Skipping Boat Docks: Fill The Spool Or Not?

Skipping docks is a popular technique used by anglers to catch bass. It involves casting a lure under a dock, using a sidearm cast, to reach bass hiding in the shade of the dock. The most important piece of equipment for this technique is the rod. A shorter rod, around 6'9, with a soft tip and heavy action is ideal as it generates bait speed and makes it easier to be accurate with your cast. In terms of reel selection, a higher speed 7.1:1 reel is a good choice, and the reel settings should be adjusted so that the lure falls to the water without causing a backlash. The line size and bait weight can be adjusted depending on how fast you want the lure to fall. Practice is key to perfecting this technique, and many anglers recommend having a dedicated setup for skipping docks, including a specific rod, reel, and line type.

The best rod and reel setup for skipping boat docks

Skipping docks is an essential skill for any aspiring bass angler. The best rod and reel setup for skipping boat docks depends on your personal preference and level of experience. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you choose the right equipment:

Rod Length and Action

A rod with the right length and action will greatly affect your skipping distance and accuracy. A shorter rod, such as one that is 6'9" to 7'3" in length, is recommended for better control and accuracy. Look for a heavy-action rod with a softer tip, which will help load up the rod and make the bait go further.

Reel Settings

A higher-speed reel, such as one with a 7.1:1 or higher gear ratio, is often recommended for skipping docks. A reel with a magnetic brake adjustment can be helpful, allowing you to increase the looseness over time as you gain more experience. Adjust your reel so that when you drop your bait over the side of the boat, it falls freely and hits the water without causing a backlash.

Line Size and Type

Fluorocarbon line in the 15- to 20-pound range is a popular choice for skipping docks, as it is strong, abrasion-resistant, and comes off the spool easily for greater distance. Lighter line weights, such as 8- to 15-pound test, can also be used, especially in clearer water or when skipping under docks with less cover. Braided line is another option and may be easier to work with if you're just starting out, as it is less likely to tangle and can be easier to pick out if a backlash occurs.

Recommended Products

• 13 Fishing Muse II Black Casting Rod, 7'3" Medium-Heavy Extra Fast
• 13 Fishing Concept C2 Casting Reel, 8.3:1
• Sunline Shooter Fluorocarbon, 20-pound
• Untamed Tackle Ace Jig
• Zoom Super Chunk or Super Chunk Jr. trailer
• 13 Fishing Envy 3 Casting Rod, 7'3" MH
• 13 Fishing Omen Black 3 Casting Rod, 7'1" MH
• 13 Fishing Concept A2 Reel, 6.8:1
• Sunline Shooter Fluorocarbon, 16- to 18-pound

Additional Tips

• Practice, practice, practice! Skipping docks takes time and dedication to master.
• Boat positioning is crucial. Maintain a distance of around 30 feet from the dock to ensure stealth and allow for longer skips.
• Avoid overpowering your cast, as this can lead to a bird's nest. Smoothness is key.
• Use a variety of baits, such as jigs, soft plastics, swimbaits, buzzbaits, and frogs, to find what works best for you.

How to skip docks with soft plastic stick bait

Skipping docks with soft plastic stick bait is an essential skill for any aspiring bass angler. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master this technique:

Choose the Right Equipment:

• Opt for a spinning rod: Skipping is best learned with a spinning rod as it allows the line to roll off the spool without the risk of a backlash.
• Rod length and action: Select a rod that is around 6'9" in length with a heavy action. A shorter rod will provide better accuracy, and a softer tip will help load up the rod when skipping, allowing the bait to travel further.
• Reel settings: A higher-speed reel, such as a 7.1:1 reel, is a good choice. Adjust your reel so that when you drop your bait into the water, it doesn't backlash. You can fine-tune the settings based on your experience.
• Line type and size: Fluorocarbon or braided lines are preferred by professional anglers. Fluorocarbon line is strong, has minimal stretch, and is nearly invisible to fish. Braided line, on the other hand, is flexible and has zero stretch, making it easier to set the hook. Choose a line weight based on the water clarity and surrounding structure.

Select the Right Bait:

• Soft plastic stick baits: Opt for baits specifically designed for skipping, such as the BioSpawn ExoStick or Strike King Ocho. These baits skip better than a flat rock, making them ideal for beginners.
• Bait weight and size: Choose a compact and relatively flat bait. A wider body will also help with skipping. If using a jig, consider a light 1/4 or 3/8-ounce option like the Greenfish Craw Jig.

Practice Your Technique:

• Start with calm conditions: Begin practising in calm, windless conditions to minimize the chances of your lure deflecting off the water. Waves and wind can affect your cast and reduce your skipping effectiveness.
• Wrist action and accuracy: Focus on your wrist action to control the accuracy of your cast. Roll your wrist as if you're skipping a rock, keeping the rod tip low and parallel to the water.
• Casting technique: Use a sidearm cast, releasing the line when the rod is near the surface of the water. Avoid casting too hard, and aim for smoothness rather than power.
• Boat positioning: Position your boat at a distance from the dock (around 30 feet back) to maintain stealth and give yourself room to make long skips.
• Practice makes perfect: Skipping docks is a skill that requires practice. Dedicate time to honing your technique, and don't be afraid to try different skipping techniques (e.g., underhand roll, backhand roll, straight/vertical roll) to find what works best for you.

Fine-tune Your Presentation:

• Line length: Leave about a foot and a half of the line down from the rod tip when casting.
• Targeting: Keep your eyes on your target and let your eyes guide your cast. Your bait will travel in the direction your rod tip is pointing when you finish the cast.
• Experiment with different baits: Once you've mastered the basic technique, you can experiment with other presentations, such as jigs and swimbaits. Remember to adjust your equipment and technique accordingly as you try out different baits.

How to skip docks with jigs

Skipping docks with jigs is a great way to catch big fish throughout the year. Here's a guide on how to skip docks with jigs:

Choosing the Right Gear

The right gear can drastically improve your dock-skipping game. Here's what you need to consider:

• Rod Action: While most anglers prefer heavy-action rods, a lighter action rod can provide more accuracy when skipping jigs. Look for a rod with enough backbone to handle thick cover but with a flexible tip that facilitates an effective back cast.
• Rod Length: A shorter rod is generally recommended for skipping docks. A 6'9" heavy-action rod is considered ideal by some experts, allowing for greater accuracy and speed when making skips.
• Reel Settings: A higher-speed reel, such as a 7.1:1 or higher, is preferred. Adjust your reel so that when you drop your bait into the water, it doesn't cause a backlash. You can fine-tune the brake settings based on your experience.
• Line Size: A line size between 15-20 lb test is recommended for fluorocarbon. If you're using braid, a 50-65 lb test is suitable. Thicker lines may lead to management issues, while thinner lines may break in thick cover.
• Jig Weight and Design: A 3/8-ounce or 1/2-ounce jig is generally recommended. Look for jigs with flat heads, such as the Z-Man CrossEyeZ Flippin' Jig, which skip like river rocks and allow you to reach tight spots without spooking nearby bass.
• Jig Trailer: Choose trailers with a streamlined profile and avoid those with multiple appendages. The Strike King Rodent and the 4-inch Biwaa Armored Craw are good options.

Casting and Retrieval Techniques

• Practice makes perfect when it comes to skipping docks. Be patient and expect some backlashes and wasted line when starting out.
• Focus on your target and keep your eyes on where you want your lure to go.
• Use a sidearm cast and release the line when the rod is near the surface of the water.
• Avoid overpowering your cast, as this can lead to a bird's nest. Aim for a smooth cast and release the jig about a foot above the water's surface.
• When retrieving the jig, impart erratic action near key pieces of cover. Change your retrieve speed or pause momentarily when the lure gets close to a post, ladder, or cross brace to trigger bites from inactive bass.
• Keep your line tight and hop the bait a little when retrieving. Strikes often occur within the first two movements of the bait.

Boat Positioning

Position your boat at a distance from the dock, around 30 feet back. This allows for longer skips and maintains stealth, which is crucial for not spooking the fish.

How to skip docks with swimbaits

Skipping docks with swimbaits is a great way to quickly cover water while dock fishing. Here is a detailed guide on how to skip docks with swimbaits:

Choose the Right Equipment:

• Rod: Select a shorter rod with a heavy action and a soft tip. A shorter rod, around 6'9", will make it easier to generate bait speed and accuracy when skipping. A rod with a heavy action will provide the backbone needed for bigger fish, while a softer tip will help load up the rod when making a skip, allowing the bait to go further.
• Reel: A higher speed reel, such as a 7.1:1 reel, is a good choice. Adjust your reel settings to be looser if you are more experienced and tighter if you are a beginner. A good rule of thumb is to adjust your reel so that when you drop your bait into the water, it doesn't backlash.
• Line: Choose a strong and abrasion-resistant line that comes off the spool easily to get more distance. Fluorocarbon lines, such as P-Line Ultimate Fluorocarbon, are a good option.
• Swimbait: Opt for a mid-sized swimbait, preferably with a flat design, as it will be easier to skip underneath overhanging cover. A quality 5- to 6-inch swimbait is a good size to attract both numbers of bites and a bigger class of fish.

Practice Your Technique:

• Boat Positioning: Position your boat at a distance from the dock, around 30 feet back. This will allow you to make longer skips and maintain stealth, which is crucial when skipping docks.
• Casting: Use a sidearm cast and aim for smoothness in your cast rather than overpowering it. Release the swimbait about a foot from the water's surface, aiming for it to land a foot or two in front of your target.
• Retrieval: Work the swimbait from deep to shallow water. This approach gives bass more time and opportunity to ambush the bait, and trailing bass are more likely to return to the dock in this scenario.

Skipping docks with swimbaits takes practice, so don't be discouraged if you don't master it right away. With time and experience, you'll improve your technique and become more efficient at skipping docks to catch those trophy bass!

Boat positioning for the best skip

Boat positioning is crucial when skipping docks. FLW Tour pro Bryan Thrift, widely recognised as one of the best at skipping baits under docks, recommends keeping your boat around 30 feet back. This gives you the space to make a long skip and keeps you away from the fish. Stealth is vital when skipping.

When approaching a fishing spot, it's important to observe the wind speed and direction, as well as the current. You want the wind to be at your back when casting, as it makes casting easier. If you're using a single anchor, pay attention to which direction the boat will point, as it can rotate on the axis of the anchor point. With two anchors, one at each end of the boat, the boat's positioning is more secure and won't swing on a single axis.

When skipping docks, it's best to start with a spinning rod, as the line rolls off the spool without the risk of backlash. Soft plastic stick baits like the BioSpawn ExoStick or Strike King Ocho are great for beginners. Use a 6 to 7-foot medium power spinning rod spooled with light braid or monofilament, leaving about a foot and a half of the line down from the rod tip. Use a sidearm cast, releasing the line when the rod is near the water's surface. Practice in open water first to build confidence before moving on to docks.

Once you've mastered the spinning rod, move on to a baitcaster. Jigs are a perfect first lure for this as their flat heads and skirts slide well across the surface. Start with a light 1/4 or 3/8-ounce jig and practice short, sidearm casts while controlling the spool with your thumb. Avoid overpowering the cast, as this can lead to a bird's nest. Instead, aim for a smooth release about a foot from the water's surface, with the jig landing about a foot or two in front of your target.

With practice, you can experiment with other presentations, such as swimbaits. These require a heavier rod and lure but can be effective for quickly covering water while dock fishing. Remember, the key to successful skipping is having the right tools and mechanics, so keep refining your technique and adapting to factors like boat wakes, wind, and other variables.

Frequently asked questions