Obviously I'm going to get a lot of different opinions, but this is a technique I want to work on this next year.
I will primarily be skipping under docks, if that info helps.
I've read as many articles as I can find and even searched the forums for such information, but I want the opinions of those of us who aren't just trying to sell a product. What rod works well for you? I should add that I'm looking to spend $150 or less. Thanks in advanced for the help!

i like the falcon bucco mh regular guides

My 7' MH Abu Garcia Vendetta works better for me than any others I've used, don't know why... just came naturally with that rod. I've gotten better with others since, but that rod gave me a good rhythm and reflex for it all some how. I find myself just naturally skipping when I cast for hard to reach spots low to the water. I reckon your size and proportions might have some impact on what hardware makes the technique effective for you though... I'm 6' tall... I've fished with shorter guys who much prefer shorter rods but I've not had as easy a time with them when learning.

Very cheap rod at $79 but you will not feel like you're missing out on any quality anywhere when you use them, they are great rods.

most of the time you skip is docks, so you want short and stiff as possible. 6'6" MH/H.

I do want to hear advice on best line for skipping. as coangler I have fished with some great experienced pros and none of them are able to go backlash free when skipping all day.

The rod really should not matter! Many are going to say yes it does if you understand how to skip you can do it with just about any rod with small adjustments in how you load the rod. I think how you set your reel and bait being used are more important. I use a bunch of different rods and can skip with any of them! I use some Falcon Low rider models and some Dobyns models. Main thing is go figure out what works for you!

Dobyn's


I use the 6'8' MH for skipping and it works great.

I only want to say that by adding a nail weight to the tail of a worm will ensure the bait glides further the the rear of the dock.

Are you a short guy or tall guy? Height can play a big part in the length of rod you want.

I'm 6'1" tall.
So far I've read/heard a 6'9" - 7'0" MH rod w/ a MF tip would be ideal.
From what I've read, the MF tip helps with hookup ratio and helps reduce backlash.
The only rods I've read about which fit this description are a Dobyn's champ 733 and a Lews 6'10" Speed Stick.
I'm thinking about trying the Lew's since the Dobyn's is out of my price range, but want to get a good feel for what others are using so I can keep my options open and perhaps try more than one rod.

I would choose a 6-6 or 6-8 with a good tip action.

I'm also 6'1, and I like to use 6'6 to 6'10, MH. If the boat slips are open I will use a lil bit longer rod. I use the shorter rod for more precision flipping in tight spots. I agree with Tim, Brand is all about preference...try different kinds and lengths to see what works for you.

MH x-fast tip. 6'8"-7' rod.

I use a 6'10" MH for skipping a jig. I use straight braid for line. What made a difference for me is when I learned to leave a lot of line out (2 - 2.5ft) to help load the rod tip. That with the right trailer and I can skip all day long backlash free. Far targets I use a roll cast, closer targets I skip with a pitch cast.

Would you guys prefer a MH w/ a F, MF, or XF tip?
I don't have the convenience of trying several rods to figure out what I like, so I'm just doing what I can to learn before I make a purchase.
Thanks!

I skip docks a lot and I prefer a 6'6 MH F. You want some backbone to get them out of tight quarters but not so much you lose sensitivity. You want a short rod because your going to be throwing some odd angles and you don't want to smack a console or the trolling motor. I let my line out at different lengths to make certain cast or a backhand skip.... it these are all preferences I have developed through trial and error that work for me....and what works for me and Jimbob may not be what works for you.