Punch Rig (Mat Fishing) Fishing on Lake Conway
Lake Conway · Arkansas · South Central
This expansive, shallow lake is characterized by vast stands of cypress trees, flooded timber, and a labyrinth of stump fields, making it a unique fishery. Its stained water conditions and abundant cover provide excellent habitat for a thriving largemouth bass population.
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 Lake Conway
| 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 Lake Conway
Lake: As water temperatures rise, bass push into the shallow cypress trees and newly emerging lily pads, becoming highly susceptible to flipping jigs and buzzing spinnerbaits around visible cover.
Punch Rig (Mat Fishing): Not prime season — mats haven't formed yet. Switch to frog and standard Texas rig.
Lake: During the warmer months, largemouth relate to dense hydrilla mats and the deeper pockets within the flooded timber, often requiring punching tactics or early morning topwater presentations.
Punch Rig (Mat Fishing): Prime season. Mats are thick, bass are under them all day escaping heat. Most productive midday.
Lake: Bass scatter and actively chase baitfish throughout the lake's abundant cover, making squarebill crankbaits and bladed jigs effective as they follow shad migrations.
Punch Rig (Mat Fishing): Fish as mats die back — work the pockets and edges as vegetation thins.
Lake: Fish generally congregate in the deeper creek channels and around isolated timber, necessitating slow, methodical presentations with jigs or small plastics in key ambush points.
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 Lake Conway
Ready to fish Lake Conway?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →