Docks are a minefield of obstacles from pilings to ropes and cables and it is also a place where sharp zebra mussels group up

As anglers get more comfortable with the technique, Zona advises to use baitcast gear for better control of fish and to expand the bait choices

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Summer 2018

Zona notes that the rod he uses is also available in a 6’9”, heavy model and is beneficial for shorter anglers or for those who are making close quarters skips under docks and other overhanging cover.

When using baitcasting gear, Zona prefers 20-pound Seaguar AbrazX fluorocarbon, because of its abrasion resistant qualities.

“Docks are a minefield of obstacles from pilings to ropes and cables and it is also a place where sharp zebra mussels group up,” he says.

LURE SELECTION

As mentioned, tubes and jigs are Zona’s go-to baits for skipping

docks, but he also skips Texas-rigged

plastics, wacky-rigs and weightless

soft stickbaits like the Strike King Ocho.

All of these will do the trick, but given

the choice, he opts for a jig for its big

fish appeal.

His preferred jig is a Strike King

Denny Brauer Structure Jig. “Even

though it was not designed for

skipping, the head design is perfect,” he

said. “It skips like a stone. I’ll use a 3/8-

or 1/2-ounce model and that is really

all you need to have.”

Skipping docks is one of the best ways to catch bass that other anglers miss. By having the right gear, approach and a little practice you can target that big bass that lives deep under a dock. •

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