I keep my baitcaster very loose , as far as rod I like a medium to medium heavy fast action 6-6 to 7-0 . Different baits have different friction levels . Craws, tubes , senkos skip best , however lizards because of the flat under belly work well to . I like a finesse jigs or texas rigs with full size trailer , certain jig he3ad styles have more friction and can cause for more aggravation and backlash . If you can find a screw lock wire tired jigs these are my first option for durability of violent and consistent skips . Pull the skirt off the bottom and move the skirt to the sides and on top of the plastic to allow for easier skipp ability . Smaller finesse and texas rig lures are easier to skip , but once you master the small stuff you can skip the larger 3/8ths and 5/16ths oz a lot easier and farther . Practice different positions as not every spot will have the direct lanes for skipping , the more versed you are the more ridiculous places you can pull fish from . I go to the lake or even creeks and just practice one to 3 times a week , along with jerkbaits to stay on top of my game . DONT KEEP YOUR BRAKES tight with the as this will cause a nightmare . If you want to see some ridiculous action check out tim cline tips for skipping a jig on youtube ..... Sweet jebus that guy is awesome . Just remember it takes time lots of time and patience . But once you learn it you can skip just about anything keeping it realistically to crazy places .