(This week is part four of a four part series about “plastic worm” fishing methods. Plastic worms are by far the most versatile lure there is today. The plastic worm comes in many sizes, shapes, colors and styles and can be used in almost any imaginable situation using many worm methods.)

Part IV

“Skipping”

The skipping method is primarily used by me for largemouth and spotted bass that are in remote hide-aways under boat-docks, undercut banks, bushes, overhanging trees, and overhanging cover along bluff walls. This is where bass often hide out in the shadows and where they feel safe and see very few lures in their strike zone.

To reach these hard to find fish and catch them, a unique cast comes into play, “a skip cast.” The skip cast is one that will skip your lure like a flat rock beneath overhanging obstacles and into the strike zone of the fish.

To use this method properly, you must first acquire the proper equipment. Spinning tackle is by far the most effective way to present lures with this method.

For the best control and accuracy, I use and recommend a spinning rod equipped with a 6 to 10 pound test line on a 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 foot medium to medium heavy action spinning rod.

Lures in this method are compact and rigged weedless at all times. These lures are grubs, worms, plastic crawfish imitations, soft jerk worms and plastic tube baits.

Now, let's talk about how to skip these lures underneath obstacles.

First, you should concentrate on the target you want to skip to. Now, point your rod tip down and allow your lure to hang about 6 to 10 inches below your rod tip. Now, open the bail on the reel and secure the fishing line with your index finger and you are ready to cast.

Once that is done, begin a relaxed rotation of the wrist and forearm and release the line and lure at a six o'clock position. The momentum of your lure should propel it like a flat rock across the water and underneath your target area.

The skipping method to many fishermen is considered difficult to learn and a method that only pro anglers use. In truth, it really isn't that hard to learn and can be used by anyone willing to practice it.

Good fishing,

Chris Foster