Fishing around docks

[FishTax]

Let's say you're fishing docks in 8-12 fow, what are you throwing? I usually try to skip a jig (and end up scaring off every creature within earshot), running a spinnerbait parallel or over any brush piles, or going slow with shaky head. 

[crypt]

spinnerbait..flip a creature bait...worm...squarebill around the edges....

[FryDog62]

I use 2 lures in that situation:

 

1) 5 inch Caffeine Shad on an Owner 4/0 Twistlock LIGHT -  if fish are in the top half of the water column.

 

2) GrandeBass Airtail Rattler rigged Neko with a 1/16-1/8 oz nose weight if fish are in the lower half of the water column. 

Both skip like a dream, and there is no exposed lead to klang off a hard object and scare the fish. 

[Woody B]

If they're under the docks skipping is the only way to go.   IMHO a weightless wacky is the easiest to skip.  Using one is helpful when learning how to skip properly.   Lipless cranks and shaky heads are good for skipping too.....at least for me.  I can skip light jigs, but heavier ones (3/8 oz and over) tend to dig in, at least for me.  

 

If you're scaring stuff skipping you probably just need more practice.  I also suspect you're starting your "skip" too far from the boat.   I have my boat 15 to 25 feet from the dock or whatever I'm skipping under.  My first "skip" will be within 3 or 4 feet of the boat.  I'll have several skips between the boat and my target.   A couple weeks ago a Spotted bass attacked a shaky head mid skip.   If you skipping is "choppy" start out with spinning equipment until you get it smoother.   The brake setting needed for "choppy" skipping on a bait caster will limit distance too much.  I couldn't skip good until I got my technique right with spinning gear.  I now skip with bait casters.  I run my brakes a little tighter than normal, but not much.  

 

I can't "pitch" or "flip".  (Hold the lure in my hand and kinda flip it out with an underhanded pitch)  I end up with line around my neck, and the lure no where near I want it to be when I try.   My shortest rod is 6'6".  Most of my rods are over 7'.  I use the 6'6" one for skipping.  I wonder if I could pitch/flip with a shorter rod.  

[FishTax]

Thanks @Woody Bfor that detailed breakdown. I agree with you on skipping.. I'm too scared to try on baitcaster much. Jigs always find something metal to clang on. I did skip a worm once really well so I know it's possible, definitely need more practice. Also difficult because I'm in kayak. My one good skip was standing in a buddy's boat. I'm going to try shaky head on my shortest rod this week and see if I can improve some. 

[bottom_dollar]

Depending on water clarity, type of dock (floating/ pole) a DT6, 1/2 chatterbait or Neko rig are what I like to throw when my partner is fishing the standards. 

[LrgmouthShad]

The tacklebox remains pretty open around docks, even at that depth. I used to have a mindset that if fish are hanging around docks, I needed to get under it. There are a lot of fish that will utilize the edges at different times. Any vertical running supports or structures on the outside can be excellent. Accuracy is important, even if only casting to/along the edge or to an object. 

[AlabamaSpothunter]

I view docks as the most pressured locations on any bodies of water they reside in.    

 

This is why I think Neko and Whacky Rigs work so well at targeting dock fish, one of the few pressure proof lures.  

 

Big swimbaits and glides are another bait that really shines around docks I've found.

 

[RRocket]

I'd throw a poop bait (Coverscat). Likely a new look for many fish....these were very impressive in pressured areas this year for me.

 

They also skip ridiculously easy...kayak or otherwise.

[detroit1]

Stupid - rigged tube, 1/16 oz. head.

Spinning.

[GRiver]

I’m with you @FishTax, my skipping a baitcaster is well….. I can’t skip my baitcasters. 
I like to skip soft plastic baits and weightless, wacky rig with a wire weed guard to try and keep from the pilings. Stupid rigged tubes too, with the least amount of weight that I can get away with.

A spinning rig with braid , no leader.  

[ne_dan]

Jig or wacky rigged worm first under the dock or close to vertical structure; depending on how many snags are around the docks (ropes, chains and support beams).  Sometimes I’ll throw a Spinnerbait parallel to the dock, this year I started throwing a jerk bait in place of the Spinnerbait with decent success.

[TOXIC]

Texas rigged Senko.  Every day and twice on Sunday.  

[greentrout]

When in a johnboat I will use a 5'6" pistol grip casting rod medium action rod BPS Pro Qualifier throwing a 5-inch stick bait various brands. Reel is a spin cast Zebco Omega Pro Z03 with 10 and 12 lb. mono.

 

I find this easier to skip than using baitcasting or spinning gear.

 

Good Fishing 

[Koz]

Small spinnerbaits along the sides of the docks works well for me. I prefer to skip with one of my baitcasters and for that I'll use a wacky rigged Senko or an underspin with a Keitech or a Rage Swimmer. Underspins actually skip pretty well.

[GRiver]

@greentrout, My friend uses a zebco 33, he loves it for skipping.

I’ve been thinking about the Zebco bullet, but heard they were pretty heavy.

 

[FishTax]

I grew up on a zebco 33. Never tried skipping one, next time I take my kids out I’ll try that on theirs and see how it goes. 

[greentrout]

1 hour ago, GRiver said:

@greentrout, My friend uses a zebco 33, he loves it for skipping.

I’ve been thinking about the Zebco bullet, but heard they were pretty heavy.

 

The discontinued Omega Pro Z03 weighs 10.6 oz. It's slow at 19" IPT. But no snags and smooth as butter. Drag can be temperamental at times. I use mine for worm and stick bait fishing. Has delivered. Bought another one at Amazon for 38.00 dollars down from 90. Discontinued clearing the stock. 

 

 

Premium Reel | Bullet Spincast Reel | zebco.com | Zebco Fishing

 

Good Fishing

[RHuff]

T-Rig stickworm pegged 1/32oz weight, it will skip effortlessly, 

 

Finesse jig

 

Swimbait

 

My top 3 dock choices

[Pat Brown]

I like a Senko/fluke/swim jig/swim bait personally if I can get under.

 

If I'm working the sides I like a spinnerbait/jig/worm/glide/lipless/jerkbait/buzzbait depending on depth and cover.

[FishTank]

In order.......Wacky rigged senko, Texas rig (senko or creature), BFS crankbait,  and finally a jig.

[gim]

No hardbaits or treble hooked lures around docks for this guy.  Too easy to get hung and up make way too much noise if you bang into a hard surface.  I don't need to have a potential confrontation with a landowner, no fish is worth that.

 

My selection is two fold here.

 

Spinnerbaits along the sides.  Quite often the frame will bump something and that will trigger a fish to bite.

 

Second choice is a weightless plastic of some kind like a wacky, neko, or tube.  They all skip well and make no noise if you run them into a hard surface.

[LrgmouthShad]

Skipping with a baitcaster, leave tension knob where it is. No exaggerated movements. Turn brake dial up and use aggressive thumb control. Change your thumb pressure according to how the bait is reacting. Be prepared to stop abruptly if you collide with something

[Catt]

Jig-n-Craw 😉

[JackstrawIII]

17 hours ago, FryDog62 said:

1) 5 inch Caffeine Shad on an Owner 4/0 Twistlock LIGHT -  if fish are in the top half of the water column.

 

2) GrandeBass Airtail Rattler rigged Neko with a 1/16-1/8 oz nose weight if fish are in the lower half of the water column. 

I like this answer. 

My answer is:
- Paddletail around the edges

- Wacky rig or Ned rig skipped underneath, depending on the conditions.