Dock shooting requires the angler to be at the right angle for an accurate presentation. That’s because there are obstructions like ropes or bungee cords that can keep an angler from being able to make an overhand cast, but a low trajectory cast can fly under the obstructions at a constant angle above the water’s surface. Some anglers dock shooting will keep a low profile by sitting down in a pedestal seat while other anglers will squat down when dock shooting.
Alabama crappie fishing guide and Bobby Garland Crappie Baits pro staffer Lee Pitts (www.pittsoutdoors.com) is an expert at shooting docks for crappie. “I like to get a low profile when docking by getting low in the boat and skipping the lure way back into areas other anglers can’t reach without shooting them. After, the lure lands I’m going to keep a little bow in the line and watch for a subtle strike. A strike can be a light jump in the line or the line moving right or left. It’s something an angler has to really, really watch for,” said Pitts.
Pitts noted that an angler should also know the depth of water they are fishing and if the lure stops before hitting the bottom to set the hook.
Not every dock holds crappie. “When I go dock shooting, I’m looking for docks that have things protruding from them like tires being used as a bumper in a stall, vegetation, hanging brush piles by the boat dock’s owner, boat lifts or anything creating shade and an ambush point for suspending crappie. Docks also hold heat in the fall, winter and spring that attract minnows or baitfish crappie can easily feed on,” said Pitts.
One of the main reasons dock shooting puts so many crappie in the livewell is shade. Pitts emphasized shade makes for a great ambush point for crappie around boat docks. Also, shady areas are often places where most anglers can’t get a lure to with an overhand cast.
To shoot docks efficiently, anglers need the right equipment. Pitts uses Lew’s Walleye Marshall Signature Series rod (www.lews.com) paired with a Lew’s light 100 series reel rigged with Gama high Vis 6-pound test line
“I keep it simple when shooting docks. I love the new Bobby Garland Head (www.bobbygarlandcrappie.com) Doctor with its one-of-a-kind ribs that hold on to the soft plastic lure so you don’t waste time pushing the lure back up on the head of the jig head or having to use super glue to keep the head on. For soft plastic lures, I use Bobby Garland Crappie Baits Baby Shad and Slab Slay’R and Minnow Mind’R. I like these lures because they have a lot of action without doing much work and don’t roll over on the hook.
He uses the Lew’s Walleye Marshall Signature Series Speed Shooter Series rod paired up with Lew’s Light 100 series because it’s lightweight and holds a small amount of Gama 6-pound high-vis monofilament fishing line.
Addicting? Yes, shoot docks is addicting, but one way to put limits of crappie in your livewell. It’s one addictive habitat that Pitts will never give up.
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