THE PARABOLIC TREND
ABOUT THOSE PEGS
6. KNOTS
While some knots perform better with different styles of hooks, lines and techniques, the best choice often ultimately boils down to personal preference. However, both sources like a snell knot on straight-shank hooks because it causes the hook point to kick out and up on the hookset.
THE PARABOLIC TREND
Hallman punched his way to a $ 100,000 victory at the 2016 FLW Tour event last February on Florida’ s Lake Okeechobee, but he didn’ t rely on a broomstick rod and bone-jarring hooksets to stick his fish.
PHOTO BY JODY WHITE
Instead, he used an MHX FS966 extra-heavy flippin’ rod from Mosley Rod Works. He says the specialty rod is designed with a parabolic bend that allows for a subtler hookset, better hookups and improved control over big bass in heavy cover when using 3 / 4 ounce and heavier weights.
“ It’ s the rod I use strictly for punching,” Hallman says.“ The hookset I use punching is entirely different than what I’ ll use when flipping bushes. Flipping bushes I generally use smaller weights and throw slack at the fish before I really jack them on the hookset. If you do that with a big weight and braided line around thick grass you’ re going to blow their mouth open and miss lots of fish. I did it that way for years.”
Hallman uses what he calls a“ pull type” hookset with the Mosley rod.
“ You initiate the hookset on a tight line instead of a slack one. The rod’ s parabolic bend keeps slack from getting in the line during the fight and helps prevent a big fish from throwing the hook when you’ re using a big weight.”
ABOUT THOSE PEGS
Punchers frequently use a bobber stop( or two) above the weight to keep it snugged against the bait’ s head. This prevents separation on the fall and promotes better penetration. With weights larger than 3 / 4 ounce, some anglers prefer to use a bobber stop between the weight and the knot to help protect the knot.
However, Thliveros likes to punch without a peg whenever he can get away with it.
“ There are some situations when you have to peg the bait, but there are definitely some advantages to not using one. Not using a peg frees up the bait and gives it more movement that might get you a few more bites,” he says.
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fLWfISHInG. com I january 2017