Dock Shooting rod?

Looking to try my hand at dock shooting this week. I'm sure there are some threads on here covering the type/length/action/line size but, I don't have access to a Bass Pro before I plan to fish. Can some of you experienced shooters suggest a rod/setup that I can pick up at Academy/Cabelas/Gander Mountain? Maybe suggest what size jig, 1/32"? 1/16"? Sorry to ask so much, just trying to learn the easy way, ask!

Worth every penny of the $45.00

Pro Angler 5'5"

http://proanglertackle.com/CrappieRods.htm

Use what you have the first few times, then you will know what fits you as for as rods. I like to use about 2 inch jigs and that calls for a number 4 hook and use it in 3/32, 1/16, 1/32, 1/48 and 1/64th and they all have there day depending on the fall the fish want that day. Right now most of the lakes have high water so good luck finding a dock with enough room to shoot.

So a shorter rod rather than a longer one?

Yep. Get a 5'5" rod (Pro Angler). 6-8 # mono. 1/32 - 1/16 oz jig head.

If you don't mind I would like to ask something here. With feather jig a person can get hole of the hook bend and works well for me. But on the plastic jigs that part is in the jig, what's a good working way to do this with out messing up the jig or getting a hook in the hand.

I hold the lead of the jig and not the hook. Try using a larger hook on the jigs with plastic if you choose to hold the hook end.

BnM Sharp Shooter 6 is awesome.

I learn on the feathers and they work well but some times think maybe the action of plastic would help. But at this time I am not good getting it by the head. I catch more docks than fish, thanks
Think maybe just need to do more of it.

I've been using 1/16 oz jig head with a mr crappie slabalicious... I think the color is called refrigerator white with chartreuse and monkey shine. But definitely use mono.

Pintail a jig I have been using a lot and catching some bigger fish on is Wally's joker "chart black" and comes three legs or tails. The body is black, one leg is black, one green chart and the other yellow chart. I cut the black leg off at the body and use it as a small 2 inch frog jig. The color is one of a kind for a crappie jig.

+1

Thanks for the good info guys, I'm not opposed to trial and error but learning this way I can at least have a starting point.

+1 on use what you have first! I just happen to win a 6'Bonehead in a drawing and it is now my Dock Shooter. I used the 4 1/2' Pro Angler for 4 years but I believe I get more distance with the longer rod.I use hand tied jigs now exclusively but used to shoot a 1/16oz round head with a #6 sickle and a"Mini" Slab Bandit from Crazy Angler. DEADLY COMBINATION under the docks!

Amen: https://www.bnmpoles.com/p-287-sharpshooter-six.aspx

If you don't like it...I'll buy it from you. This rod was built specifically for dock shooting and has been tested by our Pro Staff all over the country. A lot of actual fishing time went into this final product.

A little longer rod 5'6" with a little larger diameter spool is better of beginners. Line comes of easier. While I leared on a 4'6" med. lite Wally Marshall and a pfluguer smallest reel. I am used to it but a few people I lent it to had difficulty. 1/8 oz with aid in getting distance but sinks to fast for paractical purpose. Try 1/16 and when you maste rit downsize to 1/32. They usually cant resist the slow fall. I like a hi vis line as many will not slam the bait but just inhale it .The like will just twitch.Dont wait.Set the hook. It is my favorite way to catch crappie BY FAR

I'll agree 100%. I ordered one off of Jet.com for $32.00 with free shipping and I love it. Nice solid backbone and it will sling shot a jig very far.

I just recently purchased two BnM Sharpshooter 6' rods and I have to say I love them! They are sensitive but have some awesome back bone. The only thing I can't figure out is the cut out in the cork on the upper handle. Other than that I would highly recommend it!

JoSkeeter...that is prolly to put your finger on the blank itself for extra sensitivity...to feel the thump better...

My wife thinks I'm nuts and yours might think the same but I practice shooting a jig into a bucket in the backyard. When you get good at that then set the bucket under the picnic table. I have broke several rod tips on 6 ft. rods so now I shoot with a 5 ft. I like a 1/16 oz. jig because it's heavy enough to shoot far but still get a fairly slow fall. Not always, but typically the farther you can get that jig under the dock the better chance of getting bit. When you set the hook then get him out quick before he wraps you up. Someone already mentioned it but WATCH YOUR LINE or you'll miss fish. Have fun and good luck!

Thanks for all the input guys! I'm gonna give it a try. I'll follow up Monday with some pics of the proceeds or at a minimum, a copy of the ER bill. Either way, I'm kinda excited to see how it turns out. Just got me to thinking, what fool thought of "shooting" in the first place? Reckon he was trying to flip a jig under a dock, scratched his ole sunburned head and said, "sure wish I could get further under that dock, I wonder if I can shoot it like an arrow under there?" he went from idiot to genius!

Don't get them started....their heads are big enough...lol

"Not only did I invent the Internet, I invented dock shooting." Al Gore

Get in your driveway and close your garage door enough to leave a 12" gap at the bottom. Practice putting the jig under the door. Once you master 12" move it down a few more. Matt Carroll (Jigum) gave me this tip years ago and it works for practice.

I do my dock shooting with a 7' shakespeare micro-graphite light-action rod from walmart. They cost about $16. I have the Mitchell Avocet II reel. 4lb test line and a 1/16oz jig. It's a fine set up and you can't beat it for the money. Not saying it's the end all be all but you could certainly pick it up on your way to the lake.