Skipping Boat Docks: A Guide To Mastering The Art

Skipping docks is a technique used in bass fishing to present your lure to the darkest, most protected and least accessible part of the cover. It involves making a sharp, hard cast to effectively reach the desired spot under the dock. The key to successful skipping is practice and using the right equipment, such as a rod with a fast tip and a high-speed reel. Additionally, boat positioning is crucial, as getting the right angle and distance from the dock can make or break your cast.

Rod length and action for skipping baits

The rod you use is the most important piece of your skipping arsenal. Having the right length and action will greatly affect how easily you can skip and how far you can get your bait.

A rod with a fast tip will respond very quickly to the short, snapping action that you need to effectively skip a bait. You also want a rod with plenty of backbone so you can 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 considered the perfect length for skipping baits. The shorter rod makes it much easier to be accurate. You can skip with any length of the rod, but to be deadly accurate, the rod's length must match your height. When making the skip cast, the rod should be angled down at about 45 degrees. You can't get the proper angle if the rod is too long.

A 7-foot medium-heavy rod is the best starting all-arounder due to reduced weight, which means less fatigue. While a medium-heavy provides the optimal blend of power and the rod tip flex to sling baits accurately.

Spinning equipment gives the angler better casting control for pin-point accuracy.

Reel settings for the best skip

Dock skipping is a must-know technique for bass anglers. Here are some reel settings and tips to help you achieve the best skip:

• Reel choice: While a spinning reel is great for beginners, a baitcaster reel provides more control and precision for dock skipping. The Daiwa Tatula SV and Shimano DC reels are popular choices for this technique.
• Spool management: Avoid filling the spool completely. Leaving some space reduces the risk of backlash and makes it easier to control the line. You can also use a piece of tape across the spool to limit how deep a backlash can go.
• Brake and tension settings: Avoid setting your casting reel brake and tension dial too tight. Start with a mid-range setting on the magnetic brake and a looser tension dial. This will help prevent backlashes and improve casting accuracy.
• Line choice and length: Use a fluorocarbon line, especially around wooden and metal docks, as it is less prone to catching on obstacles. For line length, leave 10 to 14 inches of line hanging, as recommended by Gerald "GMAN" Swindle, a master of dock skipping.
• Gear ratio: Swindle recommends a casting reel with a 6.8:1 gear ratio. He argues that bigger gears in high-speed reels tend to be less smooth and accurate, and can lead to more backlashes.
• Practice and technique: Focus on improving your hand-eye coordination and overall technique. Practice makes perfect, so keep at it! Learn to skip with a 7-foot medium-heavy rod, which offers a balance between weight, power, and accuracy.

Line size and bait for fall rate

When skipping boat docks, the line size and bait you use will determine the fall rate. FLW Tour pro Bryan Thrift, who is recognised as one of the best at skipping baits under docks, says that his favourite bait to skip is a jig. He uses a 3/8 or 1/2-ounce jig most of the time, spooled with 15 or 20-pound P-Line Ultimate Fluorocarbon. He also uses a variety of soft plastics, buzzbaits and frogs.

The jig weight, line size and plastic trailer can be adjusted to change the presentation. For instance, if you want the bait to fall slowly, you can use a 20-pound line, a 3/8-ounce jig and a bulky trailer like the Damiki Knockout.

When using soft plastics, Thrift recommends the Damiki Stinger in a four or five-inch size, depending on where you're fishing. For this bait, he uses 8-pound P-Line Fluorocarbon up to 15-pound.

Another of Thrift's favourite skipping baits is the Damiki Air Frog, which he says works well regardless of your experience level due to its flat design. When skipping this bait, he uses 50 or 65-pound P-Line TCB braid.

According to Kevin VanDam, a 1/2-ounce jig is easier to skip and pitch, and it creates a reaction bite due to its quick fall rate. When targeting the shallower sections of a dock or ultra-shallow rocks, he recommends using a 3/8-ounce jig.

For clear water, VanDam suggests using green pumpkin as it best replicates baitfish and bluegill. He adjusts the trailer he uses to best imitate the forage, depending on the water clarity.

Boat positioning for the right angle

Boat positioning is crucial when skipping boat docks. Getting the right angle is essential, as is maintaining the correct distance from the dock. FLW Tour pro Bryan Thrift, who is recognised as one of the best at skipping baits under docks, recommends keeping your boat about 30 feet back from the dock. This allows you to make a long skip and maintain a distance from the fish. It is also important to stay stealthy.

When approaching a 90-degree dock, it is important to start making your turn earlier than you might expect. You want to use just enough forward momentum to bring the bow of the boat to the dock, and then drift the final few feet in neutral.

When skipping a dock, it is important to keep the trajectory of the cast low and hard. You should also face your target and keep your backcast low and quick, snapping forward with your rod tip pointed directly at the target.

Additionally, it is worth noting that casting accuracy is reduced when you are too far away from the dock. You will find the sweet spot with practice.

Practice makes perfect

Focus on the Fundamentals

Start by familiarising yourself with the fundamental aspects of skipping boat docks. This includes understanding the role of each piece of equipment in your arsenal, such as the rod, reel, line, and bait. Each of these components plays a crucial role in achieving successful skips. For instance, a rod with a fast tip, like the iRod Genesis II, will respond well to the short, snapping action required for effective skipping.

Master the Mechanics

Perfecting the mechanics of skipping boat docks is essential. This involves learning the proper form and body mechanics, as well as honing your hand-eye coordination. Focus on making sharp, hard casts that land at the front edge of your target. Keep your backcast low and quick, and always face your target. Remember, skipping a bait is similar to skipping a flat rock; a snapping, whip-like motion will help you achieve the desired result.

Choose the Right Equipment

Selecting the right equipment for skipping boat docks is vital. Opt for a rod that is slightly shorter than average, as this will make it easier to generate bait speed and improve accuracy. A rod with a softer tip will also help load up the bait and increase the distance of your skips. When it comes to reels, a higher-speed reel with a gear ratio of 6.8:1 or 7.1:1 is recommended. This will provide a smoother casting experience and reduce the chances of backlash.

Practice with Persistence

Persistence is key when it comes to perfecting your skipping technique. Devote entire outings to practising skipping. Bring multiple rods with different baits designed for skipping, and leave your other fishing gear at home. By forcing yourself to focus solely on skipping, you'll accelerate your learning curve. Don't be discouraged by initial setbacks; even experienced anglers like Bryan Thrift admit to encountering challenges when skipping boat docks.

Fine-Tune Your Technique

As you practice, pay attention to the finer details of your technique. Avoid unnecessary body movements and minimise your interpretive dancing! Keep your wrist steady and focus on using good form. Additionally, be mindful of your boat's position. Maintain a distance of around 30 feet from the dock to give yourself room to load up and make long skips while maintaining stealth.

Adapt to Conditions

Learn to adapt your skipping technique to varying conditions. Wind, boat wakes, and other factors can impact your casts, so be prepared to make adjustments. Know when to bail on skipping docks altogether; if the wind is too strong, consider switching to a different technique or pattern. Additionally, experiment with different baits and line sizes to find the optimal setup for different water clarities and fall rates.

Remember, practice makes perfect. By following these tips and putting in the hours, you'll soon be skipping boat docks like a pro, accessing hard-to-reach areas and catching those elusive bass.

Frequently asked questions