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