[VIDEO] Three Punching Baits That Handle the Thickest Mats

Punching heavy cover demands confidence in your baits. The right profile can decide whether your lure reaches the bottom or never gets there. In this video, Todd Faircloth breaks down three punching baits he relies on when flipping the thickest vegetation in bass fishing.

Featured Product

• PLASTIC 1 – Strike King KVD Perfect Plastics Rodent: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
• PLASTIC 2 – Strike King Rage Tail Punch Bug: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
• PLASTIC 3 – Strike King Rage Tail Twin Tail Menace: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA

What Makes a Great Punching Bait

Punching success starts with profile control. A bait must slide through cover without hanging up. At the same time, it must still trigger bites once it reaches the strike zone. Faircloth explains that bait selection depends on two factors: cover thickness and water clarity. Slim, subtle baits excel in clear water and dense mats. Meanwhile, bulkier options help fish locate your bait in stained conditions. Choosing correctly keeps your presentation efficient and your bait in front of fish longer.

Slender Baits for Heavy Cover

Faircloth’s first choice is a sleek, minimal-action bait designed to penetrate thick cover easily. With fewer appendages, it enters and exits vegetation cleanly. This type of punching bait shines when bass want a subtle presentation. Because it does not displace much water, it works best in clearer conditions. The streamlined shape also allows anglers to maintain contact with the bait during the fall. As a result, strikes are easier to detect.

Compact Baits That Move Water

When water color changes, Faircloth adjusts. He turns to a more compact punching bait that displaces additional water. Ribbed bodies and flanged tails help fish locate the bait in stained water. This option also improves hook-up ratios. The design allows anglers to expose the hook point while still keeping it protected. That setup helps drive hooks home more consistently when punching.

Small Profiles for Extreme Conditions

Faircloth reaches for a very small-profile bait when cover becomes nearly impenetrable. This bait slips through the thickest mats, even with heavier weights. Despite its size, it still creates vibration that helps fish find it. When cover gets extreme, this punching bait keeps anglers fishing effectively instead of fighting vegetation.