You just know there’s a big snook lurking far under the lowest branches of the mangroves or that old dock, but how do you get a lure to ‘em? The answer: A low-trajectory cast that skips a lure across the surface before it settles down to work its magic. It can be tricky, but Gerald Swindle (a top bass pro from Locust Fork, Alabama) offers three tips for skippin’ success.
1. Shorten up. Whether with spin or baitcast gear, a shorter rod will make it easier. “If you’re normally fishing, say a 7-foot 2-inch rod, drop down two to four inches in length.”
2. Skip when conditions allow. “As much as I want to put a bait [in tight places], I understand that in choppy water or with strong winds, my skip won’t be accurate.” Look for smooth water for skip-casting.
3. Get closer to the target zone. Having to throw too hard typically causes an angler to throw too high or to hit the water too close and cause a backlash.
