Punching Rod Suggestions

[Dockhead]

I'm looking for advice on a punching rod for Florida mats. Haven't done much with heavier (1 ounce plus) weights but need to start.

Looking to spend $250 max but would love suggestions starting in the $100 range and up.

 

I'm looking to get through and pull fish out of the gnarliest Florida mats (hopefully).

 

Thanks for any and all help!

 

[kikstand454]

On the low side of things. .... well. ... alot of companies have punch rods in the 80-120$ range.

Ive had a 7'11" veritas for about a year here in florida and I'm pretty happy with it so far.

[Dockhead]

Thanks. I have a veritas 7'6" MH that I like, so definitely something to consider. Do you have the older version or the "2.0" version?

I am not sure what the differences are, just curious.

[Kyle46N]

I have the 7'11" Veritas Heavy for punching also.  It's the older version.  It's a load, and I'm sure there are lighter punching rods out there.  Then again, when you get that big with a rod, weight has to increase.   I got it for a good deal, and I don't punch too often.   Since I bought it I have done some reading about what the action of a punching rod should be.  And I think my Veritas may be too fast throughout.  It's stiff, with very little give.   Apparently, you want some flex to a punching rod.  

[sprint61]

Thanks. I have a veritas 7'6" MH that I like, so definitely something to consider. Do you have the older version or the "2.0" version?

I am not sure what the differences are, just curious.

The 2.0s are supposely made better they are all I use they look to be made alit better then the first ones imo. Just make sure if you get a Rod from a store look it over good they are rough with them. I bought a new 2.0 about a week ago I had to look through like 10 to find one that looked like it really was brand new.

[HookdUP]

7-10 duckett extra heavy but the new micro magic pro .... Love t most for this purpose but it also makes good swimbait rod and Alabama rig and I've thrown all on it ... 160

[fishindad]

I don't do much punching of mats here in Michigan therefore don't own a punching-specific setup but, if I fished in Florida, CA or anywhere there's big bass and heavy grass, I would probably start with Falcon's 'Bobby Barrack' Frog rod. My personal feeling is to first use/try gear recommended by guys who are 'experts' at the technique (i.e. Aaron Martens and dropshotting). That rod is on sale at TW which should be just under your budget and I'm sure you'd love using it.

 

I know it's designed for frog fishing but, if you've ever seen his youtube videos, the guy knows how to pull big bass out of the heavy stuff! 

 

[gulfcaptain]

I would look into the IROD Genesis II "Bubs Punch Rod".  Or you could look into the OKUMA TCS 7'11" H or XH. Both right around the $150 mark. One developed and made with the CA Delta in mind, other developed by Scott Martin to fish in the heavy mats.

[kikstand454]

Thanks. I have a veritas 7'6" MH that I like, so definitely something to consider. Do you have the older version or the "2.0" version?

I am not sure what the differences are, just curious.

I have the older one- and don't find it too heavy at all. Probably because I have an older Quantum pro tour on it that is a solid metal beast. It balances perfect.

Any 7'11" rod is going to be a bit more "broomstick" than most other rods you're used to- its the nature of the thing.

I find that the old veritas has enough tip FOR ME- however. ... the new 2.0 has a softer tip that may be desirable to others. The 2.0s are closer to their stated ratings in terms of power and action- where as the older ones are on the strong side of everything.

The Scott Martin okuma rod is pretty awesome. I have fished with one for a day. I could easily recommend that as well. Obviously- like with any "specialty" rod- you get more with more money. ... but then there's a point of diminishing returns, depending on how much use it will get. That's completely up to you to decide.

[Dockhead]

Thanks guys. I do like the idea behind Bub's punch rod and the Scott Martin Okuma. I would like to try something that is designed definitely with some thoughts about mat fishing and not just an X-heavy rod.

 

The problem I have with both of those is the foregrip. They are both large and mentally I'm having trouble with that as most rods I have been spending a lot of time fishing have no foregrip - and I like that a lot. But now I'm thinking, why do they both have that? It's not common these days, so maybe that has some benefit to fishing mats?

[J Francho]

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/mat-daddy-helios-review.html

[gulfcaptain]

If you're looking to find a dedicated "punch" rod, go with one that's made for it.  The rod I use is discontinued, but if I had to buy a replacement I'd probably go with the IROD as I like the minima guides for this application over full size or micro.  Just my opinion though.

[bionicbassfisherman]

 this is my punching set up 

 

gloomis gl2 7'5 hvy punch flip rod bets rod ever for fliping or punching at $220

 

reel lews tournement mb 7.6.1 best reel in the range feels like a $250

[SenkoGuru]

 I use the 7'8" XX-Hvy Duckett White Ice rod and it is fantastic for punching with big heavy weights. I can also agree with gulfcaptain that those IRod's are really good sticks and I wouldn't think twice about getting an Irod for Punching.

[Dockhead]

Thanks for all of the input.

 

Nice review Mr Franchot, very helpful.

Definitely thinking about trying that one.

[J Francho]

I actually broke a Dobyns DX 746 and used that rod the rest of day, in a TX early last fall. and I felt like it handled the slip and heavy visits much better.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Unless you want to jam the butt into your waist and pull with the fore grip, there's no functionality. It's all preference. I never build a bass rod with a fore grip anymore unless expressly requested. 

[J Francho]

I disagree with the no functionality part, though a foregrip is not required. There's tines when I appreciate it.