How to Pick Lures for Skipping Under Cover

Skipping docks and other overhanging cover is a great way to catch bass, especially in the summer when the fish are looking for shade and protection. When it comes to skipping however, not all lures are created equal. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a lure for skipping docks:

• Lure size: Smaller lures are easier to skip, but they may not be as visible to the fish. Larger lures are more visible, but they can be more difficult to skip. A good rule of thumb is to use a lure that is about 3-5 inches long but always experiment to see what lure is best for the conditions you’re facing.

• Lure shape: Lures with a flat side will skip better than those with a rounded bait. This is because the flat side helps the lure to glide across the water's surface just as flat-sided rocks do.

• Lure weight: Heavier lures will skip better than lighter lures. This is because they have more momentum and are less likely to be affected by wind or waves. However, too heavy of a lure can be difficult to skip and may not be as effective at attracting fish. Again experiment to see what’s best.

• Lure action: Lures with a lot of action, such as paddle tails or swimbaits, can be more effective at attracting fish. However, they can also be more difficult to skip.

Here are a few specific lures that are good for skipping docks and other cover:

• Soft plastic jerkbaits and stickbaits: These lures have a lot of natural appeal and are easy to skip. They are a good choice when skipping cover located in shallow water.

• Tubes: These lures are also easy to skip and have a lot of action on the fall. They can be a good choice for both shallow or deep water by altering the weight of the tube-style jighead.

• Jigs: Jigs with a flat side will skip well and can be dressed with a variety of flat-sided soft plastic baits. They can be a good choice for any water depth since different weight jigs can be used.

When trying to decide when to select a soft plastic bait like a soft stickbait versus a jig and trailer for skipping, it’s often best to consider the type of the cover you’re fishing.

Take a few minutes and watch as Pete from Omnia Fishing describes his approach to selecting the best skipping bait when he’s out on the water…