Punching Rods

[spencer12]

Hello everyone, I need some help on choosing a rod I will use primarily for punching.  I would also like it to be versatile enough to use maybe a frog or a heavy topwater such as a whopper plopper or a full body swimbait.  I would like a rod that covers the 1-(maybe 3 oz)  range.  I don't want to spend over $150 for the rod as it won't be an every trip type rod. 

 

I want something in the 7' 3"-7'6" range I believe. I fish out of a 14ft flat bottom jon that is setup like a bass boat without the deck.  I think any longer than this and I will run into some issues with flipping.  I also prefer something that doesn't feel like I'm holding an iron rod.  (Need a lightweight setup)

 

I went to a lake that is covered in good punching grass Monday.  I punched for maybe 3 hours on my current setup (which is nowhere near what I need) and my forearm is feeling it.  I currently have a cheap walmart rod that is a 7 ft heavy action, but it weighs a ton and it is a bit short.  All of my other rods and reels are higher quality.  I have seriously neglected my heavy cover arsenal and need an upgrade.

[Bluebasser86]

I use an Okuma TCS "Matt Daddy" for punching and it works excellent, and is very lightweight for a heavy duty rod. It's longer than the length limit you're looking for, but I've used it out of a 15' johnboat plenty of times with no issues. They have a 7' 3" H/F (which I also own), as well as a 7' 6" H/MF if you wanted to stay in the length range you listed. Full price is around $140 for them, but you can find them for around $100 all the time if you look a little. Great customer service too if you ever need it. 

[CroakHunter]

I would feel comfortable punching with my 7'3 H lews tp1 speed stick. I throw a frog and 3/4 oz or heavier jigs with mine and it works awesome. The winn grips are nice. 

[d-camarena]

Lews mach 2 flipping rod. Its a 7'3 or 7'4 heavy fast rated up to 2 ounces. $69 right now on tw

[WIGuide]

I'd look at the St. Croix Mojo Bass Slop-N-Frog Rod. It'll handle your punching needs as well as froggin' too. 

[fishballer06]

The Okuma TCS Mat Daddy is a great option. 

 

Another solid option (and my personal choice) is the Dobyns Sierra 735c. It's an excellent rod for punching, frogging, and heavy swim jigs. It's right at the upper spectrum of your price range, but with the various 4th of July sales that many online stores are having right now, you can get one for well under $150 shipped.

[Caliyak]

Berkley Shock Heavy rod, under $60 

[Robert Riley]

Any of the Furys, I'd reconsider your length limit to be honest. A longer rod makes quite a difference, and the FR806 is just what you want. 

[Nor-Cal Basser]

IRod Genesis 2 Bub's punch rod. It's a 7' 11" H/MF, designed specifically for punching. Best punching rod I've used, hands down. I've thrown S-Wavers and whopper ploppers on it in a pinch and it works pretty well. Still, if punching is your primary use, this is your ticket. As stated by Robert Riley, reconsider your length. A long rod is VERY helpful for punching. Gives you leverage and makes it so much easier to pitch and flip that bait right where it needs to be.