Punch Rig (Mat Fishing) Fishing on Robert S. Kerr Reservoir
Robert S. Kerr Reservoir · Oklahoma · South Central
This riverine reservoir is characterized by strong current, extensive shallow backwaters, and a labyrinth of standing and fallen timber. Its stained to murky waters provide excellent cover, supporting a robust population of largemouth bass, with opportunities for quality fish in its many creek arms and main channel structure.
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 Robert S. Kerr Reservoir
| 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 Robert S. Kerr Reservoir
Lake: Bass migrate to shallow timber and backwater coves, making flipping jigs and soft plastics highly effective as water temperatures climb towards the spawning range.
Punch Rig (Mat Fishing): Not prime season — mats haven't formed yet. Switch to frog and standard Texas rig.
Lake: Largemouth relate to current breaks, deep timber lines, and creek channel swings, often requiring punching mats or slow-rolling heavy spinnerbaits through deeper cover.
Punch Rig (Mat Fishing): Prime season. Mats are thick, bass are under them all day escaping heat. Most productive midday.
Lake: As shad schools move into creek arms and shallower flats, bass become more active, chasing topwater baits, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits around timber and points.
Punch Rig (Mat Fishing): Fish as mats die back — work the pockets and edges as vegetation thins.
Lake: Fish concentrate in the deepest timber-laden creek channels and main river structure, responding to slow presentations of jigs, spoons, and deep-diving crankbaits.
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 Robert S. Kerr Reservoir
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