Any body got tips about docks?

I am going on a fishing trip soon and there will be tons of docks. I really would like to fish them for crappies. Does anyone have tips on that subject. I would greatly appreciate some feedback. Thanks.

Depth, closeness to main river (ie current), and amount of shade are the variables I look at most.

Look for docks ... with deep water under them ... fishing equipment on them (minnow buckets/fish basket/rod holders/etc) ... pontoons tied to them ... large decks ... stationary docks on poles ... wood frames/poles.

Deep water = security & a range of depth to suspend in
Fishing Equipment = likelihood that owner fishes off/around dock (possibly puts out cover, too)
Pontoons = darker shade area than an open boat slip or dock deck that's high above water level
Large Decks = greater shade area, more space to school under
Stationary Docks on wood poles = algae growth to draw in baitfish, something to suspend around

Learn how to shoot a jig under a dock/pontoon, if you don't already know how.
Retrieve jig slow ... slow enough to keep a slight bow in line.
Watch line for any little jump in the line, movement to one side or the other (instead of coming straight back to you), or instant slack (& your bait cannot be on the bottom). Set the hook fast/hard as soon as you see any of those line movements.
Read this : Crappie Pappy Article and apply it to the dock posts ... especially the ones on the outside or front, wherever the deeper water is (but especially those still in the shade).
Take note of the angle of the Sun, and concentrate your presentation to where the shade is darkest. Understand, too ... the closer the dock deck is to the surface of the water, the darker the shade will be under it.
Look for ropes/cables hanging off the sides of the dock, or in the boat slip ... usually an indication that the dock owner has a tree tied off.
Scout around the front of a dock, about a good long cast's distance from the front edges & corners of the dock, with your depth finder ... look for brush piles (possibly put out by dock owner).

If the dock owner is present ... politely ask if it's OK to fish his dock. If he says no, move on. Don't even approach a dock with kids, dogs, sunbathers, or a group of people on it (especially if they're fishing off the dock).
Don't get ON a dock, for any reason, even if your most favorite bait is hung up on it ... that's trespassing !! Don't tie off to a dock, unless you have the owners permission to do so. Be careful & respect the dock owners property (dock/boat/etc) ... even if they're not on the dock or visible to you, they may be watching from the house.

Have fun & catch some fish !!

... luck2ya !!

... cp :kewl

Great advice crappiepappy. I also look for sticks sticking up out of the water as this is an indication that brush is there. When the water is down is the time to look for good docks with brush around them. Also look for stumps near shore near a dock. Some people cut down trees and let them fall in the lake. I don't dock shoot but fish around docks. And yes some people dont like for you to fish there dock. So like pappy said just move on to the next one. Some people a very nice and even come down to see if they are hitting or not. Good luck.

these guys have just about covered it all . i look for docks next to the main, river Chanel, deep water ,fish baskets,minnow buckets,lights rigged to shine down into the water ,ropes hanging down the sides( with brush brush tied to them). like David said people that live on the lake like there view look tree stumps cut on angels so that the tree would have had to doped down hill into the water. and the most important thing respect the dock owners . if anyone is on the dock skip it no matter how good it may be. never get out of your boat onto the dock to fish or to retrieve a lure. dont tie off to them . practice shooting from 15 to 20 feet away from the dock / pontoon the further away you are the further you can shoot your jig under were they like to stay(shade) and its more respectful to the dock owner. i use a 7ft med light rod ,4/6 lb high vis yellow line ,1/16 - 1/32 oz jig/ bobby garland baby shad .

one other thing once your hooked on dock shooting there is no cure!

crappiepappy covered it pretty good.......grayryder is correct also, its an addiction, might even make you change your name on here..........one of the most important things mentioned is respect the docks just like you would want someone to respect your back porch...........

I too enjoy shooting docks and have become a huge fan of it. It's just like it was for you fishing near the bank when you was unskilled and unpracticed at that. You remember how you use to throw your bait into the brush on bank most the time, and hang up instead of hitting that last foot or two just before shore. Remember, when dock shooting not to be discouraged as your starting a whole new way of fishing and your not going to put that bait where you want it the first time or two you go dock shooting. Give yourself practice at home, and practice time on the water and the better you get at bait placement and your not banging your bait against everything 5 times before you make a good shot, all of a sudden you will start to catch more fish, confidence goes up, and your well on your way to being hooked on dock shooting. All the others advice was spot on.