Punch Rig (Mat Fishing) Fishing on Kincaid Lake
Kincaid Lake · Louisiana · South Central
This mid-sized Louisiana reservoir features a mix of shallow cypress flats, stump fields, and deeper creek channels, with water clarity tending to range from stained to moderately clear. Abundant submerged vegetation and standing timber provide prime habitat for largemouth bass throughout the year, demanding versatility from anglers.
A heavy tungsten weight (1–2+ oz) pegged above a 4/0–5/0 straight shank hook with a compact, heavy-wire-hook-rigged creature bait or craw. The streamlined profile punches through thick surface mats that frogs and standard Texas rigs can't penetrate. The fish under mats are the biggest, most undisturbed bass in any grass lake.
Punch Rig (Mat Fishing) Setup for Kincaid Lake
| Rod | 7'6"–8' heavy to extra-heavy casting rod, fast action |
| Reel | 8.1:1 baitcaster (fast pickup critical for setting through mat) |
| Line | 65–80 lb braid |
| Weight | 1–1.5 oz tungsten pegged tight; 2 oz in thick mats |
| Hook | 5/0 heavy-wire straight shank (Gamakatsu G-Lock, Owner Beast) |
Seasonal Tactics on Kincaid Lake
Lake: Bass move shallow, often found around cypress trees, lily pads, and newly flooded timber as water temperatures climb into the 60s. Spinnerbaits, ChatterBaits, and soft plastics excel in these areas.
Punch Rig (Mat Fishing): Not prime season — mats haven't formed yet. Switch to frog and standard Texas rig.
Lake: As temperatures rise, bass relate to deeper hydrilla beds, creek channel edges, and the shade of thick overhead cover. Punching jigs and deep cranking become effective tactics in the 10-20 ft range.
Punch Rig (Mat Fishing): Prime season. Mats are thick, bass are under them all day escaping heat. Most productive midday.
Lake: Fish follow baitfish migrations into creeks and backwater areas, feeding actively on shad. Topwater baits, lipless crankbaits, and squarebills are strong choices, especially around visible cover.
Punch Rig (Mat Fishing): Fish as mats die back — work the pockets and edges as vegetation thins.
Lake: Bass often concentrate on creek channel bends, submerged timber, and deeper structure in 15-25 ft of water. Jerkbaits, jigs, and slow-rolled swimbaits can entice bites in colder conditions.
Punch Rig (Mat Fishing): Not applicable — mats are gone and fish have left shallow vegetation.
Best Conditions
Thick hydrilla and milfoil mats, lily pad fields, surface vegetation in summer, shallow and stained water, midday heat
Drop straight down through the hole, let it hit bottom, then give it one or two shakes. If nothing in 10 seconds, pull out and punch the next hole. Speed is the game.
More Techniques for Kincaid Lake
Ready to fish Kincaid Lake?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →