How to Fish Docks Like a Pro
Fishing boat docks is one of the most consistent patterns for catching bass across the country, and AFTCO Pro Team angler Jason Christie has an affinity for targeting the man-made structures whenever the opportunity presents itself. Docks are often the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow when fishing for bass. They create multiple ambush points, allowing for easy feeding opportunities. Each row of pilings and every corner offers a sneaky spot for bass to hide and ambush their prey. While the dock itself is cover, many also have multiple brush piles that homeowners and anglers have planted around them, making them one of the best places to target while bass fishing.
Christie has won several major titles in part by fishing docks, including the coveted Bassmaster Classic championship on Lake Hartwell in 2022. While Christie maintains a relatively straightforward approach when attempting to pluck bass from around the boat docks, he is focused and always thinks one step ahead of his next cast before making it. "One of the biggest things that intimidates anglers when bass fishing off a dock is the thought of getting hung up or breaking off a fish when you hook it," says Christie. By taking a logical approach before casting to a particular boat dock, anglers can significantly reduce the likelihood of that scenario unfolding.
"One of the mistakes I see anglers making while fishing docks is getting in too big of a hurry and not thinking before making a presentation. What I mean by this is that you need to set yourself up for success by approaching the cast from the correct angle. If I want to target a walkway or a dock pole, then I will determine what angle I need to make the cast from to give me the best opportunity to get that fish out once he is hooked. There are going to be certain scenarios where that is just going to be unavoidable, but at least I am setting myself up for the best possibility of success by thinking before I make the cast."
Concentrating on each cast is a great tip to help you catch more fish when fishing boat docks. Taking a few extra seconds on the front end of your presentation leads to more casts and more docks fished throughout the day. While achieving Christie's level of dock prowess may take a lifetime, implementing this one simple tip into your dock fishing game can pay huge dividends.
Beyond technique, bass fishing tackle is crucial to an angler’s success. Christie likes to be prepared and has a successful setup for targeting docks. "The first thing I will always try to catch fish off a dock with is a jig. Most of the time, I use a heavy BOOYAH jig with a soft-plastic crawfish trailer. I pair this up with the 20lb Sunline Shooter fluorocarbon line and a 7'4" heavy action Falcon Cara rod and SPRO reel. This gives me a fighting chance when I hook a fish around a dock to get it away from the structure and put it in the boat," explains Christie.
Docks are one of the most reliable places to find, catch, and pattern bass on any body of water. With docks nationwide and more popping up daily, anglers have ample opportunity to hone their dock fishing craft. Learning to target these structures more efficiently is a skill you must add to your arsenal. Fishing boat docks like a pro takes practice and patience, and there is no substitute for time on the water working on your casting accuracy and angles. By focusing on the angles of your cast and slowing down your presentation, you’ll quickly reap the benefits of bass fishing off a dock. Using these fishing tips for bass that Jason Christie employs will tremendously reduce the learning curve and make you a more successful angler!
Bass anglers know you are always at the mercy of Mother Nature when on the water. Understanding what to wear for tournament bass fishing can be the difference between an enjoyable and a miserable experience on the water. If you’re interested in professional bass fishing, check out the blog on preparing for your first bass fishing tournament. For anglers new to bass fishing, freshwater fishing for beginners and freshwater how-to's are excellent resources. Remember, the proof is in practice, and with dedication, you'll quickly build confidence as an angler and start reeling in trophy-worthy catches.
