Dock Fishing / Skipping

Pattern technique

A low, sidearm cast that skips a weightless or light bait under docks and overhangs into shaded cover.

Gear

How to fish the Dock Fishing / Skipping

1. Pick a flat, skippable bait like a wacky worm, fluke or jig.
2. Make a low sidearm cast so the bait skips like a stone.
3. Send it as far back into the shade as you can.
4. Let it fall and work it slowly out.
5. Set on any tick and steer the fish out.

Retrieve: Skip it deep into the shade, let it fall, and work it slowly back out of the dock.

Where it shines

Cover: docks; structure: boat docks, marinas, overhangs; clarity: clear, stained.

When to use it

Best seasons: Summer, Spring, Fall

Best conditions: Summer Heat / Dog Days, Calm / Slick Conditions, Post-Frontal / Bluebird

When Bryan reaches for it: On dock-lined lakes, especially in summer heat when bass pull into the deepest shade to escape the sun and traffic.

Lakes where it works

Lake LBJ · Inks Lake · Lake Marble Falls

Lures to throw

Senko / Stickbait, Fluke / Soft Jerkbait, Flipping Jig.

Common mistakes

• A high, splashy cast that spooks fish
• Not reaching the back of the dock where the best fish hold
• Heavy line that limits the skip

Pro tips

• Practice the low sidearm skip on open water first
• Target the shadiest, deepest-water docks

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