Skipping Cast is roll cast where the lure skips across the water to reach the target spot. This is common to get under shoreline brush, laydowns or docks. It also avoids a single splash to avoidspookinga bass. Not all lures can easily be skipped.
Why are skip Casts Important?
Skipping casts are important for:
Tight Spots: Cast a medium distance into tight spots for example under branches, laydowns, docks, shallow bridges.
Medium and Short Distances: Good for short to medium casts.
Skipping Cast Options
Technique Considerations:
Base Casts for Skipping Lures: As skipping a lure is about the lure being skipped across the water the common base casts to accomplish skip casts are:
Roll Cast: Skipping can be accomplished with a roll cast paying attention to the raised rod follow-through after the lure is released. Also, the rod tip is up high when lure has reached the desired spot.
Flip Cast: When close to target spot a flip cast using same skipping techniques as the roll cast.
Sidearm Cast: Less common, as the side arm cast is typical used for lures that don’t skip but it is possible for skipping casts.
6 Inch Short Lead: Short lead will allow for the rod to be closer to the water after the loop casting action.
Hitting Water During Loop: Not common but not a mistake.
Always Feathering Baitcaster with Thumb: Lightest pressure on the spool will help ensure the spool doesn’t backlash during the skipping.
Wet Line: First longer cast with the rod tip in the water during the retrieve.
Keep Eye on Target: Concentrate your attention on the targeted spot like a pitcher throwing a ball.
Backhand Variations: When target spot is on the backhand use the roll cast techniques but with one hand.
Baitcaster Rod Considerations: Due to the accuracy and control most suggest using a baitcaster rod for skip casting.
Less Brake: Some suggest turning the break off and some suggest moving the break to number 1 or 2 and if the reel has a pop out style of breaks have one break set.
Spool Tension: With the above break settings, spool tension is reasonably tight where the lure drop slowly (slower than a free fall). If using braid line may need to help the lure get started. Rod Details: Some suggest a 7’0″ Power = Medium, Action(Taper) = Extra Fast similar for rod to achieve maximum accuracy, as the ideal baitcaster rod for skipping.
Spinner Rod Considerations: Less common due to accuracy and control, but sometimes used light lures.
Starting Point: Some suggest learning to skip on spinner rod is best, for example, a wacky rig.
Medium Distance: Good for short to medium distance casts.
Fast or Extra Fast Action Rod: Faster action rods with the bend at the tip provides the most momentum to the cast.
Shorter Rod: Shorter rods can be easier to manage the roll cast.
Learning to Skip:
Don’t Aim the Lure Down: Get the rod closer to the water don’t aim the lure down towards the water.
Point the Rod Tip: Some find it easier to learn by pointing the tip towards the water during the loop action.
Backlash: A by product of learning to skip is learning how to undo a backlash as backlashes are plentiful full due to missing the target and hitting something solid.
Tape a Baitcaster Spool: To avoid major backlashes, cast out the distance you will be casting and put tape on the spool.
Snag Avoidance: Some suggest to focus on skipping a lure that minimizes snags when practicing under shoreline bushes and docks including:
Frog Lure: The hooks will not get snagged when skipping plus lure has a flat surface. Also, the lure is soft when you hit a dock or boat. Some suggest cutting the skirted legs shorter.
Tube Lures: No appendages to get caught and it can be rigged weedless(Stupid Rig)
3/4 Spool: A spool that isn’t complete filled with line will provide more control which is better for learning.
Short Line Hanging: Have 6 inches of line hanging from the rod tip to the lure so the lure doesn’t slap the water during casting.
Reel Break and Spool Tension: Experiment, for example, make it hard to cast long distances and for the reel to backlash then loosen off slowly to get to the right learning level. Roll Cast: Learning to skip also results in learning to roll cast.
Lures to Avoid: Some suggest avoiding treble hook lures due to their exposed hooks.
New Braid: Some suggest new braid, for example when skipping a frog, is harder to skip and needs to be broken in due to the coating.
Don’t Lean: Use the rod to get close to the water don’t lean.
Hit Dock – No Problem: Some suggest hitting the dock won’t spook the bass as they are familiar to dock noises.
