Skipping

[dreamertino]

tried it on the baitcaster this morning with little success. I still need to tune my reel a little, get the motion down and educate my thumb more. Basically I need to practice more. Im excited about learning and I want to get it down before spring. So that I may be able to use it next summer. Any tips would be appreciated

[5dollarsplash]

It's worth learning, although the growing pains can be pretty frustrating.  It'll pay off when you get up under that dock and can tighten up the thumb right over that nice fat momma largemouth. 

 

Don't get too frustrated and remember we all had to go through the learning curve.

[dreamertino]

I guess that's what im waiting for Im about to make another siebert outdoors order to get some 1/4 oz and 3/8 oz arkeys so that I can practice more.

[Oregon Native]

Skipping jigs I like a rod with backbone but a softer tip for jigs. Siffer the tip the more you have to work your wrist or arm.

LOVE skipping a tube with an internal weight....easy .... peasy

Tight Lines

[GaterB]

Could somebody explain exactly when they thumb the spool? Every video or explanation says nothing about when to apply pressure. I was actually practicing skipping today with a fluke, and had a few successes, but mostly a lot of backlash. When I did do it right, the bait made that nice flickering sound across the water and went sailing under the small dock I was practicing on with no loops in my line. Problem is I didn't exactly know how I did it. Another question I have is where most proficient skipper's lure first makes contact with the water. Is it close to the target area or further back? Today I accidentally did both, but wasn't consistent with my point of impact so I couldn't tell what worked better.

[dreamertino]

I got the gist of it today. I had my most success if i was just letting the line roll over my thumb as i released it, and as it hits the water i gradually increased the pressure.

[GaterB]

Okay cool I'll try to focus on that when I get back out on the water later this week. Thanks!

[dreamertino]

We are both learning. I hope I can get it down before too late in the winter

[GaterB]

I agree. I'd love to be able to skip some docks in the spring for those spawners i've never been able to reach. I've heard it works to practice by skipping just a lead weight across flat concrete but I haven't tried it yet. That may be what I do to practice once it gets really cold.

[dreamertino]

Me too or I may still go to the lake

[CC268]

I love skipping jigs and texas rigged lures...so much fun and its amazing how much more success you have when you can get your lure right in that perfect spot

[Brian Needham]

flukes video is good, lots of good info there.

 

How I have been teaching myself and I am no expert.......start with a spinning rod to get the motion.

 

when you move to the baitcaster start with a Trigged senko, then move to other baits.

[Oregon Native]

Should have mentioned that the tubes I use a spinning rod (sorry). Seems like on the jigs on casting rods my favorite reel was the ol green Curado's with all the brakes out did the best job. Keep it semi low and kind of do a 360 with rod tip and send it on it's way. (lotsa practice)

[JDFishing]

Honestly, skipping is more wrist than anything. Thumb is obviously important but if the motion is right, the thumb will be as easy to catch the line as it is with a normal cast.

You don't want to use your arms much at all, it's a simple wrist roll. Also look through your target, if you stare at the obstacle, you'll hit it every time. It's like a basketball player, look past the rim or you'll come up short. Ignore the obstacles on the dock and look past the entry point.

Rod is important too. I use a G Loomis 844 GLX but I got buddies that use a 843. Not saying you need to buy that rod at all but if you look up the specs that'll get you close. I think the 843 is a little better for the actual skip but now hat I'm pretty seasoned in skipping the 844 is better at getting good uns out from under the dock or lay down.

Here's a video I did a couple years back on skipping docks. Practice makes perfect and a lot of using line too! Lol

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WX7fB0S1LvY