Dock Fishing 101: Bass Baits, Strategies & Etiquette

With summer around the corner and that bright sun heating up the water, bass are seeking cover. Whether its weeds, wood, rock or trees, bass need some sort of structure that’s shaded to get out of the sun. Some of the best cover you can get, that provides standing structure, perfect shade, and a steady food source for bass during the summer months, are boat docks. 

But how do you fish a dock? What makes one dock better than another? The goal here is to break down what makes a good dock, how to approach it, and what baits work best. Also, dock etiquette is something that most anglers lack, so we will touch on how to approach interactions with property owners. Everyone is different and people can be odd, but find the right dock and you’ll be able to pull some big bass from deep underneath. 

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What Makes a Good Fish-Holding Dock?

If you look at a party lake lined with docks, you might think they all look the same, right? Well, it may seem that way, but each one is unique and fish will relate to each one differently. Not every dock is made of the same material, and not all materials hold fish. However, docks do share one common factor: they all provide shade to keep fish cool. 

Of all the materials out there that make a great dock, wood is arguably the best. Why? Wood holds growth, which also holds life. If you go down to the ocean and look at a pier or boat dock in saltwater, they are almost all made with wood. Those wood pilings hold algae, mussels, barnacles, and other food items that draw in small fish which, in turn, attracts bigger predators. The same is true for lakes and ponds. If the docks are permanent and don’t get removed each season, the growth will build up over time, keeping fish around.

Metal docks are good too, there just isn’t much to hold the fish there besides shade. Most metal docks have small support legs that hold them up, which is not ideal structure for cover or ambush points. What I see is that metal docks, generally, are better in the colder months, as metal absorbs heat faster than wood. This will result in more fish relating to them to stay warm in the colder parts of the year. Metal docks also usually get removed each season as they are lightweight, and most lakes have a draw-down system and require you to remove them. 

How Do You Fish a Dock?

Let’s say you arrive at a section of a lake that is riddled with docks: what do you do? The first thing to look for is the oldest dock (or docks) in the lineup—the ones that are full of growth, look like they are about to break, and maybe even have missing or sunken pieces. I like to call these “Jerry Springer docks” because they are old and dilapidated. Newer docks just don’t harbor the growth that attracts the forage, therefore, they don’t hold nearly as many fish. 

Now that you’ve found a dock to fish, it’s time to pick it apart. Generally, in a boat you can usually approach it only on the front side, casting to the sides and front of the dock or underneath it. If you’re in a kayak or small jon boat, depending upon the distance in between the docks, you may be able to get behind them to approach at a better angle. 

Some docks will have boats attached to them. Boats and pontoons also provide excellent cover for bass, but proceed with caution. You don’t want to get caught on the boat or even worse, the outboard.

You usually want to approach a dock to cast on your non-dominant side from down wind—especially if you’re skipping under the dock. It’s easier when you can do it from the right angle for your dominant casting hand. Approaching from downwind gives you enough time to thoroughly work each part of the dock without being blown past it. 

Be Cautious of Homeowners

Remember, you have to treat others with the utmost respect when dock fishing. They are people’s private property. Even though these docks are on a public lake, that does not make them open to public use or a free-for-all. Here are the five rules that I go by when dock fishing to make sure I don’t leave off on the wrong foot with the homeowners. 

1. If you see homeowners out around their docks or in their yards, even if it’s a good looking one, just pass on by and give them their space. Nothing is worse than getting caught on their dock if they are around. 

2. If you do happen to get snagged on the dock, do everything possible to remove the bait. The last thing a homeowner wants is to get caught on a hook on their boat or dock.

3. If the homeowner is outside when this happens, ask politely if you can retrieve the bait. Being polite can go both ways, depending upon the mood of the homeowner.

4. Keep a decent distance away from the dock. Don’t ever be right up on it. Give the fish (and people) space.

5. Don’t over fish a singular dock. Homeowners do not appreciate when you linger around their property. Yes, it might be a public lake, but it is still their property in the water.

Top 5 Dock Fishing Baits

When it comes to choosing the right baits for dock fishing, keeping it simple is the way to go. Remember, most docks are shallow and have space in between them and the water, so it’s important to choose baits that are skippable that also work well for shallow water. Here are five of my favorite baits that I love dock fishing with. 

Soft Stickbaits

Senko-style soft stickbaits are probably the number one bait when it comes to skipping docks. They cover a great surface area and are easy to cast underneath and around docks. Their slow fall when Texas- or wacky-rigged is a perfect fit when teasing a big bass under a dock. 

Skirted Jigs

When I first started fishing docks, a flat-headed jig with a trailer was my go-to for many reasons. Jigs catch big fish, period. But, they imitate one of the most important prey items that bass love to feed on: crayfish. 

When you fish a lighter jig, usually under a half ounce, you are able to get a better skip on your jig when you add a bulky trailer. It’s just like skipping a rock; the flatter the rock, the more surface area it has to work with. I love casting jigs, like a Keitech Model 1 Casting jig, for these situations around docks. 

Soft Jerkbaits

Like a soft stickbait, a Texas-rigged soft jerkbait is a good choice for fishing around and under docks. Their flat sides make them great for skipping and their weight will allow them to get way back and under those docks where fish love to hide. Plus, most are rigged weedless, which is perfect for deflecting around cover. Productive baits to consider are a Zoom Super Fluke or an original Lunker City Fin-S Fish. 

Hollow-Bodied Frogs

Most people would never think to throw a hollow-bodied frog up under a dock, but their weedless ways make them deflect around cover very well. They make attractive surface commotion, especially if you use a popping-style frog like a Spro Bronzeye Poppin’ Frog. Plus their flat bodies make skipping a breeze. 

Glide Baits

Honestly, this is the last type of bait most people would throw around a dock because of their size and how expensive some can be. But what makes a glide so special is its drawing power. Its sheer size draws many visual strikes and will pull curious bass out from underneath the docks. I use baits like a Spro KGB Chad Shad or a River2Sea S-Waver in a bone color to really stand out from the crowd. Curiosity killed the cat, but usually that cat is a bass that ends up engulfing a glide. 

Overall, dock fishing can be some fun fishing, especially during the post-spawn period. It really tests your skills around cover and can result in some epic strikes and huge bass. Always proceed with caution, especially when there are people around. It’s a great way to add a few extra fish to your livewell this season. 

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Source: https://onthewater.com/dock-fishing-101-bass-baits-strategies-etiquette

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