[VIDEO] Texas Rig and Jig Tactics for Fall Bass on Shallow Docks

Targeting fall transition bass around shallow boat docks is a consistent producer of quality fish. In this video, Casey Scanlon demonstrates his approach to catching bass by skipping tubes and jigs underneath docks in shallow water. With bass taking advantage of migrating shad and using the shade from docks as cover, this method proves highly effective on lakes throughout the country.

TACKLE LISTING

TUBE SETUP

PLASTIC – Bass Pro Shops Magnum Flipping Tube, color – Black Blue Flame: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
HOOK – Hayabusa WRM959 Wide Gap Offset Heavy Duty Hook, 4/0: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
WEIGHT – Bass Pro Shops XPS Tungsten Worm Weight, 5/16-ounce: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
ROD – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Signature Series Made in USA Casting Rod – 7’6″ – Heavy: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
REEL – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris CarbonLite Tech Baitcast Reel – Right – 8.3:1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
LINE – Bass Pro Shops XPS KVD Signature Series 100% Fluorocarbon Fishing Line, 20- to 25-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
HAT – Bass Pro Shops Logo Flex Cap: Buy at Bass Pro Shops

JIG SETUP

JIG – Trophy Bass Company Pro Jig, 1/2-ounce: Buy at Trophy Bass Company
ALL BASS JIGS – Check out at Bass Pro Shops
TRAILER – Bass Pro Shops Elite Chunk or Elite Chunk Jr., color – Green Pumpkin/Blue Flake: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
ROD – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris CarbonLite Technique Casting Rod – 7’4″ – Heavy – Fast – Dragging: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
REEL – Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris CarbonLite Tech Baitcast Reel – Right – 8.3:1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
LINE – Bass Pro Shops XPS KVD Signature Series 100% Fluorocarbon Fishing Line, 20-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops

LOCATING THE BEST DOCKS FOR FALL BASS FISHING

Scanlon begins by explaining how boat docks with ample shade and cover are prime targets for fall bass. With fish migrating into creeks and feeding in shallower water, docks provide the perfect environment for bass to ambush prey. He looks for docks with flat, gentle contour lines and added structure, such as boat lifts or brush piles. These features create additional cover, making the docks even more attractive to bass.

HOW TO SKIP A TUBE OR JIG UNDER DOCKS

Scanlon mixes his presentation between a Texas-rigged tube or a jig to target bass holding tight to the shaded areas beneath the docks. The tube’s weedless design allows it to glide smoothly with minimal fowling and trigger reaction bites as it mimics the movement of a shad. He also explains how to thoroughly fish each dock to maximize your chances of getting multiple bites from a single spot. Scanlon switches to skipping a jig for greater casting control as the sun rises. He can skip a jig even further back into the darkest parts of the docks than the tube.

ROD SETUPS FOR SKIPPING DOCKS

Extracting bass from piles of metal and wood requires big gear. Scanlon prefers a 7-foot-6-inch heavy-action rod with a 25-pound fluorocarbon line for the tube and a 7-foot-4-inch heavy-action rod with a 20-pound fluorocarbon for the jig. The heavier setups provide enough strength to haul fish out of thick cover without sacrificing sensitivity.