Skipping?

[outdoorsman]

How many of you guys skip jigs/plastics under cover like docks and overhanging tree branches with baitcasters?

Reason I ask , 'til this year I used a spinning reel for skipping senkos and shaky heads. I prefer to fish senkos with a baitcaster and too worried about backlashes to even try to skip docks with a jig.

Well this year I told myself I was going to learn to do it with a baitcaster, needless to sayI have struggled but I have also had what I consider great success. 3 or 4 times this year when I skipped the lure under and got back-lashed and took the time to pick it out , when I reeled up I felt pressure and knew immediately what it was " a big 'ol' pig" as Shaw would say.

Just wondering how many other guys did this and if you don't maybe think about it.

[roadwarrior]

Nope, not me.

When I had the opportunity to fish with flechero at Lake Fork, I watched him with amazement shipping under docks and trees with a baitcaster. I'm sure many of our members have that skill, but for me it's of no interest and I can't do it with a baitcaster.

On the other hand, skipping with a spinning rig is relatively easy with just a little practice. Since I fish all soft plastics with spinning tackle anyhow, it's a no-brainer for me!

8-)

[Quinn]

There has been a previous thread on using a baitcaster for skipping.  If the search doesn't produce any results, I recall it was very tough to do and most replies recomended sticking to using a spinning reel.  However, it is possible and sounded like there was a lot of practice involved.

[Trevor in Burke]

My advice is of course practice, but also don't waste your time with crap equipment. The more you spend the easier it will be, if you fish a lot you mind as well spend the money if you haven't already. Learn to thumb the reel very very well and just keep practicing, it's just a backlash, not like you can break it. the easiest lure i find to skip is a tube with the weight inside, not texas rigged, although not to rule that out entirely, fish an insider tube and trie it.

[Big Tom]

Its something I really want to learn to do but I got some other stuff I need to work on first, especially my accuracy.

Its got to be a lot of fun and pretty rewarding to put the bait back in places where bass probably have never seen baits before.

[Joel W]

Nope, not me.

On the other hand, skipping with a spinning rig is relatively easy with just a little practice. Since I fish all soft plastics with spinning tackle anyhow, it's a no-brainer for me!

8-)

I also do most of my soft plastic fishing with spinning gear. The exception is wt'd plastics: Creature baits, 6+ inch worms, etc.. For that I use a med baitcasting setup and pitch in and around cover.

I guess what I'm asking is do you pitch with a spinning setup ?

[ring fry]

It's got to be at least 3/8 oz. for me or I get into trouble.  P-line braid works well and the 'professional overruns' come out easier.  

[roadwarrior]

I guess what I'm asking is do you pitch with a spinning setup ?

Nothing.

I only pitch jigs with a baitcaster.

When I fish soft plastics I always cast.

8-)

[MattStrykul]

I'm not too great at it but sometimes I can do it pretty well with a jig. Just have to be extremely comfortable with your setup.

[skillet]

I wish! I wish! I wish! ;D

           As Ever,

            skillet

[Catt]

Due to the fact I have an aversion to professional overruns I don't even attempt it  

[outdoorsman]

I know it's easier to skip with a spin outfit and I still do some , but I prefer to fish some baits with a baitcaster , It's just more comfortable

for me.

The practice is paying off. I noticed if I turn the spool tension up a little

and with a firm cast , aim at the base of my intended target I usually fine. I found it goes  a lot smoother if you don't hit the dock.

Thanks for the input guys.

[Hawg Fan]

Well, it depends how you skip it, and what you are trying to skip. When I fish jigs I pitch skip and when I fish weightless soft plastics I cast skip for more power. I almost always use baitcasters for any application except really lightweight softplastics. Practice is the key, sometimes you just have to get out there and not even try to fish, just practice getting your bait where you dont think you can get it.

Good Luck!

Hawg Fan

[mrmacwvu1]

i skipped a baitcaster once

after many birdnests it is amazing how wonderful it was to watch that thing sink to the bottom of the river

[fishfordollars]

It took a while but I use the roll cast and it seems to work well for me.

[wisturkeyhunter]

Use a really low side arm cast close to the water like your trying to skip a rock and keep pressure on the spool with your thumb just lose enough to let line come out. Don't just let it free spool when it hits the water. I can skip a senko as good on a baitcaster as I can on a spinning. Also helps to tighten the spool tension thing or whatever its calls so that you don't even need to stop the spool with your thumb and keep adjusting it tell you can do it with how to normally have it set.