Thread: accuracy shooting docks

I talked with Wade at Grizzly jig today, he said if I talk with 10 people I will get short poles and long poles and all in between. He has been with very good shooters and they used 5ft to 7ft. rods. He talked about Wally and how good he is, but not many can do what he does. I have shot docks for about 4 years and do fair but moving to the tighter locations I am looking for a edge. I do use 4lb mr crappie line and lately using mr crappie shad pole they skip really good. Have not thought about minnow head compared to a round head jig, need to check that out. Looking at a bnm 5.5ft sharpshooter. good stuff thanks

Unless BnM has stiffened up their Sharpshooter rod, it's got a parabolic bend and is a bit 'wimpy' for my taste. I handled one when they first came out, and it seemed way more UL than the UL I was already using. When I got asked to fieldtest the ESP line of rods, and got their 5'6" UL fast action tip ... I never looked back. Well, until I broke it, that is (my fault) ... but, by then I had already been asked to fieldtest two more models, one of them being a 6'6" PowerLite. Now that rod is my primary jig casting rod, AND my dock shooting rod of choice.

And yes to using ball head jigs & solid body plastics !!

enjoy these conversations as I learn so much. looking forward to starting to shoot docks!

OK has anyone tried the new wally speed shooter, it comes in 5-6 and 7ft.

Yes I have 2 of the 7' and one 5.5' Much more back bone that the sharp shooter.also a lot lighter feeling seam to be more sensitive too. Give me a holler if you want to meet up some where and hit some docks on some Saturday I be glad to let you try em out.

Originally Posted by CrappiePappy

With a shorter rod, get closer to the target "hole" if possible. Using a rod with a stiff backbone & fast action tip will get you distance... even on a shorter rod.

Do I think a shorter rod will give you more accuracy ?? Uh, no ... not particularly. Accuracy comes from getting the line angle correct, from rod tip to jig, and releasing the jig and spool line at the correct time. Meaning : line from jig to rod tip should be angled down towards rod tip just a few degrees ... and after jig is released & travels past the rod tip, you release the spool line. Accuracy is mostly "timing" the release correctly & aiming with the line so that the jig skips on the water just in front of the "hole" you're aiming at. Getting as low to the water as possible can also make a difference.

Good limp line helps, as does having a wide or long spool reel ... both for distance and accuracy, regardless of rod length.

Dang Brother...I couldn't have said it better myself. Find a rig you can shoot well, and then it's practice and experience.
Take Care
SH

Originally Posted by Spaceman

Very well said. Only thing I came add is "practice". You can practice at home with a garage door slightly opened or set a 5 gallon bucket on its side.

Spaceman, thank you for that reply. We don't have any docks on the Big 4 in Mississippi, but shooting under tree limbs could be an advantage. However, I do go to Pickwick on occasion and Bear and Yellow Creek is loaded with 'em. I plan to start practicing with a 5 gallon bucket. Thanks for the tip!

If you practice, remember that some of the gaps are as big as the end of a 4X4. Start with a bucket, and move to a coffee can. What has also been said about different rods is spot on. In the process you may just stumble into a real winner that suits your style and makes it easy. Once this learning curve is behind you there is a ton of fun waiting.