Dock shooting feed back

[DockShootinJack]

I have caught them under the docks any time they are not spawning. I use Baby Shad or Slab Docktr mainly because they are readily available. Anytime the fish seem sluggish or pressured I use a 1/32 ounce jig head. I want to slow the fall of the jig to keep it in front of them longer to entice a reaction. If the fish are more active I will use a 1/16 ounce jig head to help cover more water. As far as practice under a folding chair works good. A bucket turned on its side sometimes accuracy pays off when you can shoot close to piling they are holding on back under the dock. Spider webs across the opening of a dock are a good sign for me when the fish are pressured. Not much activity on those docks to keep the fish spooked.

[skeetbum]

I’ve shot most everything, docks, both floating and fixed, and brush and overhanging trees and downed trees. It’s isn't just about docks but more of a line drive presentation. For practice I suggest a coffee container. A little distance helps at times so vary the distance when practicing. I prefer a 1/32 and a flat sided body like a Bobby Garland Baby Shad as an example. As for what rod is best, it’s the one in your hand when the opportunity presents itself. Pick a rod that your comfortable and confident with and use nothing but it for a while. This will shorten the learning curve and build your confidence. Don’t like too soft or too stiff for close quarters. Once you become an old hand at it you’ll shoot 6” square holes in the side of a floating dock with whatever is in your hand. It’s a good feeling when you hit a 4” square hole in a floating dock and the line jumps before you can close the bail.

[ezgoing]

Please don't shoot between the logs of a pontoon from from the rear. I have had to replace two high pressure gas lines that were punctured by people shooting between the logs there. I don't have a problem with shooting between the logs and the slip fingers but I do get upset when I catch somebody trying to get between my gas tank and the logs on the rear of the pontoon.

[deathb4disco]

I typed "dock shooting" in the search function and got this:

https://www.crappie.com/crappie/sear...d=28143927&pp=

[Stoker540]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply and pass on your experience. I'm enjoying all of the feed back and plan to put it all to good use.
Thanks again, John

[Stoker540]

Thanks again to everyone for spending your time helping me and every one else that is lucky enough to stumble across this Thread. I'm super glad that I found Crappie.com. Also, Crappie Pappy I did read your excellent article on vertical casting. I personally think your theory on fish behavior after one of their pals ends up gone is pretty darn close to what happens. I'll be keeping that in mind when I get back out on the lake.
Happy Fishing, John

[Curlytail]

B n M has a rod out called the sharpshooter. It is designed for shooting docks. There is alot of good you tube videos on dock shooting. I know on Weiss Lake it is a big thing to shoot the docks.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

[Sickle Hook]

What's the best time of year for Dock shooting in the southern states?
What baits are you using on your most productive days?

Thanks for any feed back. I'm starting to practice shooting under my garage door. Do you have any special practice techniques?

Thanks John

Hey John
The best time of year for dock shooting in the southern states is spring and fall. The best baits are usually plastics that you can skip to the most inaccessible and shadiest part. Bobby Garland baby shad in twilight, mayfly, pink phantom, and electric chicken have worked for me. All docks are not created equal and many different baits will work, so there will be some effort on your part. That being said docks will produce year round though you can expect less fish in winter and especially in the dog days of summer. Get a good side scan fish finder to help eliminate some of the guess work. You are on the right track but there will be some good ‘old fashioned grunt work on your part. There is no teacher like experience.
Take Care
SH

[wannabe fisherman]

best time is whenever you're near a dock

[skeetbum]

I also don’t believe in spring and fall as being the best time for any presentation, especially shooting docks. I have used it in summer and done as well as any trip in cooler seasons. It’s all about shade at certain times of year. A friend and I pulled 35 out of one boathouse in July, and probably could have gotten more but it was so hot we had to go. The sun was high in the sky and those fish wanted relief also. This particular boathouse was also the deepest of many, giving it cooler temps and shade. Know what you’re looking for and it’s more fun than you can ever imagine.