So.....I'm terrible at skipping. Actually I am really good at birdsnesting and ruining my line. So I was thinking about getting a decent push button reel. Anybody do this or have suggestions?

I'd go with a spinning reel over a spin cast any day.

And adding to the spinning reel. Different bait casting reels cast different. Some are way better for skipping. Some don’t skip good at all. I skip several different style baits very well with a Daiwa magnetic style reel. I have other reels that have the fly’s for spool control that will overrun every time, but I can cast a light lure a mile with them so I use both. Just have to use the right tool for the right job. My .02

There was a pro angler Woo Daves that won a Bassmaster event using a spin cast reel. If you go this route get the best quality reel you can. The general issues against a spin cast reel are that they don't take up line very quickly, the pick-up pin can be plastic and may develop a groove or get cut off and the gears are typically not really built for the strain of a bigger fish. I am sure there are some quality reels but I am a baitcaster and spinning reel man myself.

They are forgiving, fun to cast and they will catch fish. You have to get that fish to bite before you can worry about losing them so good luck in your decision.

The Zebco Bullet is a beast of a spincast. Buddies wife caught a 11+ on hers.

I also do all my skipping with a spinning reel and it works great

It's virtually impossible to get a high quality spincast reel that'll do the same as spinning reel for skipping. Practice makes perfect!

Try skipping with less line on the spool, braid is also more forgiving than mono or fluro. Just learn to tie a leader.

Daiwa gold cast

Shimano DC

Woo Daves former Bassmaster Classic Champion used to do this pitching and flipping. I watched him do it on one of the old Bassmasters shows back in the Ray Scott days. He used a heavy duty version of the Zebco 33 with braid on it. I went out and bought the reel he used and used it to pitch and flip for a while. It actually worked really well and would probably do good pitching under docks. Another thing you can do is use your bait caster that you normally try to do this with and spool off the amount of line for the maximum distance you normally reach. Put tape on the spool. This will let you practice all you want without bird nesting the reel.

If you change your mind about a spin cast reel and still want to use a bait caster get a Daiwa Tatula SV TW. They are great for skipping and teaching a beginner how to throw a bait caster without backlashing.

If you do decide to get a closed face reel I suggest the Pflueger President triggerspin. I find it the triggerspin models more comfortable and efficient than the push button reels. All the weaknesses mentioned earlier in this thread are not an issue with this reel. Five bearings metal gears, etc... Still a bit slow but pretty high quality. Can cast and skip all day every day. I use one of therse for skipping small swimbaits up under the overhangs. Ths one has all metal casing, handle, cone, and gears. It is not light by any means. Super fun.

Well sounds like my cheap way out is a little tape. I will try that for sure.