When Punching with the big boys, always bring your skirt!

I dont know about you, but when Im flipping, pitching or punching baits, Im always trying to walk that fine line between a bulky profile (to be easily seen) and a streamlined body, to slip between the cover with ease.. how do you get the best of both worlds? thats easy, put on a skirt!

Punching Skirts are not a new thing, they have been around for years, but many anglers choose to ignore them and Im not sure why? similar to a jigs skirt a punching skirt really beefs up your baits profile all the while allowing you to downsize or streamlining the bait you are using. I often pair a jig skirt with a worm bait (ribbon tails are a great choice)  or longer thinner flipping baits like the Reaction Innovation "Kinky beaver" seen above. The Skirt gives both of these baits a nice large profile on the fall and rest, yet it still allows them to slip through holes in the slop or pads.

think of a jig skirt like it is an accessory for your baits. It allows you to impart more action, as well as add or change colors. Like a jig trailer I find it is better to use a skirt that matches up with your bait, but offers some subtle color changes.. above Im using a "donkey punch" or light pumpkinseed coloured kinky beaver paired with a pumpkinseed and purple highlighted skirt.. I think they mach up well

Tip: Look for Jig skirts with a nice thick rubber ring (see the red in the above pic). This projects your knot from banging up against your weight and any structure. thus increasing the durability of your rig

Just because they are called "punch skirts" doesn't mean thats there only purpose, really they can be used in any situation in witch you would normally throw a jig, but want the comfort an enclosed hook, or to be able use a larger bait (jig trailers only go so far). Many anglers when learning to throw a jig quickly get frustrated by having to rip it through the grass due to the exposed hook, baits rigged with a punch skirt offer the same profile without this irritation.

Tip: Think outside the box, as stated above punch skirts aren't just for punching anymore, you can pair them up with a variety of baits. It you are feeling adventurous try rigging one up on a texas rigged swim bait, the paddle tail and skirt combo call fish in from miles around.

Dont take my word for it, get out on the water and give a punch skirt a try, you won't be disappointed, and remember, real men fish with skirts!