The art of shooting docks is a skill no crappie angler should be without. Shooting a jig allows the angler to present a bait well back under a boat dock or other overhead structure that couldn’t otherwise be reached. Here’s a few simple steps to master the skill:
• Equipment. A fast-action graphite rod, such as an IM 6 blank makes for a good shooting rod. Ideal choices are from 4 ½ to 6 ½ feet long. A wide-diameter reel spool allows line to peel off faster and easier than a small spool. Monofilament line is a must. Crappie may shy away from braided line in clear shallow water and a little bit of stretch is necessary to get off good shots. Light line shoots best; 4- to 6-pound is ideal. Heavier line is too stiff.
• Set up. The lower the shooter is to the water, the easier it is to shoot parallel to the water. Shooting from a higher vantage point will cause the jig to cut into the water rather than skip across the surface.
• Technique. Timing is critical in shooting jigs. Do not release the jig and the line at the same time. Allow that split second for the rod to rocket the jig forward before releasing the line. Allow about the line to hang about half the length of the rod when shooting. Too much line out is hard to control, too little throws off your timing. Look down the bend of the rod to gauge where the rod is aimed. Hold the jig by the head with two fingers with the hook up. Keep your jig hand open with the other fingers spread away from the hook to avoid sticking the hook in them on launch. As the jig leaves your hand, raise the rod tip slightly to keep the jig on course. Watch the line after the jig has started to sink, most strikes will be light, noticed only by a twitch in the line.
• Practice. Practice, practice, practice.
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