars get burglarized frequently at the boat ramps in the everglades too. People, good grief! I can't wait to move!!!!

Change your PB status! Nice catch! Alot of my fish down here in that range are usually between 4-6 pounds, but South Florida is somewhat unique when it comes to average weight of fish.

Bank'nOnBass, I like your way of thinking, trying to absorb everything and use it to intelligently decide your approach to fishing each time out! I am the same, always thinking, reading and spending as much time out at or on the water to learn by experience which is the BEST way to do it! As far as spawn, I don't bed fish (nothing against people who do, not for me though) I believe they will spawn on warming trends after cold fronts here in Florida. It seems that you will have all three phases of spawn from Oct-April?? I agree with the new moon fast approaching soon after this cold front passes I think a major spawn in a lot of areas will be starting, granted another front doesn't push through again too fast.

Absolutely TERRIBLE!! What in the heck is this world coming too?? Seems like south florida gets worse everyday.

I'll be heading out locally to do some night fishing tonight maybe. I'll start with the top, middle, bottom. I caught alot of fish last year on cold nights on the bottom dragging plastics ever so slowly and usually the bites were very light. I did notice alot of little froggies take refuge in the warmer water on cold nights which I think helps the bass get more active? I think Goose52 is right, the water temp won't nearly be as cold as the air temp that's why I'll still start on top!

Great fishes! Is that a Kistler rod youre holding?

gar-tracker, do you know if the fish kill basically wiped out the entire bass population? Its a decent size lake and I would like to think that alot of bass survived. It seems like it is not very pressured and I'd really like to learn it, just trying to decide if it's worth the time with Big O down the road.

^^^This Its true what they say, I do the same with a king shad in shallower water and it gets bit with a quick retrieve. Funny how the bass just can't help themselves!

Great fish, look at the knot on her stomach!

I havn't gone yet. I was considering it, but I think I'll just head to Okeechobee. There's so many places to try now that I change my mind every day now!

Supposedly the lake is in the process of being restored. 50000 bullrush plants and a quarter million bass fingerlings dumped into the lake. I learned in the past there were major fish kills in this lake. Was this lake ever a good bass fishing lake and does anyone think it is now or will become a great bass fishing lake. I'm also curious about the depths of Trafford. Is this a natural or man made lake. It looks like a mini Okeechobee. I would like to try this lake but just wondering if anyone thinks its worth the time. Its hard knowing Okeechobee is only 30 minutes away from here! Thanks Tony

Nice vid. Looked like that bass grabbed it right at your feet. Nice chunk.

Naaah, that's next week

i don't think I could throw that signed hudd! Mattlures new single jointed billed hardgill looks killer. I've waited along time for this one!!!

I weigh them if I think it's a DD bass. A couple years ago, I quickly found out 7 pounders were only 5 pounders With that said, I really havn't weighed any in a couple years.

When are you coming? I can point out several local holes in the nearby area. Mind you, some of these places look small but are loaded with bass. I kid you not, I've caught seven pound bass or bigger in every one of these places.

several more in this class Sounds like a GOOD day to me! Nice job.

Good job! I'm happy for you. I think you've inspired me to make my own jigs too.

I have Seen that photo, IMO it is hard to really tell the true size of that bass. Ill look for it and try to post it if i find it. I found it Googling world record bass.