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Chad's Pro Tips!!

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"Fishing Boat Docks"
By: Chad Morgenthaler

www.chadmorgenthaler.com

Much like standing timber or stumps, boat docks are fish magnets! Docks offer many different types of structure.  They are situated in deep or shallow water, and might float or have piers. There are so many options that it’s hard to know where to start.

I look for docks that have unique qualities. For example, I start by looking at the structure of the dock and what's around it.  I'll look for the docks that have unique features, as opposed to a shotgun approach that requires fishing all docks in the area. I'll also try to pinpoint a dock that is isolated from other dock systems and has deep water nearby.

Once the diamond in the rough is found, don't get lazy and only cast to the front or edge of the dock. Start out with a very methodical approach and fish where the walkway comes off the bank then cover all the corners, crevices, and protruding areas of the dock. Once you've caught a few and established a common pattern, start eliminating parts of the dock where the fish are not biting. After a pattern is established, search out similar dock structures that will offer the same type of bite.

If you’re visiting a new lake make sure and check for warning information and local laws/regulations regarding fishing private boat docks. Fishing boat docks is sometimes prohibited.