How to Catch Every Bass Under a Dock

In this video Tim explains what you need to do to catch as many fish as possible when fishing a dock. Instead of walking up and simply casting to the dock, take a tactical approach, work your angles and systematically catch all the fish.

Its amazing to us how many guys, especially from boats, will just make a random splash down cast into the middle of a dock then move on to the next one! Who came up with that idea?! Take 30 seconds out of your day, be systematic in your approach, and you will see immiediate results.

As the video begins Tim explains that the first step to dock fishing from shore is to approach the dock from the down shadow side. Meaning, don't let your shadow cross the dock, instead keep your shadow behind you. Next, start fishing the structure that is closest to shore and farthest from the center of the dock first. 

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Slowly cast to each piling of the dock, shadow corner, or other structure. As you fish each piece of cover slowly work out to deeper water. This way any fish you catch will be pulled up into the shallows without crossing over the other fish.

The last cast should be to the very center and darkest part of the shadow under the dock. By the time you've reached this cast you should have caught every other fish under the dock. 

If you use this method for all of your dock fishing you're absolutely going to catch more bass! Whether you're bank fishing or standing on a bass boat this information applies to your fishing. If you happen to be on a boat simply fish the dock in reverse order to achieve the same result. 

Equipment Used...

Rod- 7'4" 3 power
Reel- Lew's BB1 Pro
Line- 15 lb AbrazX Fluorocarbon

Weight- 1/4 oz. Tungsten Bullet
Hook- 4/0 Gamakatsu EWG Superline
Bait- Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver

How to Back Reel

When the fishing gets tough many anglers turn to finesse tactics. While this increases their odds, it creates its own set of unique challenges. The most significant of which is learning to adapt to fighting big fish on light line.

The technology behind spinning reels has vastly improved in recent years but there is still room to fine tune your skills. One of the best ways to increase your odds at landing big fish on light tackle, is to back reel.

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In this week's video, Tim finds himself fighting a 14 pound catfish. He was completely outgunned, armed with only a Stratic, Dobyns Spinning Rod, and 4 lb Line. Catfish are known for pulling hard, rolling in the line, and otherwise destroying tackle. Instead of letting the drag scream and hoping for the best, we flipped the camera on so Tim could walk you through how to back reel, why he's doing it, and how it can benefit you.

The biggest misunderstanding about back reeling is that your drag will be disabled. This simply isn't true, its still intact and working normally. When you're reeling in reverse there is no stress on the line but if a fish pulls harder than you can react to, the drag is still in place and will release line like usual. Really, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain so the next time you find yourself tied to a big fish, flip that little switch on your reel and give it a try!