Finesse Skipping for Bass

Spinning rods are one of the most versatile types of fishing rods that are useful for a variety of fishing techniques, including skipping lures beneath overhanging cover for bass. 

Skipping lures under cover is a technique where you cast the lure under overhanging branches, docks, pontoon boats or other obstacles imitating an intruder into the bass' shallow water hideout. If done correctly, this technique can be very effective for catching bass tucked tightly under different types of shoreline cover. 

Consider these step when preparing to use a spinning rod for skipping lures under cover for bass:

Choose the right spinning rod: To skip lures under cover, you'll need a 6.5' to 7' medium to medium-heavy power, fast action spinning rod with matching reel. This will give you the necessary tip action for making the cast, the sensitivity you need to detect bites, while also providing enough backbone to set the hook and fight the fish out from cover.

Pick the right lure: There are a variety of lures that can be skipped under cover, but soft plastic lures (soft stickbaits, worms, creature baits, tubes, etc.), hollow-body frogs, and jigs are good choices. You'll want to choose a lure that is small enough to fit under the cover, heavy enough to cast well, but bulky enough to trigger a reaction from the bass.

Line selection: Use a braided line with a low diameter, high strength and low stretch. This line will allow you to detect even the slightest bites. If high water clarity is a concern, pair the braided line with a fluorocarbon leader of about 3-4 feet in length, which will provide a low visibility connection between the lure and the line.

Position yourself correctly: When skipping lures under cover, it's important to position yourself correctly. Stand at a 90-degree angle to the opening you're targeting and keep your rod tip pointed directly at the cover. This will help you to control the direction and distance of your cast.

Make the cast: To make the cast, start with the rod tip low and parallel to the water’s surface. Quickly pull the rod back and quickly move it forward, making a sweeping motion to launch the lure out towards the cover. As you make the cast, keep looking at the opening you’re targeting then release the line from the reel so that the lure skips smoothly across the surface of the water and into the opening of the overhang.

Set the hook: Since the skipped bait is suddenly dropping into the bass' hiding place, a quick reaction bite is typical. When you detect a bite, quickly sweep the rod tip back to set the hook. Keep the line tight to guide the bass out from the cover and prevent the fish from tossing the lure. Keep pressure on the fish to keep it away from the cover and reel it in to land.

Rinse and repeat: When bass are holding under overhanging cover in one area of a lake, it's likely they are also beneath overhangs around the lake. Repeat the skip cast process until you've covered all the available overhanging cover hideouts as you fish around the lake during that trip.

Remember, this technique takes some practice to master, so don't get discouraged if you don't get the hang of it right away. With time and patience, you'll be able to skip lures with ease and catch more fish.

Take a moment and watch the following on the water demo video from the folks at W2F on finesse skipping with a spinning outfit...