What is Dock Shooting?
Dock shooting is a specialized technique where the angler uses a rod and reel more like a bow and arrow to “shoot” crappie jigs under boat docks, lifts, swimming platforms, and other structures. This method allows access to hard-to-reach places where crappie congregate, particularly during spring when they seek out shaded areas.
The technique is part dock skipping—similar to what bass anglers use—and part archery, creating a lethal approach for catching fish in those difficult-to-reach spots. With practice, anglers can place jigs far under docks where fish rarely see lures, often resulting in impressive catches.
Selecting the Right Docks
Not all docks are created equal when it comes to spring crappie fishing. Here’s what to look for:
- Deeper docks: As spring progresses, focus on docks in deeper water particularly on high-pressure days
- Shade coverage: Larger docks with substantial decks often hold more fish
- Location: Docks near points, drop-offs, or underwater ledges tend to concentrate more fish
- Isolated structures: Docks sitting by themselves often attract more fish than those in areas with numerous docks
Water temperature plays a crucial role in dock selection. As temperatures increase, crappie actively seek shade. The shade lines provided by docks create excellent ambush points for crappie to feed on shad and other minnows that also hide there
Essential Gear for Dock Shooting
The specialized nature of dock shooting requires specific equipment:
- Rod: A light-action rod around 7 feet long (not ultra-light) It should have a strong backbone, but limber tip
- Reel: A spinning reel spooled with 4-6 pound test line (Although some anglers use a closed face reel too)
- Jigheads: Lightweight 1/24 or 1/32-ounce jigheads work best
- Lures: Soft-plastic crappie baits that skip well under docks
The lure, rather than the jighead, largely determines how well your offering will skip under docks. Popular choices include the Bobby Garland Baby Shad, Baby Shad Swim’R, Minnow Mind’R and Slab Slay’R.
Perfecting Your Technique
Dock shooting requires practice but can be mastered with dedication:
1.Hold your rod parallel to the water
2.Pull the jig back toward you, creating tension in the rod – hold the head, not the hook, with the hook facing above and away from your hand
3.For best results, hold the line parallel to the water as you pull it back
3.Aim at your target area under the dock
4.Release the jig, immediately thereafter release the finger holding the line allowing the rod’s tension to propel it forward
5.Close your bail after the jig hits the water
6.Count in your head to know how far down the jig has dropped
7.Begin a very slow retrieve back to the boat – too fast and the jig will climb in the water column
8.When you have retrieved the jig back to the boat let it sit vertical for a few seconds, then slowly begin to reel in the jig – often fish will follow it out and strike while it suspends or starts to slowly move to the surface
Once your jig is under the dock, pay attention to how deep the fish are holding. Keep a mental count of how many seconds your bait falls before strikes occur, then repeat that count to target the productive depth. Different weighted jig heads fall at different rates. Know the rate of drop for each jig you are fishing so you know where in the water column you’re getting bites!
Another pattern that works well is to shoot the jig under the dock and just let it swing all the way back to the boat without reeling in. It’s still a good idea to count as the jig drops so you know what depth the fish are biting.