accuracy shooting docks

[agruss]

Shooting docks and shooting pontoon boats are two different things. The back side of a pontoon boat has a lot of stuff hanging down on at least one side. Missing your mark can be quite a loud sound and get the attention of boat owners and don't blame them. I understand practice and do but just thinking about what others use. You do get close to a pontoon to shoot and that was my thought on the shorter rod. Thanks

[skeetbum]

It depends on how tight the quarters are. Close and tight I'll take a short rod, but not under 5'6". Normally I use my everything rod, a 6'6" fast tip Lightning rod, now out of production. And I can hit a 6"square hole regularly, but not on the first dock. I have to warm up a little first. And I'm sorry to have to say it, but practice with no one else around is where you'll work out the kinks in your form. I've done it so much I don't think much of it anymore, just load and fire. Even with a tiny cork on the line, though that is way different and humbles you some. And it isn't always docks. Shooting and skipping under trees and brush is common on a trip to the river. After all, it is all about control of the presentation.

[Slabprowler]

I'm no pro at it but am getting a lil better have only been 12-15 times but I love it.i have a b&m sharp shooter 4.5' and a 5' b&m that I seam to always go back too .I also have the Wally speed shooter in a 5.5'and a 7' and I really like them they are really sensitive. but am a lil more accurate with my shorter rods up close .i really like shooting tighter spaces like the floating docks and the pontoons. Much more of a challenge to me.

[jackie53]

Jighead's: Shooting/skipping dock's,pontoon's/laydown's brush ect. the rod length is one of the equation's.The right size jighead and type of jig head really means a lot.Shooting a Dock we like for 1/64-1/24 oz round jighead's. Minnow heads ect area lot harder to shoot/skip. Skipping under a pontoon or dock/laydown we like a crappie tube with an inside the tube jighead 1/16-1/8 oz.The plastic makes for an easier skip
Line:"really makes a difference"We like from 4-6 lb test mono.We like Mr crappie camo 4-6 lb test.Have gone to the berkely nano-fill 8-10 lb test"like 8 lb the best clear mist color" no line twist and it floats like fly line to slow the fall of the jig.unreal how far you can skip a jig.
Not a Pro but what works for us.If ya ever get a chance and get to attend the Grizzly jig show and Mr Crappie himself gives a demo on skipping/shooting dock's!! Good fishing.

[CrappiePappy]

Also remember that it's not necessary to actually shoot the jig INTO the bucket or coffee can ... on the fly. What you really want to do is have the jig hit about 6" in FRONT of them and "skip" into them. (just like you're going to want to do on the water at a real dock)

When I practiced, I used a picnic table as the "dock" and tried to shoot the jig under the seat board and skip it well out the other side (& under the seat board of the opposite side). I did it standing up (& leaning over) just about the same height I'd be over the water when shooting while sitting in my boat seat. When I got pretty good at that, as far as placement & accuracy .... it became much easier to shoot under pontoon boats or between dock float gaps.

[agruss]

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

[hdhntr]

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

[agruss]

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

[Slabprowler]

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.

[skeetbum]

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.