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Mastering Dock Shooting For Crappie with ACC Crappie Stixs and Versatile Soft Plastic Baits: A Comprehensive Guide

By: Brandon Gator Freeman

June 24, 2024

Dock shooting for crappie is a finesse technique that demands a nuanced approach. As a crappie fisherman on the Santee Cooper Lakes, I’ve been lucky enough to spend over four decades picking apart the docks big slabs like to call home. My journey into the world of dock shooting started way before it became a "thing." No GPS coordinates, no fancy gear – just a passion for exploring every nook and cranny beneath those docks. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve deeper into the intricacies of dock shooting, exploring not only the essential gear and techniques but also understanding the optimal depths to target when fishing docks for crappie.

Dock shooting for crappie is a finesse technique that demands a nuanced approach. As a crappie fisherman on the Santee Cooper Lakes, I’ve been lucky enough to spend over four decades picking apart the docks big slabs like to call home.

My journey into the world of dock shooting started way before it became a "thing." No GPS coordinates, no fancy gear – just a passion for exploring every nook and cranny beneath those docks.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve deeper into the intricacies of dock shooting, exploring not only the essential gear and techniques but also understanding the optimal depths to target when fishing docks for crappie.

Table of Contents

  • How To Dock Shoot For Crappie
  • Best Times of the Year For Dock Shooting
  • Depths To Target When Fishing Docks For Crappie
  • What You Need For Dock Shooting
  • Strategies To Prevent Burnout

How To Dock Shoot For Crappie

Step 1: Choose The Right Setup

Selecting the appropriate gear is crucial for successful dock shooting. The perfect dock shooting rod needs to be short enough to get low to the water, have enough flex to load up to gain some power, but also have enough backbone to send your bait way under a dock. I recommend a rod between 6 to 6.6 feet, particularly the ACC Crappie Stix, which offers the perfect blend of sensitivity and maneuverability.

ACC Crappie Stix offers two rod models in their Green Series Rods that excel at this specific technique, the GS061P, and the GS661P. The 61 is a 6-footer and the 661 is a 6’6”, both are medium moderate actions that offer the perfect balance of backbone and softness to get a great skip. Pair either of these rods up with a Lew’s Wally Marshall Speed Shooter Spinning Reel in the 75 size and you’re in business.

Step 2: Select The Right Bait

The most popular jig head sizes for dock shooting are 1/16 - 1/8oz. Just heavy enough to get some momentum to get a far skip yet still light enough to easily control. White, chartreuse, green, and blue are all excellent options. The ACC Crappie Jig Heads are my personal favorite. These jig heads have a quality bait keeper and stout hook to horse big slabs from under docks.

Versatile soft plastic baits are the go-to choice for dock shooting. Experiment with various colors and sizes to determine what entices crappie under different conditions. FishUSA.com has an incredible amount of crappie soft plastics to choose from, but my personal favorite are the ACC Crappie Snax. The colors “Pear Juice” and “Ol’ Faithful” never let me down!

Hair Jigs also will work. These are a great option because there’s no chance of your plastic sliding down or becoming manipulated when skipped under a dock.

Step 3: Mastering The Technique

Perfecting the dock shooting technique involves a strategic approach. Stand parallel to the dock, use a sidearm grip, and execute a pendulum motion to place your bait precisely where crappie are likely hiding.

Step 4: Detecting Bites

Stay vigilant for subtle signs of bites, such as twitches or a sudden stop in your line. Crappie bites can be delicate, requiring a quick yet controlled hook set. Stay focused and keep your eyes glued to that line!

Dock Shooting for crappie with ACC Crappie Stix Rods
Positioning your boat at the correct angle to achieve the best skipping position can be a difference maker in dock shooting success

Best Times of the Year For Dock Shooting

Spring

During the spring, crappie move into shallow waters to spawn. Docks become prime locations for spawning, as they offer the necessary habitat, protection, and are typically in the right depth range. Look for crappies to be on docks in numbers when water temperatures range from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fall

As temperatures cool in the fall, crappie migrate back toward shallower areas, including docks, in search of baitfish. Target docks when water temperatures range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the Fall.

Depths To Target When Fishing Docks For Crappie

Understanding the ideal depths to target is crucial for maximizing your dock shooting success. Some lakes are littered with an overwhelming amount of docks, so narrowing down a productive depth can help eliminate a lot of water. Crappie often position themselves at different depths depending on the season and conditions.

Early Spring

In early spring, crappie tend to be in shallower depths, ranging from 2 to 5 feet. Focus on the outer edges of docks and any visible structure where crappie may spawn. Some dock owners will submerge structure under or near their docks. This is definitely something you’ll want to keep an eye out for.

One of my largest dock-caught crappies was caught on a dock with such structure on Wyboo of Santee Cooper Lakes. The guy had so much stuff submerged that losing jigs was the price of admission. But, the payoff was sweet. A 2.65 lb black crappie came off that structure, and that dock went from just another spot to a legendary piece of my fishing history.

Late Spring to Summer

As temperatures rise, crappie move slightly deeper, typically in the 5 to 10-foot range. Target the spaces beneath and around dock pilings, submerged brush, and any underwater structures.

Fall

During the fall, crappie return to shallower waters. Concentrate on depths ranging from 5 to 10 feet, focusing on the same structures as in late spring to intercept crappie on their seasonal movements.

By incorporating these depth considerations into your dock shooting strategy, you can further refine your approach and increase your chances of landing more crappie.

Black Crappie

What You Need For Dock Shooting

  • ACC Crappie Stixs Green Series Rods (6' - 6'6")
  • The cream of the crop for dock shooting, these lightweight and sensitive rods provide the finesse required for accurate casting.
  • Versatile Plastic Baits
  • Experiment with various plastic baits in a variety of colors. Find a selection here.
  • Light or Ultralight Spinning Reel
  • Ensure your reel complements the finesse of your rod and is spooled with 4 to 8-pound test monofilament or fluorocarbon line.
  • Polarized Sunglasses
  • Enhance visibility by reducing glare on the water's surface, making it easier to spot subtle bites.

Strategies To Prevent burnout

The demanding nature of dock shooting and other aspects of angling can sometimes lead to burnout among avid fishermen. To prevent burnout, it's crucial to diversify your fishing experiences, take breaks, and ensure you're fishing for enjoyment rather than solely for results. Burnout can impact your passion for the sport, so maintaining a healthy balance and finding joy in each fishing outing is key.

In conclusion, mastering dock shooting for crappie involves a holistic approach, from selecting the right gear to understanding the depths crappie inhabit during different seasons. By combining knowledge, skill, and a touch of finesse, you can elevate your dock shooting game and enjoy a more rewarding crappie fishing experience. Happy fishing!