What Size Weight For Pitching Pads

[Dypsis]

I went out last week and pitched pads for the first time.  I had a 1/4oz weight tied on and realized it was not heavy enough.  Often times it would simply hit and stay on a pad leaf.  

 

What size weight do you like to use when pitching pads - 1/2oz or more?  

 

Does depth play a large factor?  I will assume most of the time it would be in the 2-5' range, but could be very wrong as I said it was my first time. 

 

Matt

[Ozark_Basser]

If you're trying to punch through the pads, a 1/2 oz isn't even heavy enough a lot of times. 1 oz + punch rigs are what I would use.

[MarkH024]

3/4 or 1 oz with just a plastic.  1oz or 2 oz if using punch rig or in some super thick slop.  50 to 65lb braid.

 

Depth wont matter once you break the surface of pads/weeds. 

[kikstand454]

I would try the 1/2oz first, depending on how dense your pad field is. ...this may be enough.

If your pads are close or if there is other vegetation in addition to the pads, then you are venturing into punching territory and you'll want some heavy braid, 1oz tungsten and flipping hooks.

[Mike L]

I would try the 1/2oz first, depending on how dense your pad field is. ...this may be enough.

If your pads are close or if there is other vegetation in addition to the pads, then you are venturing into punching territory and you'll want some heavy braid, 1oz tungsten and flipping hooks.

Ditto

Mike

[Catch and Grease]

I usually use 1oz - 1&1/2oz but if the bass are lethargic and its not super thick you can get away with 3/4oz.

Bait size and shape plays a role too, some baits slide through easier than others.

[iceintheveins]

Minimum of 1/2 ounce but you often need 1 ounce and heavier. You shouldn't use less than 65 pound braid, in real thick slop and places with big bass, like the Cal Delta, 100 pound braid isn't overkill.

[Montanaro]

3/4oz gets through water shield most of the time. 1 oz every time.

[Dypsis]

Thanks for all the replies.  I guess I'll just play around with different weights and see what works for any given situation.  

 

When I tried last week I would aim for the little 12" or less 'holes' in the pads to get it through.  But there are so many stems, leaves, etc in there that didn't always work.

 

Matt

[Joe H.]

I always start with 1/2 ounce and go up if I need more weight. Usually that's enough, I fish pretty sparse grass in california.

[papajoe222]

Caught my first bass on a punch rig yesterday, although I was fishing coontail. The pads up here are only around 4-5in. diameter and there's space between them, so 1/4oz. would work. Another lake I go to has pads that are 6-8in. and I swear you could walk across them they're so dense. I would imagine it would take an ounce ore more to get through them.

Just an observation; my presentation benefited when using plastics having a more subtle action. The ones with a lot would catch the different moss. I know the stems of bigger pads want to catch on to action tails also.

[Mike L]

Caught my first bass on a punch rig yesterday, although I was fishing coontail. The pads up here are only around 4-5in. diameter and there's space between them, so 1/4oz. would work. Another lake I go to has pads that are 6-8in. and I swear you could walk across them they're so dense. I would imagine it would take an ounce ore more to get through them.

Just an observation; my presentation benefited when using plastics having a more subtle action. The ones with a lot would catch the different moss. I know the stems of bigger pads want to catch on to action tails also.

Joe

After your thread a while ago I was wondering if you tried it.

Good Job!

You're hooked now my friend.

Mike