Skipping baits

[Ghostshad]

Would buying a Andy Montgomery skipping rod make it easier to learn to skip baits?

[Finessegenics]

No. It's just the name of the rod. Shorter rods are generally easier to skip with though

[928JLH]

Rod selection isn't as important. A good braking system for line management is probably the most important factor along with technique. 

 

Brent Erhler had a good tip of casting out 30-40' of line and throwing some electrical tape on the spool to prevent severe backlash when learning. Happy skipping.

[Boomstick]

The only thing that matters on the rod aside from being the proper power and action is the length of the rod as a shorter rod is easier to skip with. 6'6" - 6'9" is generally pretty good for skipping, but that doesn't mean that you can't do it with longer rods either. I would buy the rod only have the need in your arsenal for a rod in those requirements or skip a lot of docks and need a shorter rod.

 

Where I would first spend money is skipping. I use the Daiwa Tatula SV reels for skipping (this year a Steez SV in the mix). Basically leave the tension spool as normal and turn the brakes up at least to 20 and if you do birds nest which happens to all of us, it's usually not too horrible.

 

Also the electric tape idea isn't a bad idea as well.

[gim]

I realize this thread is about the rod/reel because its in that category of forums.  These are other items to consider:

 

The lure you intend to skip plays a role in how well it skips.  Additionally, how flat/calm the water is.  Choppy water or waves affect a lure's ability to be skipped.

 

Not every dock is created equal either.  A dock in deeper water or in close proximity to deep water that sticks out further is a magnet for a large fish.  And the more shade, the better.