Fishing Specific Areas Part 2 of 4: The Ten Commandments of Dock Fishing

By: Mike McKay

How many different kind of docks are there? Just to name a few, I can go with floating docks, wood docks, metal docks, boat launching docks, boat holding docks, swimming docks with ladders.. etc. So if you were to pull up to two different docks and fish both of those docks the exact same way, would you catch fish on both? Maybe. But probably not.

Each type of dock is different, but one thing that all anglers can agree on is that nearly every dock will be holding fish. Docks are essential to most fish because they provide essential elements to a fish's survival all year round. Whether you are in the spawn, and bass are on the beds underneath docks, or you are in the post spawn where the temperatures are heating up and the fish are under the docks for shade, either way, it is not uncommon to find fish underneath docks.

1.Thou shalt be respectful.

DO NOT cast into somebody elses boat that is docked. Fisherman have a bad name already, and when we go somewhere for a tournament we want to be welcomed, not yelled at or feared. If I spend $45,000 on a cabin cruiser I know I wouldnt want people flinging hooks all around it. Be CAREFUL, do not exceed your own limits because it can be costly for you, and for Bass fisherman as a whole.

2.Thou shalt not cast a shadow.

Fish the darker side of a dock first, and if there is no darker side: fish from far away. Nothing will scare a bass like seeing a huge shadow of somebody casting to it, because as soon as that bait hits the water that bass is GONE. As long as you are not casting a shadow over the dock, the bass will have no reason to suspect that the jig they are eating is about to come crashing through their jaw. 

3.Thou shalt fish from shallow to deep.

There are certain times in the year where bass will hold on different depths on the docks you are fishing. Until you have found the depth that the fish are most likely going to be holding on, try fishing from shallow to deep. If the fish are finicky, and you aren't Denny Brauer, try throwing the bait you are using onto shore, and working it slowly into the water. This gives the bait a more natural look to it, and the fish are more likely to bite.

4.Thou shalt learn to watch the weather channel.

They may be wrong 99% of the time, but that 1% could save you a tournament, and some cash! There are certain things to look for regarding weather. On sunny days, try fishing wood docks. On brutally sunny days, fish wood docks that have a lot of shade with deeper water underneath them. Shallow water docks are typically better in the spring and the beginning stages of fall. After a cold front however, metal docks are best because they hold heat and the fish will hold on them if there is a sudden drop in temperature.

5.Thou shalt fish slow first.

This is NOT one of the cases where you will use search baits. The slow moving baits typically meant to target larger fish ARE the search baits. If you take a spinnerbait and rip the dock up before fishing the wooden posts, the fish could already be gone. Remember, fish hold on docks because it is an easy ambush point. So give them something easy to ambush! You might just catch more fish.

6.Thou shalt pay attention.

Put down your sandwich a drink and pay attention to what the bass tell you! They will not jump into your boat and say "Well Frank, I think you would have hooked my mom on that one if you had simply slowed down" You have to pay attention. Find out what works, and what is not working on that day. If the fish want it slow, give it to them slow, if they want it fast, give it to them fast. You get the picture.

7.Thou shalt simplify.

I'm sure that Gary Yamamoto has made over 100 different colors on that dang Senko. But I know many color blind fisherman who catch fish just as well as other fisherman. There are really only a few colors that you need. Watermelon, Red, Blue, Bubble Gum, Green Pumpkin, and Black. Period. The next time I have somebody walk into my store and say that they want a Watermelon/Green Pumpkin 5 inch Senko with black, red, yellow, blue, and intermitant slightly larger white/darker yellowt han before fleck, I might just snap.

8.Thou shalt adapt.

I have already given you seven tips that you should really try to adhere by, however (disregarding number 7) do NOT be afraid to mix it up a little bit. Since when have two days on the water been exactly the same? Never. If the fish are telling you that you need to fish a crankbait and slam it into the metal and wake up the dock owner at 6 in the morning, try something else. Wait until he leaves the house, and then lay seige upon his dock.

9.Thou shalt fish off the water.

You need to learn how to make percision casts when they are necessary and need to be made. Set up some buckets in your backyard and practice flipping and pitching to them, this will make you a better caster when you need to be. Try pitching from 10 feet and then 15. Then take a lawn chair and try putting the bucket underneath it. Go to a farm pond and practice making NO splash with your lure. It is essential to be good at casting to have an effective day fishing on the docks, take my word for it.

10.Thou shalt catch fish.

Put everything together, and get out there on those docks. Try different things, if you spend enough time and do enough homework, you can do some serious tournament damage on docks. Do not be afraid to try different things, and attempt different techniques. You will see what I mean when you see a monster charging out after your bait. So catch him, and send me pictures for all to see and learn from. 

Dock fishing can be one of the most fun types of fishing, but it can be tricky too. There will be days where you can actually see the fish there but will not know how to go get them. You have to experiment, and most importantly, catch some fish. When the conditions call for it, you can catch some MONSTER bags off of docks. I have seen it happen, and I have done it myself too many times to ignore it or to play it off as if it was just some kind of a "fluke." If you do not want to go out and fish docks you are making a mistake! 

See you on the water, good luck and tight lines as always!