How To Catch Fish Around Docks: Summer Fishing Tips

If your lake has docks, the fish are under them right now! From bass and catfish down to the smallest baitfish, everything that swims relies on the shade of docks for safety and comfort in the Summer heat. Today Tim goes in-depth showing how to approach dock fishing, explains which docks are most likely to hold fish, and demonstrates some of his favorite ways to target them. 

You can spend years dialing in which pilings on which docks consistently hold fish. Anglers make entire bass fishing careers out of doing exactly that. But if you just want to go fishing and consistently catch fish there are some simple tips that will help you choose the right docks quickly. Focus on docks that stand alone. A dock by itself will often hold large numbers of fish that would otherwise spread out along a row of docks. Focus on docks with quick deep water access. If the dock is in deeper water than those around it, there are likely to be bigger fish underneath. 

Lastly, choose docks based on the type of fishing you plan to do. If you're fishing slowly with finesse baits target single docks or areas with limited numbers of docks. This will give you the confidence to fish methodically and really pick the docks apart. If you're fishing fast moving reaction baits then areas with a lot of docks will give you endless targets to throw to. While you'll make more casts per fish, the reaction bite is so fun that it often outweighs the alternatives. 

Our final tip is about skipping docks. You may have noticed Tim is able to do this effortlessly. While a skilled angler who practices can do this with virtually any reel, the "DC" reels make it simple for almost anyone to do. If you want to get serious about fishing docks, don't be afraid to try a DC to shorten the learning curve and make the fishing more fun from the start. 

Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment Tim recommends for Summer dock fishing. Of course you can dial in subtle details on your local lake but these baits and this equipment is what we use anywhere we go in the country when its time to target fish under docks. We've broken down the baits into reaction baits and slow moving baits to help you make the best choices. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Tim's #1 Bait Today... 

Swimbait- Keitech Fat Swing Impact 4.8" (Electric Shad): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Hook- Owner Flashy Swimmer 1/4 oz with 5/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2e8O4Y7

Fast Moving Baits... 

-Damiki BTC Squarebill Crankbait: https://bit.ly/35yagXK

(Threadfin Flash, Moss Back, Real Shad)

-Teckel Kick Knocker Topwater: http://bit.ly/2nvxkoA

(Bone, Bluegill, Chart Shiner)

-River2Sea Bully Wa 2 Frog: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

(Ghost, TW Gill, Little Allen)

Slow Moving Baits... 

-Dirty Jigs Pitchin' Jig (1/2 oz): http://bit.ly/2amL3of

(Molting Craw, Hematoma, Go To)

-Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver Jig Trailer: http://bit.ly/29W3RZW

(Green Pumpkin Red, Hematoma, Tramp Stamp)

-Yamamoto Senko 5": http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

(Green Pumpkin, Watermelon/Green Pumpkin, JuneBug)

-Gamakatsu Superline EWG 4/0 Hook: http://bit.ly/2ac92XG

-Netbait T-Mac Worm 6.5": http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

(Bama Bug, Green Pumpkin)

-Dirty Jigs Canterbury Shaky Head 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

DC Reels work great at every price point. As you move up to higher end equipment the reels become stronger and smoother but the technology that aids your ability to skip works throughout the line. Also, when dock fishing it is recommended to use an HG (high gear 7:1) or XG (Extra High Gear 8:1) to help you pull the fish out of the docks quickly before they tangle in the pilings. 

High End DC: Shimano Metanium DC: http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Mid-Range DC: Shimano Curado 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Budget DC: Shimano SLX 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Excellent All-Around Combo For Docks... 

Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 853C JWR: http://bit.ly/2R4f2Ud

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 40 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper Fluorocarbon 14 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

How To Fish Swing Head Jigs For Summer Bass (Watts Bar Lake)

Swing Heads paired with creature baits and swimbaits are one of the most effective baits for BIG Summer bass. Today is Matt's first time on Watts Bar Lake and he's armed himself with swing heads in search of bass. Come along as he explores the lake, teaches the fine details of fishing swing heads for Smallmouth, Largemouth, and a surprising mix of other species in today's video. 

The swing head gained a ton of popularity a few years ago when Tommy Biffle saw tournament success with the Biffle Head. In recent years the hype has died back and many anglers have forgotten this technique. While effective year round, our favorite time to throw it is post spawn into Summer. There is just something about it that draws a consistently larger bite than other baits. Its great for covering water, locating fish, and catching those key kicker fish that we're all searching for. 

While it can be done with a variety of creature or swimbait trailers, all of our favorite options are hard kicking creatures. The two that really stand out are the Keitech Crazy Flapper and the Zoom Z Craw. Both baits have a great profile and a ton of action on the back of the swinging jig head. Below is a breakdown of all the baits and equipment Matt used in today's video. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

The Heads... 

-Dirty Jigs Pivot Point Football: http://bit.ly/2jOY1Ns

(1/2 oz 4/0 Hook and 3/4 oz 5/0 Hook)

-Swagger Tungsten Football Swing: https://bit.ly/2ZM9PIq

(3/8 and 1/2 oz with 3/0 Hook)

Today's Baits... 

-Keitech Crazy Flapper 4.4: http://bit.ly/2c3cXrp

(Green Pumpkin Watermelon, Double Trouble, Electric Junebug)

-Zoom Z Craw Standard: http://bit.ly/2vW7Jo5

(Green Pumpkin, JuneBug, Tilapia)

Other Great Trailers... 

-Strike King Rage Bug: http://bit.ly/2aAsuiV

-NetBait Paca Craw: http://bit.ly/2wlVAfh

-Keitech 4.3" Fat Swing Impact: http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

-Xzone Swammer Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2PogV0q

Matt's Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'5" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Braid- Power Pro Maxcuatro 50 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Favorite Combo For Tungsten Swing Heads... 

Rod- Megabass Orochi XX Extreme Mission Type F 7'5": http://bit.ly/2OSVNwH

Reel- Shimano Curado 150 DC HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm 

Budget Combo For Swing Heads... 

Rod- St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy: http://bit.ly/2r0xWAs

Reel- Shimano SLX DC 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2LWzw2Q

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Shallow Water Finesse Fishing For Summer Bass

The bass are in less than 2 feet of water! How would you catch them? We turned to "junk fishing" to get the bites. A mix of swim jigs, weightless senkos, and a shaky head did the trick. Come along and watch how we break down a new section of Lake Chickamauga, build a pattern, and locate quality fish despite difficult conditions. 

Summer bass fishing overwhelms a lot of anglers. Knowing how and when to adapt is difficult until you understand fish movements. Once you understand that half the fish go to offshore structure while the other half focus on shallow cover you will find their behavior more predictable. When the water gets really hot the fish will focus on shade for relief, even when that shade is ultra shallow. 

Today we intended to fish offshore structure but the wind had other plans. As the waves we picked up we knew the only option was to focus on the ultra shallow bite. Don't let Summer heat or changing conditions keep you off the water. Focus on the basics and you'll find consistent fish in the heat. Below you'll find a breakdown of the exact baits we threw to target these shallow water fish. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

Senko... 

Worm- Yamamoto 5" Senko (Watermelon Red Flake): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Hook- Owner Jungle Wide Gap 3/0: http://bit.ly/2sBsR1Z

Shaky Head...

Worm- Netbait T-Mac 6.5" (Bama Bug): http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Hook- Dirty Jigs 3/16 Canterbury Shaky: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Swim Jig... 

Jig- Dirty Jigs Swim Jig 3/8 oz (Crappie): http://bit.ly/2dIVUMd

Trailer- Keitech 4.3" Fat Swing Impact (Pro Blue Red Pearl): http://bit.ly/2ab7s8v

Topwater... 

Frog- River2Sea Bully Wa 2 (Ghost): http://bit.ly/2axyR2a

Matt's Senko Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" MH: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Curado DC 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Line- Maxima Ultragreen 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9

Tim's Shaky Head Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 854C JWR: http://bit.ly/2hedqsq

Reel- Shimano Metanium DC HG: http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Line- Sunline Flippin FC 18 lb Fluorocarbon: https://bit.ly/3clXxt2

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G

Summer Worm Fishing Tricks for Shallow and Deep Water Bass

Are you missing it? There are so many great ways to fish a plastic worm! Come along with Tim as he demonstrates a 2-bait method to maximize your time on the water when finesse fishing for Summer bass. You can fish from 40+ feet all the way up to the water's edge with these 2 baits rigged a few different ways. You don't need an entire box of baits to catch Summer bass!

Tim's 2 favorite baits for this technique are a senko and a Trick Worm (Netbait T-Mac). By adapting the rigging he can fish both of these baits at a variety of depths. When you think senko your mind immediately goes to fishing it weightless around shallow cover but with a little weight (Neko rig) that bait is suddenly effective in 20, 30, even 50 feet of water! The same goes for the Trick Worm. Most guys see a trick worm and think of the floating worm technique but this bait is incredibly effective on a shaky head, Neko, and exposed jighead as well. 

Summer worm fishing can be overwhelming. There are so many great baits that will consistently catch fish (and you know we'll jump down that rabbit whole soon) but it can also be as simple as a couple baits and a couple rigs, to consistently catch fish. Don't let bass fishing overwhelm you. You can catch these fish and you can do it on a budget. Below are links to the exact baits and rigging methods that Tim was implementing in today's video. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. 

The baits... 

Senko- Yamamoto 5" Senko: http://bit.ly/2axAmNS

Favorite Colors- Green Pumpkin, Green Pump/Wtrmln Lam, Green Pump Blue

Trick Worm- Netbait T-Mac 6.5": http://bit.ly/2jndwj9

Favorite Colors- Bama Bug, Texas Craw, Green Pump

Budget Worm Alternatives... 

-Yum Dinger 5": http://bit.ly/2J8nMrF

-Zoom Trick Worm: http://bit.ly/2aWkG7E

Weightless Rigging... 

Standard- Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap 1/0: http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM

Weedless- Owner Jungle Wacky Weedless 1/0: https://bit.ly/2VKZl9U

Neko Rigging... 

Standard Hook- Owner Sniper Finesse Neko: http://bit.ly/2kfdv37

Weedless Hook- Owner Sniper Finesse Weedless Neko: https://bit.ly/2zXirRH

Weight- Swagger Tungsten Pagoda Nail: http://bit.ly/2iGNSFW

Jig Heads... 

Shaky Head- Dirty Jigs Canterbury 1/4 oz: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0V

Ned Head- Swagger Tungsten Flanders 5/16 with 2/0: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M

Tim's Neko Rig Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7' Med Light: http://bit.ly/2jOUXAO

Reel- Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500: http://bit.ly/2gu84t7

Line- Sunline SX1 12 lb High Vis: http://bit.ly/2FngUkQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Tim's Shaky Head Combo... 

Rod- G Loomis NRX 852C JWR: http://bit.ly/2hedqsq

Reel- Shimano Metanium DC HG: http://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

Leader- Sunline Sniper 12 lb: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju

All-Around Summer Combo... 

Rod- Shimano Zodias 7'2" MH: http://bit.ly/2cgmMAe

Reel- Shimano Curado DC 150 HG: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Line- Sunline Assassin 15 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm

NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel... 

TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7

TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs

TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD

TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G