Go To Lures for Weeds?

[LrgmouthShad]

28 minutes ago, padlin said:

If I were to try punching through heavy hydrilla mats, what test braid would I use? The highest I have on hand is 30lb PP, and the heaviest rod is a MH SC Premier 6’6”.

Actual mats? I punch with 50 or 65lb braid and a heavy rod. Most of the time 65lb. You are a little underpowered there. You can give it a shot, but I think you will run into issues. 

[Catt]

@LrgmouthShad 👍

[33oldtimer]

4 hours ago, bp_fowler said:

I deal with weeds a lot in the places I fish.  A lot of time as a bank angler weeds are the primary type of cover that fish are relating to that I’m able to reach from shore.  
 

If the weeds have topped out I’m thinking swimjig all day.  If they are submerged then reaction baits ticking the tops would be my first choice.  Chatterbait, Spinnerbait, lipless, underspin, square bill would all be in play.  

 

If the fish wont bite these fast moving, more aggressive baits then I would go with weightless soft plastics like floating worm, zoom fluke, texposed senko.

 

Of course make sure to target holes, ends, and irregularities in the weed bed.

Great Stuff! Thanks!

[Bankbeater]

If the growth is really thick and matted up I will fish either a frog or a buzzbait.  If there are holes in visible then I'll try and get a weightless Senko type bait in there, or maybe a weightless worm or a fluke.  Let the bait fall into the hole and twitch it as you are bringing it across.  If you have large sections that have a defined edge then use a Texas rig or a jig and craw.  Try and cast parallel to the growth and work the bait back along the edge of the vegetation.

[VolFan]

I fish a weightless fluke unless stuff is matted on the surface. Elastec for shallower weeds and heavier salted ones as the weeds are progressively deeper. If it’s matted up/heavy surface weeds I’m flipping/pitching the lighted t-rigged bait or grass jig that I can get away with and jiggling it through holes. I like ribbon tail worms or beavers for this. 

[Bankc]

On 5/4/2024 at 8:13 PM, padlin said:

If I were to try punching through heavy hydrilla mats, what test braid would I use? The highest I have on hand is 30lb PP, and the heaviest rod is a MH SC Premier 6’6”.

That would work.  It wouldn't be ideal, but I don't that many times with success.  

The thing to remember is 30lb braid is really strong stuff.  You'll probably break your rod before you break your line trying to horse a fish out of that.  The biggest reason to go with bigger line is it won't dig into your spool as much when you horse that bass out.  So you're less likely to backlash your next cast.  Plus, do you even have 30 lbs of drag on your reel?  

 

It's kind of the same thing with a rod.  A stronger rod doesn't necessarily make dragging big bass out of the salad easier (well, maybe a little).  But its real advantage is you can throw heavier lures with it.  And heavier lures will punch through the grass easier.  But still, there are ways around that.  

 

My point being, while there are some small advantages to be gained by upgrading your gear to stuff specific to punching heavy mats, they aren't necessary to get started and see if it's a technique that's worth investing more time and money into first.  

[rboat]

If the weeds are thick, It is usually best to stay on top or punch through. Trying to rip something through is possible, but you will catch more salad than fish.

On top try a frog, floating worm or lizard, a fluke or any t-rigged soft plastic you can swim over the weeds.

Punch through to bottom with a t-rigged creature that has few appendages that may catch on weeds, like a beaver style bait. 

Good luck, let us know what worked for you.

[padlin]

3 hours ago, Bankc said:

Plus, do you even have 30 lbs of drag on your reel?  

Spec is 20 lb.

I’m going to try it with what i have to see of it’s doable from a canoe before spending anything. Thanks all for the info.