Punching Rod - What Tip?

[Texasangler14]

Hey guys I will be relocating from Texas to Gainesville Florida in June. I have had to reconfigure some of my gear. With the extra vegetation out in fl I want to upgrade my punch rod. I'm not looking for specific models of what to buy but it general I have read in need extra fast, fast and moderate fast tips. I know it needs to be heavy but just confused on what tip. Any help is appreciated

[doyle8218]

I use a fast tip for punching here in Miami and it has never been a problem. But I think it is a personal preference.

[gulfcaptain]

What is your punch set up right now? 

[gulfcaptain]

Guess I should ask it in a different way, what is the taper of your current punch rod?  I agree with doyle, it's kinda a personal preference.  I like a fast taper for some situations but then also have a moderate fast for others.  It's just how you prefer your rod to flex.  Extra fast shuts off quicker and sometimes a softer tip, fast shuts off about 1/3 down the blank, and a moderate fast a bit farther.  I don't use the extra fast rods anymore as I have broke two of them in the exact same spot, about 18" from the tip.  Prefer the rod to have a bit more flex to distribute the load.

[Texasangler14]

I use a custom build 7'6" extra fast heavy right now. But the vegetation around here let's me get away with an extra fast tip. I can always use it as a swimbait rod. I had my eye on the rage or mojo bass 7'11" heavy moderate fast. They aren't easy to find for me in a heavy power (not mh for deep cranks)

[gulfcaptain]

You never know, what you have may work where you're going.  But looks like you have a good excuse to get that new rod you have been wanting.  And while you're purchasing that rod you can then justify all the new flipping a punching tackle you need........Dreaded Bait Monkey strikes again.

[Zach P]

I'm currently using a Denali JC905FX. It's a perfect rod for flipping and punching with heavy weights and has an extra fast tip. Honestly I would say use nothing less than Fast or XF for punching.

[iabass8]

For punching mats, a mod fast to fast is ideal.

[Catt]

I like Xtra Fast

[iabass8]

I like Xtra Fast

You use round reels so you dont count =)

[Montanaro]

They have trade offs. Xtra fast let's set hook better...but a fast or mod fast gives you flex so you don't straighten the hook.

Use thick flipping hooks and go with the x fast imo.

[Jeff H]

I like Xtra Fast

Same here.

[mjseverson24]

I like moderate fast that way the rod doesn't break... or at least not as easily...

 

Mitch 

[J Francho]

I want no tip. I like a moderate taper. I want the power of the rod spread across the whole blank, and I want it immediately. I want the rod extra heavy power from the butt end to the tip, so I can "lift an separate" that fish from cover. No spongy tips for me. I don't want any part if the rod pointing at the fish. That means some of the power is wasted.

[Catt]

They have trade offs. Xtra fast let's set hook better...but a fast or mod fast gives you flex so you don't straighten the hook.

Use thick flipping hooks and go with the x fast imo.

If you straighten hooks ya need to change brands!

I don' t want flex, I want fish moving on hook set!

[Bankbeater]

How thick is the vegetation? I like a lot of backbone when fishing in thick weeds.

[Grantman83]

http://bassnastyfishing.com

Read his section on rod choices. Gives a great overview of what powers and actions you want

[F14A-B]

7'11" moderate fast , 7'6" moderate fast 7'1" fast those are 3 diff rod makers.... Taper is different from maker to maker!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

http://bassnastyfishing.com

Read his section on rod choices. Gives a great overview of what powers and actions you want

All this guy's doing is regurgitating Duckett's marketing points, more than one of which is off track. For example the assertion that more guides on the tip increase sensitivity by increasing contact points. Reducing weight, especially on the tip helps retain the blank's inherent responsiveness. Long story short -  a little slower action in an XXH punchin' rod helps protect the tackle train and move the fish up and out. For anything less extreme a normal fast action works fine.

[frogflogger]

I want no tip. I like a moderate taper. I want the power of the rod spread across the whole blank, and I want it immediately. I want the rod extra heavy power from the butt end to the tip, so I can "lift an separate" that fish from cover. No spongy tips for me. I don't want any part if the rod pointing at the fish. That means some of the power is wasted.

This is my experience - started out with xfast and lost some huge ones - you want the whole rod working for you.

[Grantman83]

Perhaps I should have been more specific. I was trying to reference this guide

http://bassnastyfishing.com/2012/10/07/punch-hoggin-with-bass-nasty-fishing-rod-guide/

He does have a long write up on duckett as this was what was the duckett company philosophy. However, also has pictures as well as other company write ups as well specifically alx and WM

[pitchin fool]

Heavy or extra heavy with moderate fast action.  Too many lost fish and broken rods with fast or extra fast tips.  My thought is that it is a reaction bite.  When that bait flies past their face and they take a swipe at it, they may not always get it all in their bucket.  The moderate not only uses more of the rod to pull the fish out, but gives the bass that extra millisecond so inhale the bait a little better.

[mnbassman23]

Moderate fast