Dock skipping set up???

[waterfoul]

Given the results of several tournaments I've fished the last couple weeks... and because it's finally warmed up... I'd like to know what you guys use to skip docks/boats/etc... I'm not refering to your heavy jig rods... I have all that. I'm talking what do you use to skip a senko or finesse bait 15' up and under that dock or pontoon boat? Rod? Reel? Line? I am admittadly NOT the best dock/boat fisherman... I really prefer offshore structure and open water.

Mike

[waterfoul]

I'll attempt to answer my own question. A 6' or 6'6" medium action spinning rod with about 10 lb mono?? No braid to get caught and impossible to break.. no leaders to re-tie should you break off... and a short rod with a lighter action for that "whipping" action to get the baits under there??? A decent sized reel for cranking power and a good drag.

Am I close?

[fishenrg]

As you know, I'm no bass expert, but here's what worked for me this weekend. I used my 6' medium action rod, with 8 pound trilene xl. I had a 5" senko, t-rigged. I like the fact that it goes "backwards" when it hits the water, that way you don't necessarily have to get it totall under the dock or whatever. I also have a side-arm cast that I developed fishing on small streams that is fairly accurate. The low angle avoids a lot of wind issues and also can enable a senko "skip". So that's my method, make of it what you will. Sounds like you have a fairly good idea already, got more experience than me at least.

[RJSwirlz]

I use a 6'8" quantum worm rod, quantum tour edition 7.1 ratio bait caster reel, 15 pound flourocarbon halo pline. I tell my tournament partner all the time, "I'm not a good enough caster to be fishing this baitcaster while skippin' docks, but I sure am lucky to be droppin all these money casts."

[MFischer576]

i skip with a 6 foot medium action rod, i think a shorter rod gives me more control and i can cast into tighter areas. i got with 10 pound mono becuase it has enough strenght to pull fish out from under docks and boats and the mono allows the bait to sink slower keeping it the strike zone longer than fluro does. if you are fishing deep docks fluoro may be the way to go but thats my preference.

[waterfoul]

Well I just got back from Gander Mountain... today was 15% off anything in the store for the Braggin Bass members (wed. night Wabasis tournies). Picked up a Fenwick 6' Mmedium action Eagle GT spinning rod. Headed out to Crockery Lake to toss a few baits with it shortly. I like the feel of this rod... light and seems to have a decent build. First Fenwick I've ever owned... but the price was right, $38 out the door.

Strung it up with Gamma Co-polymer 10 lb line... both because I like it... and because I had a brand new spool of it laying around!

Well, off to the lake.

M

[Jnamo]

I agree with the 6 or 6.5 length spinning rod, but like someone else mentioned, I too like to use 15lb. flouro. for this set up.

I don't get enough feel using mono, I like the flouro. I have no use for mono anymore.

Good luck and happy skipping!!!

[waterfoul]

Well, I fished it tonight on a local lake... caught one nice fish on it and if Crosscobra ever sends it to me I'll post it!! One reason I didn't go with floro is every time I put it on a spinning reel I have tons of issues with line twist... tons!! The gama is a pretty happy medium actually... more sensitive than straight mono and less issues than floro. Trust me, that fish didn't stand a chance tonight...

Now, where's my picture Jason?????

[Bender16v]

I've been using a 5'6" BPS microlite just because that is the closest thing I have to what I need. It has a 750 Sedona reel and I put 8 pound Power Pro on it since the action is light you can't afford to have any line stretch when you tug on it. The line does break off when you want it to also. It will skip a weightless 5" tube a long way.

[chamookman]

Mike - I use a 6' Med act./fast tip Gander Pro Select teamed with a Pflueger reel filled with 10 lb. Green Fireline - no leader, last 2' darkened with a marker. The Fireline works GREAT for skipping (no reel issues), and gets thier head up and out on the hook set. C-man

[waterfoul]

Mike - I use a 6' Med act./fast tip Gander Pro Select teamed with a Pflueger reel filled with 10 lb. Green Fireline - no leader, last 2' darkened with a marker. The Fireline works GREAT for skipping (no reel issues), and gets thier head up and out on the hook set. C-man


Yeah, I thought about doing the marker thing... but I'm gonna give the Gamma a try tonight at Wabs and see how it goes. It worked o.k. last night on the fish I caught (still don't have that picture).

[wolverines]

Given the results of several tournaments I've fished the last couple weeks... and because it's finally warmed up... I'd like to know what you guys use to skip docks/boats/etc... I'm not refering to your heavy jig rods... I have all that. I'm talking what do you use to skip a senko or finesse bait 15' up and under that dock or pontoon boat? Rod? Reel? Line? I am admittadly NOT the best dock/boat fisherman... I really prefer offshore structure and open water.

Mike



Well, it sounds like you've already got your rig...but I'll respond anyway...

My favorite rod for skipping is my 6'3" St. Croix Legend Elite Medium spinning with an Xfast tip. I think 6' is a little too short and I wouldn't go over 6'6"...that's what I've found works best for me as far as casting accuracy (FLW pro Dion Hibdon who is one of the best dock fisherman around recommends 7' rods but I can't skip them with the accuracy I can my 6'3"s) I would advise having 2-3 rods set up for this and/or having spare spools. A few snags and long breaks and your out of business. You want a nice full spool of line for skipping. I wouldn't recommend too large of a real...it won't balance well with the short rods and can hinder casting. I prefer swithing to a different rod or changing the spool when short on line. I also use 10# line and have went up to 12...I like Flouroclear. Pure Flouro does not skip as well and I prefer to not use mono. Braid is another option but hang-ups can hurt you in a tournament IMO...I just break it off. I usually skip tubes on a 3/16 oz. head. Any heavier doesn't skip well for me. Shallower docks you can use 1/8 but I get better fish on deeper docks. Study the dock before you cast. Floe docks and shorestations have more cross-members than you can count and see for that matter. I'll use the heavier stuff for those and skip the more open docks and pontoons with the tube. Also watch your line...a lot of bites will go undetected if you're not a line watcher.

[ezyeric]

I use a 5'6" (though 6 would be fine) St Crouix Premiere in Medium, I definately prefer the shorter rods for this. 10lb floro, line twists have been an issue for me so I might look into something else.


What do you all use for the black marker? I want one that doesnt stink or flood.

[Jnamo]

Well, it sounds like you've already got your rig...but I'll respond anyway...

My favorite rod for skipping is my 6'3" St. Croix Legend Elite Medium spinning with an Xfast tip. I think 6" is a little too short...

I would say that 6" is a little too short also....:D (just having fun!)


I agree with the line twist. Lately I have been using nothing but braid. 30lb. PowerPro to be exact. Once the spool of flouro gets small enough on my last remaining rod, I will probably put braid on it. Just don't get caught up and you will never have to worry about breaking it off!

I had the twist issues with mono too. I am also practicing quite a bit with baitcasters and skipping. Hopefully soon I will not ever have to touch a spinning rod again...

[thedude]

i sometimes use a 6'6" mh diawa rod with 30lb power pro... no leader. rig your bait texas and bury the point and i rarely get snagged. i use this on a few lakes that have zebra mussels or a lot of metal dock legs w/ sharp edges. Its not the best for the actual action of skipping, but its not the worst and it will pull any fish out from under a dock, around pilings and into the well. i'll skip my bait up into places i know i won't get a fish out with mono with this set up and just pull like hell when it gets bit. if its mostly 'toons and wood docks i just use a 6'6" m senko rod w/ 8lb pline. you get more bites on non-braid.. i don't care how thin it is. i agree with everyone above however 6' 6" is plenty long, shorter is better, fast or xfast tip, m-mh power.

[ESOX]

Usually I will skip with a 7' MH St Croix Avid, Spinning rod, reel spooled with 20# PP. Since most of the docks I pitch to are in very weedy water, I will usually pitch a weedless rigged plastic, so snags are a non issue. The MH helps me move fish out from the cover quickly without a lot of fuss.