Issei AK Punch Flat 4" Soft Craw Baits

The AK Punch Flat is the wide-body, heavy-vibration version of Issei's AK Punch — a Japanese maker that builds unusual soft and hard baits for both freshwater bass and inshore fishing. The fat flat tail on this 4" model puts out a thump most soft plastics can't touch, kicking up and down under rod work with the frantic wave of something trying to sprint out of trouble. It's a reaction bait disguised as a craw.

That wide, flat profile also makes it skip cleanly. Slide it well back under a dock, mat or overhanging brush, then shudder it back out to the edge — Issei built the bait around that method specifically, because it draws bass that won't commit to a straight punch-and-drop presentation. Around SoCal structure the same idea travels to calico and sand bass on a jig or swimbait head.

Rigging

Issei specs a Hayabusa Lightning Strike #5/0–#6/0 for this size. Bury the hook eye deep into the nose and hide the point fully — that's what keeps a soft bait this bulky from tearing off on the hookset. Bring the point back out at the frontmost body segment marking; Issei molds those ribs in as an indicator so you rig it straight every time.

It fishes weightless straight out of the pack, and a 1–2 g nail weight adds fall speed and action without killing the tail. It's also a strong trailer on a compact rubber jig — Issei pairs it with their own bibibimulti heads in 10, 14 and 17 g for a powerful swimming-jig retrieve. On a swing head such as a Decoy Switch Bomb or Warbaits Neck Breaker, or on a plain jig head, the tail keeps working on the drop as well as the swim.

Tail-cut tune

Splitting the tail up the centerline is Issei's own tune. Cutting it sharpens response to rod work and settles the up-and-down action, and the two halves then open and close side to side — a different look you can give the same bait once the fish have seen it a few times.

Key features

• Fat flat tail that vibrates hard on the fall and under rod work — well beyond what a soft plastic this size normally puts out.
• Wide body that skips well and slides deep into cover.
• Molded rib indicators mark where to bring the hook point out.
• Tail-cut tunable for a tighter, more responsive action.
• Fishes weightless, nail-weighted, on a swing head or as a jig trailer.
• Bigger, bulkier profile than the 3.3" AK Punch — step up when you want more water moved.

Specifications: Soft craw / creature bait. Recommended hook Hayabusa Lightning Strike #5/0–#6/0. Made in Japan.