Docks are key to April on Wateree

According to guide Chris Heinning, docks can be a real key to shallow-water success on Lake Wateree.

“Actually, anytime bass are in the shallows, docks are a great target,” Heinning said. “During April, when most of the bass are in the shallows, docks are a prime targets that should be fished, but not all docks are created equal on Lake Wateree.”

Heinning said that deep water is not essential for a dock to be productive; however, he prefers those that have a bit of depth in front, with at least four feet or deeper being a good depth.

“Often, I’ll find the fish near the shoreline around the docks in April, but the docks that consistently produce are those that have a good slope of depth change from the back to the front of dock,” he said. “I usually like at least five to eight feet of water at the end for the dock. I will work the lure all the way around the dock and along the front as well. Some docks have brush or cover that may be placed there for crappie but will certainly attract and hold largemouth during April.”

Heinning said a number of different lures that will work well around docks.

“Bottom-bumping lures such as Buckeye shaky heads or jigs and trailers, as well as swimming/twitch-style plastics and hard baits are all productive during April,” he said. “The key will be to get the lure into tight corners, so accurate casting is a game changer. Pitching or flipping are excellent techniques to get lures into tight places. Whatever your technique, get your lure into the tight corners and under the shaded part of the docks. If you only make a couple of casts to the edges with crankbaits, you will likely be leaving fish behind.

“Docks are not the only good pattern in April, but they are typically a dependable place to get bites throughout the day,” he said. “Also, you can pattern fish on docks just like other cover, and when I figure a certain pattern, such as a shaded corner in three feet of water on the back side of a dock, I’ll start hitting docks that have that same (feature). As the sun changes and the day warms, the dock pattern may change, but they will produce. Also, patience is a key. I may fish a dozen docks with several casts to each with no bites, then the first cast on the next dock will produce a 5-pound fish.”