Rick Fishback breaks down how to target bass in shallow water by focusing on docks located on flat areas. By using mapping, Fishback highlights how to quickly eliminate large sections of the lake and concentrate only on productive shallow zones. This step helps him locate areas with limited cover, giving bass fewer options and making them easier to target.
Featured Product
- JIG – Flat Head Swim Jig: Shop Swim Jigs at Bass Pro Shops
- TRAILER – Flat Style Trailer: Shop Jig Trailers at Bass Pro Shops
- ROD – Daiwa Tatula Elite Casting Rod 7’1″ Heavy: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- REEL – Daiwa Tatula Elite Baitcast Reel: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
Why Shade and Dock Position Matter
Fishback explains that fish position themselves under docks for shade and cooler water during hot midday conditions. He emphasizes that docks spaced farther apart often hold better bass because fewer hiding places force fish into predictable locations. Shade, baitfish presence, and water temperature all factor into why these areas consistently produce quality bites
Jig Setup for Dock Fishing
The centerpiece of Fishback’s shallow approach is a jig. Pairing it with a flat trailer allows the bait to glide farther back into tight spaces. Fishback keeps his setup consistent with a 7-foot-1 rod, 20-pound test line, and an 8:1 gear ratio reel. He stresses that precision matters, and staying uniform across his gear ensures accuracy when skipping baits under docks.
Alternative Presentations in Shallow Water
While the jig remains his first choice, Fishback also mixes in a beaver-style bait for tougher presentations under walkways and pontoons. On windy days, he relies on a squarebill crankbait to trigger strikes along the edges of docks. By waking the bait just under the surface, he can draw aggressive strikes from bass positioned on wind-blown structure.
Boat Setup
- FISH FINDERS – Humminbird APEX 13 MEGA SI+ Fishfinder/Chartplotter: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LIVE SONAR – Humminbird MEGA Live 2 Imaging Transducer: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- MAPPING – Humminbird LakeMaster Premium VX Digital Map Chart Card: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Humminbird
- TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST, 112lb, 36V, 52″: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
SHALLOW WATER ANCHORS – Minn Kota Talons: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at FishUSA | Buy at Tackle Warehouse - OUTBOARD – Mercury Pro XS 200hp: Check out at Mercury
