Skipping Ochos Under Boat Docks: A Beginner's Guide

Skipping a jig underneath boat docks is a great way to catch big fish all year round. While it is a well-known technique, it is still very effective, especially when targeting large bass. Bass tend to be found in two places during the summer: deep in the thermocline, or in shallow cover, like heavy vegetation or under boat docks. Presenting your lure to the darkest, most protected, and least accessible part of the cover is key, and that's where skipping comes into play. In this article, we will discuss the best techniques, gear, and practices to help you master the art of skipping an ocho under boat docks.

Lure presentation: Cast your lure to the darkest, most protected part of the cover

When fishing under boat docks, it's key to present your lure to the darkest, most protected and least accessible part of the cover. This is where skipping comes into play.

Firstly, choose your bait. A 5-inch Yamamoto Senko in green pumpkin with large black flake (#297) or black with blue flake (#021) is recommended. The green pumpkin colour works for most water clarities, while the black with blue flake is better for dirty water. Rig the Senko weightless and wacky-style with a 1/0 Owner Weedless Wacky Hook.

Next, you need to cast your lure. Face your target and keep your backcast low and quick. Snap forward with your rod and end with the rod tip pointed directly at the target. The ideal cast will first touch the water at the front edge of the boat dock, allowing it to carry momentum far under the cover. Keep the trajectory of the cast low and hard.

Once your lure is under the dock, let it fall without any tension. Don't engage the reel unless the water is shallow. After the bait has hit the bottom, lift the rod tip to check for a bite. If there's no bite, lift the bait and let it fall again. Repeat this process a few times before reeling in and making another skip.

If you're fishing at a depth of 8 to 10 feet, you can add a small nail weight (1/32- to 1/16-ounce) to the head of the lure to help it get down to the fish faster. Just remember to always let the bait reach the bottom before lifting it.

Rod selection: Choose a rod with a fast tip and plenty of backbone for accurate skipping and hook-setting

When choosing a rod for skipping an ocho under boat docks, selecting one with a fast tip and plenty of backbone is crucial for achieving accuracy and ensuring successful hook-setting. Here's a detailed guide to help you make the right choice:

• Fast Tip for Accuracy: Opt for a rod with a fast tip, which is characterised by its quick response to the short, snapping action required for effective skipping. The iRod Genesis II, for instance, is an excellent choice for this technique due to its fast tip action.
• Backbone for Hook-Setting: Ensure that the rod you choose has ample backbone or power. This feature will enable you to set the hook firmly and efficiently extract the fish from the cover. Look for rods described as having heavy power or medium-heavy power.
• Rod Action and Flexibility: Understand the action of the rod, which refers to how much it bends under pressure. A fast action rod will bend only in the top section, providing more sensitivity and faster power for hook-setting. This is ideal for skipping techniques.
• Casting Weight and Technique: Consider the casting weight of the rod, which should align with the weight of the lure you intend to use. For skipping techniques, a lightweight lure is often preferred, so choose a rod that can efficiently cast lighter lures.
• Rod Length: While rod length is not specifically about the tip and backbone, it plays a crucial role in your overall setup. For skipping techniques, a rod length of around 7 feet is commonly recommended, providing a good balance between casting accuracy and lure control.
• Material and Sensitivity: The material of the rod will influence its sensitivity. Graphite rods are popular for their stiffness and sensitivity, while some anglers prefer glass or E-glass rods for a softer action. The choice of material will impact the overall performance and feel of the rod.
• Personal Preference and Technique: Ultimately, the choice of rod should align with your personal preferences and the specific technique you intend to use. If you're just starting out, consider a versatile medium or medium-heavy casting rod that can be used for various techniques and lure types.

Casting technique: Make a sharp, hard cast with a low trajectory to effectively skip your bait

To effectively skip your bait under a boat dock, you need to make a sharp, hard cast with a low trajectory. Here are some detailed instructions to help you master this casting technique:

Preparation

Before approaching the boat dock, make sure you have the right equipment. Select a rod with a fast tip, which will enable you to make the short, snapping action required for an effective skip cast. A rod with plenty of backbone will also help you to set the hook and get a bass out from under the dock quickly. Practice with a wacky-rigged, weightless Senko bait, as weighted baits require a harder cast.

Casting

Face your target and keep your backcast low and quick. Bring the rod forward with a snapping action and end with your rod tip pointed directly at the target. The ideal skip cast will first touch the water at the front edge of your target, allowing it to maintain momentum and carry further under the cover.

Practice

Don't be discouraged if your first attempts are off the mark. Keep the trajectory of the entire cast low and hard, as these are key elements of a good, accurate skip. Practice regularly, and you'll soon be able to place your lure in hard-to-reach places.

Retrieval

Once you've skipped your lure under the dock, let it fall without any tension. Only after the bait has hit the bottom should you lift the rod tip to check for a bite. If there's no bass on the line, lift the bait and let it fall again. Repeat this process a few times, then reel in and make another skip cast.

Additional Tips

• When fishing under boat docks, present your lure to the darkest, most protected, and least accessible part of the cover.
• Use a 5-inch Yamamoto Senko in green pumpkin with large black flake or black with blue flake, depending on water clarity.
• Rig the Senko weightless and wacky-style with a 1/0 Owner Weedless Wacky Hook.
• Use spinning gear with a Revo Premier reel and a 7-foot, 1-inch medium-heavy rod.
• Spool with 15-pound-test braided line and a leader made of 15-pound fluorocarbon line.

By following these instructions and practicing regularly, you'll be able to master the technique of making a sharp, hard cast with a low trajectory to effectively skip your bait under boat docks.

Boat positioning: Position your boat at a distance and angle that allows for a long skip without spooking the fish

When it comes to boat positioning, there are several factors to consider to ensure you can make a long skip cast without spooking the fish. Firstly, it's important to be mindful of the wind direction, current, and the movement and diet of the fish. The presence of other boats can also influence your boat positioning.

When approaching working birds, it's crucial to determine how your boat will drift by considering factors like wind direction and current. Rushing towards bird activity at high speed can interrupt feeding and spook the fish. Instead, approach slowly and carefully, and if there are multiple boats, stay back and let the other boats reach the fish first. Then, you can ease your way up-current and let the fish come to you.

When fishing around structures, it's best to stay at a distance of at least 10 to 20 yards. For deep structures, you can use a fish finder and GPS to identify the structure and position your boat directly over it. Drifting or anchoring are options, but drifting slowly reduces the chances of getting snagged.

When fishing shallow structures, it's crucial to consider wind and current direction. Deploy your trolling motor around 50 yards from the target, and then slowly and silently move into casting range. Always be cautious of shallow waters, as they can be hazardous for your boat.

By taking these factors into account and using the appropriate equipment, you can effectively position your boat to make long skip casts without disturbing the fish.

Practice: Skipping requires focus and patience; practice with a single rod and no other methods until you master the technique

Skipping requires focus and patience, and lots of practice. It's a technique that can be tricky to master, but it's worth the effort. The best way to learn is to be very focused. Don't carry any other rods with you, and don't try any other methods until you've mastered skipping. Just get out there and give it a try.

Start with a single rod and a target of some kind. A rod with a fast tip will respond very quickly to the short, snapping action you need to skip a bait. You also want a rod with enough backbone to make a good hook set and get a bass out from under the dock and away from cover quickly. A 6'9", heavy-action rod is a good choice for skipping. The shorter length makes it easier to be accurate, and a softer tip will help the bait go further.

Keep the trajectory of the entire cast low and hard. These are keys to a good, accurate skip. Practice with a weightless plastic bait, as these are easier to skip than weighted baits. With a weighted bait, you'll need to make a harder cast.

Skipping a bait is a bit like skipping a flat rock. Make a sharp, hard cast to do it effectively. Face your target and keep your backcast low and quick. Come forward with a snap and end with your rod tip pointed directly at the target. Don't worry if your first few efforts are off the mark. Keep practicing, and you'll soon be able to put a lure just about anywhere.

Frequently asked questions