Summer 2025
A
s one of the popular methods to target
largemouth bass under the heat of the summer
sun on the tidal water of the California Delta, punch baits are ubiquitous in most angler’s tackle storage.
Whether it be from shore or bank, bass boat or kayak, the
punch rig has become a go-to and the punch bait is a must-
have. Here, in no particular order, we talk about a few of our
favorites creatures and craws that drop through the Dirty
D’s vegetation and tempt a strike.
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MISSILE BAITS D BOMB
PROFILE: The Missile Baits D Bomb is made from soft,
and stretchy plastic. It has a thick body, but its action allows
tons of flap.
ADVANTAGE: This profile design can offer more action on the fall to call fish from outer areas of a larger mat or call them out of deeper mats.
DELTA COLOR SUGGESTIONS: Candy Grass, Bruiser, Super Bug, Green Pumpkin Flash and a Fisherman’s Warehouse EXCLUSIVE Delta Red
Tip: The Missile Baits D Bomb is a good option to use on high tide when fish are deeper in the vegetation and need a reason to move.
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1
REACTION INNOVATIONS SWEET BEAVER 4.2-INCH
PROFILE: The Sweet Beaver 4.2 is what some may call
the gold standard of punch baits. It has a compact, dense
body that punches clean and yet still has action with a flap
from the appendages on the fall.
ADVANTAGE: This profile design can offer a balance between its action and its stealthiness.
DELTA COLOR SUGGESTIONS: Hematoma, California 420, Black/Blue Flake, Sprayed Grass
TIP: In order to expose more hook gap and increase the hookup ratio when throwing the Reaction Innovations Sweet Beav, an option is to cut a 1/4-inch off the nose before rigging.
3
STRIKE KING RAGE BUG
PROFILE: The Strike King Rage Bug has incredible
flapping action, great for slower high-tide punching or
lighter mats.
ADVANTAGE: This profile design can offer action along with a slower fall
DELTA COLOR SUGGESTIONS: Black Neon, Blue Craw, Okeechobee Craw
Tip: The Strike King Rage Bug is a good option to use in slightly thinner mats as opposed to thicker mats as the appendages can cling to vegetation when punching through them.
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