I need help!

[Mikekw3]

Is it possible to skip a bait like a frog or a jig across the water, like under docks and what not with a bait casting reel? I have never seen it done before and every time i try i get a huge birds nest...

[Krtismo]

The birds nest is caused by the lure slowing down when it touches the water, but the spool doesn't slowdown.

I'm sure its possible, but I think that might be a technique better suited for a spinning setup.

[BassMoJo]

Practice ...right reel ajustments ... Proper thumb work...and practice! With all that said you could problay flip or pitch under there to. But a spinning reel is ideal.

[MississippiBoy]

It is possible, yes. I've done it a few times, not often, and a couple of times it was on accident.

[carolina-rig-01]

Yeah it's possible to do, but it is difficult. Just takes a lot of practice and patience. The biggest thing is the setup of the reel, need to have the brakes tight enough that it helps keep you from getting a backlash but also loose enough to allow you to get enough velocity on the cast to allow it to skip. If you will make a long cast and then put a piece of tape across the spool of line and then reel back over the tape then when you get a backlash it won't go any deeper in the spool than the tape, this will help you alot when learning this technique.

[CamG]

Very tough to do, but it can be done. This is one of those techniques that I'd love to spend more time on to get down to a science, but just haven't. I've got it down to a backlash every three of four casts but that doesn't really cut it.

The key is to not try to skip it like you do with a spinning rod. It's more of a long, drawn out sidearm pitch. The key is to not really "skip" the bait, but to "skim" it across the surface.

[rodnreel]

Originally Posted by CamG

Very tough to do, but it can be done. This is one of those techniques that I'd love to spend more time on to get down to a science, but just haven't. I've got it down to a backlash every three of four casts but that doesn't really cut it.

The key is to not try to skip it like you do with a spinning rod. It's more of a long, drawn out sidearm pitch. The key is to not really "skip" the bait, but to "skim" it across the surface.

Cam has it right. It's much different than skipping with a spinning reel. You'll almost always end up with a backlash trying to skip it. Instead, you want to keep the bait as low to the water as possible without making contact. That way if it does touch the water it's likely to just skim across it as Cam described. Boat positioning is just as important a factor in this as your reel setup. If you're too close to your target, it's hard to skim the bait over the water. If you're too far then most often you'll overshoot your target either on top of the dock or right into that overhanging tree. Like all things, practice makes perfect.

[3dkicker]

Beside having the reel set correctly the type of jig you use is also critical for beginners. You really need a jig with a flat bottom. Also the trailer needs to be rigged so that it doesn't spin or twist when it comes in contact with the water.

If you get the right jig and set the brakes correctly then a two handed side arm cast slinging the bait is the way to go. Once you get the hang of it and practice quite a bit you'll be alright. Also having a wrapped rod might give you a little advantage in this technique.

[Rebbasser]

Yep, it can be done.. Just takes practice. Not easy, but doable.

[bamabassman]

here is somehtng that might be easier for oyu buddy. try using a spinning reel to skip it.

[Garry2rs]

Where I live there are a lot of overhanging cedars along the shoreline. The secret to casting under or skipping under them is to throw hard, low to the water and stop the spool with your thumb. No amount of reel adjustment will do the trick.
As has been said already...practice, practice, practice.
Garry2rs

[Cavs1123]

I can see a frog might work pretty good and I have gotten pretty good at skipping a Senko. I dont know about the jig though. I wouldnt try it with a spinnerbait though

[BassFeverJohn]

Originally Posted by CamG

The key is to not try to skip it like you do with a spinning rod. It's more of a long, drawn out sidearm pitch. The key is to not really "skip" the bait, but to "skim" it across the surface.

That's how I do it, but I need something at least 4' off the water not to get nested up. I prefer a spinner.

[screwballl]

Originally Posted by Krtismo

The birds nest is caused by the lure slowing down when it touches the water, but the spool doesn't slowdown.

I'm sure its possible, but I think that might be a technique better suited for a spinning setup.

I've done it some with my spinning reel.... haven't used a baitcaster enough to have anything mastered...