Thread: Dock Shooting

Max distance is created by the total configuration of the outfit. The length of the rod, tip action, rod bend action, line size, and reel spool size are the main factors ... and, in my experience, can be all over the place in regards to what distances you get if those factors are on opposite sides of the spectrum. What I'm saying is ... I used a 5ft UL outfit to shoot docks (w/4# line) and could get about 30' distance (shooting over open water) and used a 6'6" lite outfit w/6# line and got about the same distance. Other outfits I used were mostly producing less distance.

My favorite dock shooting rod (and also my favorite jig casting rod) was the 6'6" ESP IM6 High Modulus Graphite rod (very fast tip action) with a Shimano Spirex 2000RE reel & 6# Vicious. And I'd probably use it again, should I encounter a dock to shoot or overhanging branches to shoot under (even though it now has a Mitchell 308x reel on it). And I would expect the Mitchell to produce the same distance.

My dock shooting "mentor" used a 6' med spinning rod & a 2000 series reel with 6# line (quite successfully), because that was the lightest outfit he owned.

Originally Posted by silverside

I am not a dock shooter. My usual waters do not have docks or lake front homes. My idea is to use the dock shooting method to get up under low hanging tree limbs where even sidearm casts would be difficult. I would not use this method often, but certain conditions would warrant it. I have around 40+ rods. I would think that 1 of them would be a decent choice to begin trying this idea.
Now I have 2 questions:
1) What is the max distance attained?
2) What rod characteristics would you choose to get the best distance?

Bon Temps & I bought Wally Marshall Speed Shooters, I put Shimano 1000 reels on mine with 6.5# Test Varivas Avani Light Game Super Premium PE X4 4 strand braid. Zero memory line. With my rig shooting 1/16 jigheads because I'm letting it sink with a slow retrieve back, I can shoot 50-60 ft. I'm having to back off the dock double my usual distance so I don't shoot it too far and hang up on the bank. The line really changes, doubles your possible distance. I started out with Varivas Area Super Trout PE X8 Infinity 5.6# test but kept setting the hook too hard breaking the line at times. It will cast a 1/32 jig further than anything else. The cost of the Infinity put me off spooling the 7 other rigs with it. I do have one rig with the Infinity 7.5# test that is the workhorse shooter. I recently loaded all the others with the Varivas Light Game and it is what I'm sticking with. You can buy it up to 8.5# test.

Avani Light Game Super Premium PE X4 – VARIVAS


If you're picking thru your rods look for a action just like CrappiePappy suggests, 5-6' to 6-6' in length Fast Action, graphite blank, (No Ugly Stix), if using mono a larger spool like a 2000 series Shimano but not needed at all using Varivas PE Braids. I find the longer rods gets me more distance. Once you get a setup practice, practice, practice in the yard with the weight jig you want to shoot. If you're in the tree limbs before in the perfect spot on the water it spooks the fish.

I’m a fair dock shooter and I’ve tried what you described and went back to my foot pole. After getting tangled more than I expected.

Shooting docks, if you miss your mark high you typically hit a flat board and your jig just falls down but when it’s tree limbs , that’s when the cussing starts…


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th Fast Action, graphite blank, (No Ugly Stix), if using mono a la

Rojo... I have lots of brands including several Ugly Sticks. What is your reasoning for not using? Pure curiosity