When it comes to fishing docks there is a lot of different ways to catch fish from them.  But, lets find a productive dock.  First lets look at the dock itself and ask these questions, how high is it off of the water?  On bright sunny days a low or floating dock may be the best. As the shade becomes cover for the fish as much as the dock itself. Is there deep water nearby?   Are there other types of cover nearby such as grass, lily pads, or brush and one of the most important things that I look for, is the dock owner a fisherman?  How do I determine if the dock owner is a fisherman, and why do I care?  Well I look for rod holders, minnow buckets in the water, rods just lying on the dock. Why, because if the dock owner fishes this usually means that there is a brush pile nearby the dock, such as sunken Christmas trees and the like. 
     Most dock owners plant such items to attract fish, and it works. Always use 20 or 25 lb line when fishing docks and a good rod with backbone.  Your line will constantly come in contact with poles, cross members, nails, bolts and metal therefore you need something strong.  With the rod you will need one that has plenty of backbone for ripping the fish out of places and prevent it from wrapping around obstructions. You will also need one long enough to reach the far corners of the docks.
     You must put the bait where the fish are. I prefer 20 lb Sugoi fluorocarbon on a medium heavy seven foot Allstar Titanium rod. Fishing tidal water I always look for lily pads in close proximity to docks.  I believe these docks are the best on a low tide.  When the water falls there is normally not enough water in the pads for the fish.  When this occurs I believe the fish go to the docks for various reasons such as shade, cover and deeper water.   When selecting a bait, the type of dock must be considered.  I will use either a jig or a Yamamoto Senko for pitching and flipping around the docks.  For floating docks, ones that have boats on lifts etc.. I like to use a Yamamoto Ika on spinning gear.  With this set up I can skip the bait to places I cannot put the jig or senko.  Most docks fished using both of these methods will produce.  But fishing productive docks as I have described will produce good numbers of bass over and over again.
     One of the most important things to remember when fishing docks is always respect other people’s property.  Other people own the docks, be careful not to hit their boats. Do not snag the dock or ropes nor leave your hook in them.  Always treat their property, as you would want yours treated.  This will ensure that we (fisherman) are always welcome. 

March 2002