Skirted or unskirted

[Fish4bigfish]

So punching question. I'm talkin manly weeds here lol. Pennywort with thick mats of hydrilla butted up to it. Clear water. Are you guys punching a bait alone or adding a punch skirt. Why? I catch fish either way just lookin to learn something.

[papajoe222]

I prefer with a skirt, for both fishing the bottom and just under the canopy. Getting that skirt to pulsate, IMO, not only moves water, but gets their attention visually. 

[BiteFiend]

Some days they like it skirted, some days they like it nekkid. I usually start skirted though because I feel like the added bulk and water movement helps the bass hone in on it. 

[Bluebasser86]

I prefer without because it gets through the stuff a little easier. 

[Fish4bigfish]

On 7/30/2016 at 10:06 PM, Bluebasser86 said:

I prefer without because it gets through the stuff a little easier. 

I have noticed this. But I have also been "lubricating" my punch rigs with scent much like I do with my swimbaits. This helps the rig slide down easily.

[Bluebasser86]

23 minutes ago, Fish4bigfish said:

I have noticed this. But I have also been "lubricating" my punch rigs with megastrike much like I do with my swimbaits. This helps the rig slide down easily.

I've done the same, and it does help, but I feel like it weighs down the skirt and keeps it from flaring as well. Doubt it makes much of a difference to the fish, but we all know how important confidence in the bait is. 

[doyle8218]

8 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I prefer without because it gets through the stuff a little easier. 

Yep.

[Mike L]

12 hours ago, papajoe222 said:

I prefer with a skirt, for both fishing the bottom and just under the canopy. Getting that skirt to pulsate, IMO, not only moves water, but gets their attention visually. 

Ditto 

 

Mike 

[Catt]

Both 

Why?

Cause the bass like both!