I typically start with 1/32 for a slower fall rate and as the season progresses I run a 1/16 as the crappie become more aggressive and the like the faster fall. Keep at least two rods rigged for different weights. Have fun
Got my first boat. 14' Gamefisher Jon Boat. Going to use trolling motor only till I afford to buy a gas motor.
I will be dock shooting in upper Chattahoochee river (GA) and Lake Lanier (GA). I will be fishing in the coves. 14' jon boat has no chance in the open water in Lake Lanier. Also, I will be trout fishing from the boat in lower Chattahoochee river.
Quick question, what weight jig head should I use for dock shooting? I have been practicing dock shooting in a five gallon bucket.
Thanks in advance.
I do the same as B-52 does. Also try different body styles as that in itself will change the fall rate of the jig.
I use 1/32oz & 1/16oz for dock shooting, but mostly 1/16oz. Biggest positive change I made was going from hollow tubes to solid body stinger shad plastics. The solid body plastics seem to skip better & farther.
SpeckledSlab LIKED above post
1/32 for under 10' and 1/16 for over. You can use the 1/16 up shallow but you have to be quick on the reel and get it moving to keep it up off bottom, and usually you are out of the strike zone too fast.. but sometimes they want that fast movement. I'm almost always using 1/32.
GA angler try some Bobby Garland baby shad in monkey milk and blue ice. Great colors and they have a great skip on the water so you can get to the backs of the darkest spots of the docks. Do not retrieve, just let the jig fall and watch your line. Sudden sag or tight line, set the hook! Use 4lb test! I prefer a 5ft 6in good backbone rod to execute the the shooting and the hookset! Have fun
skeetbum, SpeckledSlab LIKED above post
I'm a little different. I use 1/16 on smaller docks and 1/8 on the larger docks, water depth also counts. Remember to shoot into the darkest part of the dock, and use a high vis line. Some times you wont feel the thump, just see your line move. I haven't been at this game long, but it has become my favorite way chase um. Over time you will find which docks hold fish the most often. It is a very productive way to ketchum....
>>>-----------> Make It Count!!! <><wahanlin, SpeckledSlab LIKED above post
I also use 1 16th if the fish will hit them. Sometimes the slower fall of a 1 32nd oz seems to make a difference, but it's a lot harder to use the 1 32nd oz when the wind is blowing or there is current. I have used 1 24th oz as well when I can find them, and they have worked well for me. I also love dock shooting, it is my favorite way to catch crappie.
SpeckledSlab LIKED above post
depends on the line , 4 lb test 1/32 , 6 lb test 1/16 , 8 to 10 lb test maybe a 1/8
fall rate is critical in my opinion , to fast to fall and or have to reel to fast to keep it off the bottom will greatly reduce the amount of crappie in your bucket .
fat body baits work best ,skip better and fall slower
luck to ya
sum kawl me tha outlaw ketchn whalesCreekTracker LIKED above post