“As I was a young tournament angler, I figured if I could effectively place a jig under as many docks as possible during an eight-hour tournament day, I would find a solid limit of bass. That’s advantageous for two reasons: 1) It levels the line going back in and under the dock, kind of like skipping a bass jig; and, 2) It puts you in a perfect position to start the retrieve because a lot of times crappies will hit the jig right away, especially on shallower docks. JOIN TODAY! He’s an outstanding angler, no question about it. The biggest mistakes Morrow sees novices make when they try to shoot docks are using too big of a jighead or too heavy of a line. When targeting a shallow dock, no weight will ever be needed. Here’s his rig of choice: the new 7-foot, 1-inch medium weight, extra-fast G. Loomis Jig & Worm rod (GLX 853S). It beats my 105, SSSV and standard OG Zillion for me, and I think it's because the T wing actually makes a difference with thick springy line. Best casting rod for skipping docks Sign in to follow this . His favorite lure combo for skipping under docks is a brown 3/8-ounce Arkie jig and a green pumpkin Zoom Fat Albert twin-tail plastic grub. Picking Out the Right Baitcasting Reel For You Best Reel For The Price. A lot of anglers seem to think that a smaller, more finesse-type jig is important, but a 1/2-ouncer skips better and is much easier to control. The proper rod/reel/line outfit will greatly affect the proficiency of this technique. When you do, set the hook. The Daiwa Elite Skippin' Jig casting rod is the best dock-skipping and pitching bait I have ever tested. Zona explained that a fast rod tip helps with casting accuracy and consistency, but also helps the angler with a quick hook set. He also says that a No. With that being said, for proper adjustment, turn the antibacklash magnets all the way to zero if you have that control on the left side of the reel. This reel comes in a 150 size that is extremely comfortable and fits well in any hand size. I spool up with 15-pound-test Seaguar Kanzen braid and use about a 5 1/2-foot leader made of 15-pound Seaguar InvisX fluorocarbon. Skipping docks on Lake of the Ozarks is an amazing way to catch fish and have a fun time doing it. The further out you are the flatter your angle will be, which helps in making the lure skip across the surface. #1 Rod Length and Action For Skipping Baits The most important piece of … The crappie will already be more in tune with that side so when your jig comes skipping in, it might trigger a bite as there already might be some major competition for food that will push them harder. I don't know if I've ever used the word "best" in a review before, but this rod is unbelievable and it's the rod I use more than any other I own. The deepest, darkest recesses of docks are the best places for big bass to lie in ambush. Think about it this way: We’ve all heard that the longer you keep your bait in the strike zone, the better your chances are at catching fish. If you come in hot, you stand a good chance of blowing the dock-staging bass out of their comfort zone before you can even make a presentation. Skipping Docks With Soft Plastic Stick Bait Skipping is best learned with a spinning rod, as the line rolls off the spool without concern of a backlash. Bass Pro Shops Graphite Series Spinning Rod A relatively new fishing technique that is taking the bassin' world by storm is skipping docks. The first is I'm checking for a bite. Docks that are isolated away from other can be great. As soon as the spool stops spinning, Swindle engages the reel to prepare for any quick strikes from bass chasing the skipping lure. “I load the Stradic with 10-pound PowerPro Super 8 Slick because it comes off the reel extremely fast, which is key to getting long, accurate skips made,” Zona said. Don't carry any other rods with you, and don't try any other methods until you've mastered skipping. “Getting too close to a dock makes it hard to accurately skip,” he said. I do a side-arm whip cast so the jig hits the water from a low trajectory. Of all the weird things that bass do, not much confounds, confuses and frustrates anglers more than suspending. Zona likes a 7-foot, 1-inch G. Loomis NRX Jig & Worm, with heavy power and fast action (NRX 854C). Come forward with a snap and end with your rod tip pointed directly at the target. Just 1 to 2 feet of water is enough to hide a big bass that doesn’t like company. There are several key areas I look for while skipping. You need to make a sharp, hard cast to do it effectively. Forget a slow, lazy casting motion like you might be able to get away with using other methods. Skipping lures under docks is a difficult skill to master. And remember to practice ... a lot! After I've skipped my Senko up underneath a good-looking boat dock, the next thing I do is ... nothing. Docks are one of my favorite cover types because they offer bass lots of shade and usually hold panfish or other bait for the bass. He’ll pair that rod with a newShimano Metanium 100 XG, which is ultra fast in a 8.5:1 gear ratio, and load it with 20-pound fluorocarbon. When I'm done, the Senko hangs evenly off either side of the O-ring, and I can usually catch three or four bass before I have to replace the bait. The best spinner is probably the size 2,500, which strikes a balance between decent line capacity, drag systems, and lighter weights. I am an expert at skipping docks, but, even I get backlashes and overruns, it's the nature of the beast. That’s when I learned how to skip a jig.”. That spot just at the edge of the dock is your target. Once you get good, you'll find there are very few places where you can't put a lure. One of the most intriguing aspects about bass fishing is the vast array of techniques that can be employed to catch one. How an angler approaches a dock is key to getting those fish to bite. Get best fishing times with lunar fishing calendars, Bassmaster College Series 2021 regular-season stops announced, Bassmaster High School schedule for 2021 features iconic fisheries, Do's and don'ts of tournament competition, Fantasy Fishing: Rely on experienced river anglers, Fantasy Fishing: Pick strong tidal anglers on the Potomac, Fantasy Fishing: Count on skilled vegetation anglers to catch them on Cayuga, Fantasy Fishing: Pick offshore specialists for BASSfest. He admits that learning the technique on a spinning outfit is likely the best way to reduce frustration, and really understanding how the lure reacts to the water’s surface before upgrading to a baitcaster. The best docks are the first ones where the creeks and rivers dump into the lake. Perhaps that is one of the most attractive things about the sport in general, but figure how many ways there are to catch bass, then think about how many you actually use. “The bass will often eat the jig as soon as it hits the water,” he said. The best reel to pair it up with is the new Shimano Stradic CI4+ in a C3000 size; the bigger spool holds a lot of line. With a weighted bait, you'll need to make a harder cast. They all work, but I find the CT the easiest. Those are two keys to a good, accurate skip. Well, a dock is a giant strike zone, skipping is the only way to get your presentation into the dark, unmolested corners of that man-made structure.”. Only skilled anglers can put their baits there. I really believe that the shallowest docks hold the biggest fish. “The bottom line is, you’re just going to have to go try the different docks for yourself, but that’s part of the fun!”. JOIN TODAY! Docks that seem devoid of life often hold big hungry bass. But just because it’s the easiest, doesn’t mean it’s easy. When the Senko's falling, it's working for you and attracting bass. Lift and drop it a few times under the dock, then reel it in and make another skip. Once the O-ring is in place, I run the hook just under it and avoid putting it through any of the plastic of the bait. I attach the lines with a modified Albrecht knot. It has a terrific and subtle action as it falls — one that bass can't seem to resist. Just remember to keep the trajectory of the entire cast low and hard. That's where skipping comes into play. The same overall rod length between two different manufactures can have a different reel seat to tip length. “I learned how to skip docks while wading, and that’s the exact same way I’ve taught my twin boys the technique, and they’ve become deadly accurate,” he continued. “Effective and accurate skipping happens from the elbow to the wrist. Gerald Swindle is probably the best there is and even he gets them. Membership Includes 1 Year Bassmaster Magazine, Plus $50 in free gear. G. Loomis NRX Jig & Worm, with heavy power and fast action (NRX 854C), Get best fishing times with lunar fishing calendars, Bassmaster College Series 2021 regular-season stops announced, Bassmaster High School schedule for 2021 features iconic fisheries, Fantasy Fishing: Killer combo at St. Lawrence River. There are a great number of anglers on the Bassmaster Elite Series tour who could provide insight on how to get good at skipping, but several I spoke with said Michigan native Mark Zona is about as good as they come. Mark Zona says that a Shimano Metanium loaded with 20-pound fluorocarbon is the best reel for skipping docks. Skipping a bait is a little like skipping a flat rock. Slow down, he said, and approach it just like you would a small laydown along the shore. An excellent rod for skipping docks is the Bass Pro Shops Graphite Series Spinning Rod. When I'm dock fishing, I rig the Senko weightless and wacky style with a 1/0 Owner Weedless Wacky Hook. Reel – Having the correct reel to match with your rod is just as important. “You’ll be glad you picked up the technique!”. Again, set the hook! It starts with the right rod, reel, line and jig combination, but getting some instruction from an accomplished dock skipper will put you on the path to catching good numbers of fish from those hard-to-reach areas. FLW Tour pro Bryan Thrift is widely recognized as one of the best at skipping baits deep under docks and other overhanging cover. Membership Includes 1 Year Bassmaster Magazine, Plus $50 in free gear. It’s a great reel packed with great features. Why learn a new technique? The NRX and IMX blanks literally become an extension of your arm allowing for a fast and solid hook set.”. I like to fish it on spinning gear — a Revo Premier reel and 7-foot, 1-inch medium-heavy iRod Genesis II rod. Followers 2. A good reel should be light and have a buttery smooth drag. Zona suggested learning to skip with a spinning combo. ... Rod & Reel building & repair ; Best casting rod for skipping docks Contact Us; I use green pumpkin in just about any water clarity and black with blue flake in really dirty water or when I'm fishing up north. It's 5' with a light action. Zona said that if you’re right handed, fish the dock clockwise, or if you’re left handed fish it counter clockwise. Get too close and you’ll never get the jig to bounce. Most anglers know that. Best skipping rod and reel setup. Elite pro Andy Montgomery is a dock-skipping Jedi master, and her's his A to Z download of bait, trailer, rod/reel setup, technique, etc. Now I know none of this really answered the question but I believe the rod/reel/line setup you use is as important as the bait itself. Best casting rod for skipping docks. I am 6' tall and like a 7'rod. Zona prefers a 3/8- to 1/2-ounce Strike King Structure Jig trailered with a Rage Craw over any other combination. Face your target and keep your backcast low and quick. From Senkos to swimbaits to jigs, this is the information you need to improve your dock fishing this year. For me, the very best bait to shoot up under a boathouse or dock is a #6 sickle hook on a 1/16oz round head jig with a 1" Slab Bandit plastic bait (Baby Shad type). “One of the biggest mistakes I see anglers make, is they wind up and swing their arm like a Major League pitcher,” he explained. Just get out there and give it a try. I'll run through its most noteworthy characteristics. “I grew up fishing the dock-studded lakes of Michigan — there are literally docks everywhere, which naturally hold a good numbers of bass,” the host of Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show said. Soft plastic stick baits like the BioSpawn ExoStick or Strike King Ocho skip better than a flat rock, so … Mark Zona says that a Shimano Metanium loaded with 20-pound fluorocarbon is the best reel for skipping docks. So much so it could easily be priced in the mid $200 range. I like to fish the Senko weightless down to 8 or 10 feet. The best way to stay cool and comfortable on and off the water, the new Performance Hoodie offers style combined with function. There may not be as many fish as there might be on a deeper dock, but over the years I’ve found that large, rogue bass like shallow docks more than any other.” Zona likes a dock that sits in water that is almost too shallow for his boat. The Lews Fishing Pro-Ti Speed Pool SLP Casting Reel – It’s a bit high-end, but it is worth every penny. It takes away some of the action, but it gets the bait down to the fish a little faster. Skipping docks and overhanging cover is easy with the right equipment! Sometimes you won't see anything, but when you lift up it feels mushy or you can see the line is moving to one side. They're either deep, hanging around the thermocline, or they're in shallow cover, like heavy vegetation or under boat docks. 6'6" MH/H. It’s literally just like skipping a rock, you really only use your lower arm, and the same technique applies when there is a rod in your hand.”. Of all the effective methods out there, which one is the hardest to master? Especially in the summer months when bass seek the shade and cover docks provide. The main time frame for skipping is in the springtime around the spawn. This way when I reel up I can grab the lure with my left hand, put tight to rotate the reel back to the trigger position and then grab trigger and cast. Best Reel … A Senko is an ideal bait for skipping docks for many reasons, but one of the biggest is that it's such a great fall bait. That's why I recommend practicing with a wacky-rigged weightless Senko. Keeping this in mind will put you in position to make more casts without blowing out the dock. Zona suggests starting with the spinning outfit and a weightless presentation, and then graduating to baitcasting tackle and heavier jigs. I’d be willing to bet that most anglers would agree that skipping a jig under docks or overhanging limbs might be the toughest. One thing I do use, that I think gets me way more cast's per day is a shimano trigger reel. “You want your bait’s first skip to occur about 3 to 5 feet in front of the edge of the dock. Finding the right length for your style of flipping / skipping docks (whatever you want to call it) is very important. He says the amount of practice that is required for skipping with a baitcaster can be intimidating, but it starts with the right rod-and-reel combination. It makes sense to buy a rod and reel set especially if you are a beginner and really don’t know the small details that come along with pairing a specific style of rod with a specific style of reel. I like the Spirex model the best. Deeper than that, I'll add a small nail weight (1/32- to 1/16-ounce) to the head of the lure. Therefore, some of the best skipping worms are the stick-shaped (cigar-shaped) types such as a Yamamoto Senko. It’s the reel anglers like Meyer, Ish Monroe and Randy Howell are carrying for the long haul this season. I find a standard Tat CT my best skipping reel with 20 fluoro. Once you learn to skip effectively, you can put a bait in places most other anglers can't, and you'll be fishing for bass that rarely see a lure. The Dock “Not all docks are created equal,” he said. My favorite bait for skipping is a 5-inch Yamamoto Senko in green pumpkin with large black flake (#297) or black with blue flake (#021). Series 2500 size spinners generally hold braided lines up to 12 pounds and monofilaments up to 8 pounds, a perfect match for most small lures and lightweight rigs. Thrift shares some advice to make you a better skipper. “The real beauty to skipping is it will work on any lake in the country. Watch our guy Tyler Anderson showcase his approach to catching more bass around docks. By stumpjumper16, February 12, 2017 in Rod & Reel building & repair. Tim shows the 4 combos and the baits he uses for dock fishing. One key to fishing boat docks is presenting your lure to the darkest, most protected and least accessible part of the cover. Plus, a bass will eat a jig that size just as quickly — if not quicker — than a smaller jig.”. Here’s a quick list of the top things to consider when fishing docks for redfish, snook, seatrout, etc. It’s easy for a bass to become wrapped up and impossible to move beneath a dock’s cluttered underbelly, and a rod with a stiff backbone adds pulling power to the equation, which will bring more fish to the boat. Don't worry if your first few efforts are off the mark — they almost certainly will be. 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. The ideal skip cast first touches the water at the front edge of your target — in our case, a boat dock. I use a Dobyns Champion 734c with a Quantum Smoke 100, braid/fluoro (depending on water clarity), and 1/2oz jigs 99% of the time. 1 Trokar whacky-worm hook with 4- to 5-inch whacky-rigged stick bait is another solid skipping presentation. This reel is usually used by professional anglers, but it’s also excellent for beginners if you have a more flexible budget. He said most people won’t be able to pick up a baitcaster and just go to work; it’ll take practice and time on the water. “You need to react fast, and you need a rod that reacts with you. “Not all docks are created equal,” he said. Sometimes you'll see the line twitch as the Senko falls. "When I go fishing, I look for baitfish in areas where I think the bass should be rather than looking for the best looking docks," Yelas said. Well, if you ever get into a situation where you need to catch a fish, whether it’s for fun or a tournament check, having an extra trick up your sleeve could be critical. Docks provide the kind of structure that offers shelter for baitfish and predators alike — if docks are available, there are fish to be caught. He also said that if you notice a lot of bluegills and other panfish “happily” hanging around, that’s typically not a good thing. It skips easily, falls slowly and naturally comes with a very appealing retrieve. If the dock has brush under it and is near deep water, it's even better. But once an angler figures out how to skip with baitcasting equipment, he’ll be able to call his shots and hit spots that are seemingly impossible to reach. This year I bought a 6' M IMX rod paired with a stradic 2500(the action on the shorter IMX rod feels more like a MH) for skipping docks and started using 20lb power pro. You don't even need a dock for practice — just a target of some kind. I expect a Tat SV or Zillion SV would be about as good as you could get. If there's not a bass on the other end, lift the bait up and let it fall again. If you're new to skipping, the best way to learn is to be very focused. Get a reel that has a high bearing count of at least 7 that provides a smooth action and a strong front drag. After I've skipped my Senko up underneath a good-looking boat dock, the next thing I do is ... nothing. Like I said, learning how to skip with spinning gear will make the transition to baitcasting tackle much easier.”. I just let it fall, and I want it to fall without any tension on my part, so I don't even engage the reel unless the water's extremely shallow. For optimum skipping distance, Morrow’s first lure choice is a 1 3/4- or 2-inch Lindy Watsit Grub, a thick-bodied creature-style bait with a 1/32- or 1/16-ounce jighead. However, learning this technique and adding it to your arsenal will pay off big time. Spinning, Swindle engages the reel is usually used by professional anglers, but it the. Arkie jig and trailer is one of two things 1-inch G. Loomis NRX &... Zona says that a fast rod tip helps with casting accuracy and consistency but. 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