Which docks to target?

[JLeePhoto]

Can someone school me on fishing around docks? With the dog days of summer arriving, I suspect the reds and flounder will be hugging structure in deeper water so thinking about targeting them around docks but there are thousands along the ICW down here on the south coast. So how do you decide which docks to stop at? Appreciate any advice.


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[ice cream man]

Years of exploring, days of disappointments, hours of looking - for openers.
Honestly time on the water, trail & error is the best teacher.
Not sure anyone is going to share a specific locations.

If you asking about generalities, what to look for, that's a different discussion..... ICM

[JLeePhoto]

Years of exploring, days of disappointments,

If you asking about generalities, what to look for, that's a different discussion..... ICM

Time on the water is the right answer to every question. For most of us, it’s also our biggest limitation.

Obviously not asking for specific locations, but was hoping for some tips that might help me narrow them down in my area like water depth, type of structure around a folks favorites, approaches to fishing them, etc.
I’ve rarely targeted them when fishing. Looking to add a tool to the kit.




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[Samuel999]

Here are my tips.
Use Google earth to scout docks then your own eyes to select best fishing spots
Look for as many of the following as possible:
1) grass/pot holes/rocks/structure around dock
2) docks on a point
3) current/moving water
4) life/bait in the water (mullet jumping, crabs, birds diving)
5) 5ft or more water
6) oyster bars
7) deep water or a channel not too far away
8) fish early and/or late
9) fishing the moving tide
10) have some live bait
11) be aware of the wind (are you wind protected)

The fish are where the bait is when they are hungry.
The Saltstrong.com fishing tip website is based out of Fl, however they provide lots of good information and videos for free.
Its helped me tremendously (and I have no affiliation).

Oh and the last tip - fish a lot, have fun and (from my wife) always have a pink lure.

[ice cream man]

What works in Florida may not work in ENC.
Just like all docks do not hold fish.

Tools you will need to be successful;
To approach any dock slowly & be able to look at all sides - you need a trolling motor.
To look at all sides you need to elevated by standing on a cooler or tower.
To see you need clean, clear water, falling tide or nearly slack - polarized sunglasses.
To stop silently you will need a Power Pole.
To be successful you to need do this over & over until you find the winning docks.

Here are some basics you will need to understand.
Low tide fish the docks end in the deeper water.
High tide under the dock nearer the bulkhead.
Learn to skip your lure or bait parallel to the water.
If you cast overhand you will catch boat lifts - just break it off.
Expect to lose a lot of tackle, beef up your braid, rod, reel. leader.
If you use bait bring different size egg weights - use either a Carolina rig or Knocker rig.
Try to use the lightest weights & don't bump the dock with your boat.

Hope this helps ......ICM

[JLeePhoto]

Thanks for both of those posts. Very helpful and lots of good stuff to think about. Most of my fishing has been creek mouths, drainages, oyster heads and drop offs, etc. Sheer number of docks have always made that style intimidating, but hopefully I can begin to narrow them down with those tips.


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[ice cream man]

Your welcome.
Winter the water is gin clear & perfect for scouting docks.
Good luck....ICM