Top Tips for Dock Fishing

Dock fishing is a great activity if you love fishing or want to broaden your recreational activities around the water. It is an accessible, social and beginner-friendly activity that can bring you hours of enjoyment by the water.

If you are new to dock fishing, you can make it easy from the get-go by exploring top tips for dock fishing that will help you have more fun and catch more fish.

Are Boat Docks Good for Fishing?

Boat docks are one of the best places for fishing as they attract an abundance of fish. All types of structures in the water — natural and human-made — are havens for fish.

Docks offer a shady and cool spot for fish to retreat to during the hottest parts of the day. Thanks to the shade the docks provide, the area is also a good spot for invertebrates and a place where algae can easily grow. This provides a food source and creates a mini ecosystem that attracts fish. Docks are also a good place for various fish and crustaceans to hide, offering protection from larger predators.

As an angler, fishing at the right depth is essential for improving your catch rate. Fishing from a dock gives you better access because many docks extend into deeper water — allowing you to catch fish you can’t reach from the shore.

The Benefits of Dock Fishing

Dock fishing is a highly accessible type of fishing as you don’t need a boat to be able to catch a variety of interesting fish. Since dock fishing eliminates the need for a boat, it is also far more cost-effective. There is no cost of renting a boat and paying for the fuel and the skipper. Dock fishing is also convenient — with just a few essentials, you can set up and enjoy a relaxing day of leisure. Perhaps the greatest benefit of dock fishing is that it is beginner-friendly, making it an ideal social activity for families and anyone new to angling.

Essential Dock Fishing Gear

The right gear and equipment are essential if you want to enjoy a bit of casual or serious dock fishing. The best kind of gear and equipment will depend on the type of fish you want to keep — but personal preference also matters.

Best Rod Styles for Dock Fishing

Consider these factors if you are looking for the right rod for your dock fishing excursions:

• Dock and rod length: It is an advantage to know how high above the water the dock you will be fishing from is, as that can help you get the correct length rod. For higher docks, you will naturally need longer rods so it is still possible to fish down or cast out far.
• Target species: Different rods are better for catching specific types of fish. You can check the power, sensitivity and weight of the rod to ensure it is suitable for the size and type of fish you would like to catch.
• Fishing style and preferences: Everyone has their preferred fishing style, and your rod should match that. If you enjoy casting, that is the rod type you need. If you like fishing straight down, then a spinning or telescopic rod may be a good choice. If you need heavier lures for the type of fish you want to catch, choose a quality rod with good action.

While you can explore various fishing rods, three main kinds can work especially well for dock fishing:

• Spinning rods: If you are a beginner or don’t want to take fishing too seriously, a spinning rod could be your answer. They are versatile and easy to use thanks to their medium-light to medium action, which provides a nice balance between sensitivity and power. These rods are approximately 6 to 7 feet long and are good for catching panfish.
• Casting rods: Casting rods are a good option if you have more experience fishing. They have a medium-heavy to heavy action and offer more power and accuracy than other types of rods. Casting rods are the best choice if you are using heavier lures and hoping to catch bigger fish. These versatile rods are especially good for catching bass and catfish.
• Telescopic rods: Telescopic rods are compact and portable but come in various sizes that make them quite versatile, too. The greatest advantage of using these rods is that they are collapsible, making them convenient to carry around and set up quickly. Telescopic rods can be heavier and weaker than other types of rods, though.

Dock Fishing Pole Holders

Fishing pole holders are a must-have accessory for fully enjoying your dock fishing experience. Fishing is awesome, but it can require several hours and patience. Without some respite during your fishing, it can become tedious. That is why having pole holders is such a game-changer — you can be hands-free, able to set down your rod and relax in other ways while you wait for a bite. Pole holders also make your fishing experience more ergonomic and comfortable by eliminating the fatigue of holding a rod for extended periods.

Different types of holders that work well for dock fishing include:

• Clamp-on holders: You can attach these pole holders directly to the dock’s railings using a clamp, providing a quick and easy solution for a temporary setup.
• Bolt-on holders: Some docks may have bolt-on pole holders. This permanent setup has the mounting bolted onto the dock, providing durability and security.
• Multirod holders: Multipole holders are an excellent choice if you are dock fishing as a group activity. Being able to store multiple rods with one holder allows you to save space or even fish with several lines.

When using a rod holder, it is important to make sure your holder and rod will not prevent other people from enjoying the dock. It should not be an obstruction and should in no way interfere with any other activities. Additionally, space your rod so it does not tangle with other lines and position it in such a way that it will not be a tripping hazard. Of course, the holder and rod should also be easily accessible when fish bite!

Additional Accessories

Essential fishing accessories include:

• Fully stocked tackle box: No fishing trip would be complete — or entirely possible — without a fully equipped tackle box. A good tackle box includes different sizes and types of hooks, lines, weights, sinkers, bobbers, lures and bait. You can also include basic tools like swivels, snaps, pliers, a fishing knife, clippers and a tape measure.
• Safety gear and equipment: Nonslip shoes are essential for preventing accidental slips and falls, as docks can be slippery. Other safety essentials include a good first aid kit and sun protection products like sunscreen, a hat and polarizing sunglasses — which also help you see the water better.
• Cooler and ice: To keep your catch fresh and cold, ensure you bring a reasonably sized cooler with sufficient ice.
• Fishing stool: You can make your dock fishing excursion more comfortable and social by bringing some fishing stools on the trip. Fishing stools are portable, lightweight and foldable.
• Camera: Part of the fun of dock fishing is how beautiful the scenery is and how social it can be — if you want! Bring a camera with you to capture wonderful memories, document your cool catches and capture the wonderful landscape.

How to Attract Fish Around Your Dock

Though docks naturally attract fish, a few tips can contribute to a better environment for catching fish.

You can improve your chances of a catch even before you start fishing by being mindful of noise as you approach your fishing spot. Any loud noises on the dock may scare fish away, so approach softly and reduce unnecessary noise while on the dock fishing. You can still have a good chat or even listen to some quiet music — simply be mindful of noise levels, especially if you aren’t getting a lot of bites.

Depending on the species, using lights can be an effective way to bring in more fish. If the dock you are fishing at has underwater lights, that is a bonus. These lights often attract small insects and plankton, which then attract baitfish and other larger fish. However, you can also create a similar effect by bringing an overhead light when night fishing. Within the fishing community, white, green and blue lights are considered the best for attracting fish.

One of the most effective ways of drawing in more fish is through “chumming.” Chumming involves scattering small pieces of chum, which are fish parts or other pieces of bait, into the water. Chumming is meant to create a scent trail — or “chum slick” — that attracts fish to the dock.

Common Fish Species Found Around Docks

Docks are excellent fishing spots for some of the more common fish species you can catch.

For freshwater, different species of bass — including largemouth and smallmouth — thrive around docks. Docks easily attract baitfish, which are a great food source for bass. Bluehill is a popular type of panfish that loves hiding in and around underwater structures. Other types of common panfish you may find include crappie and yellow perch, which are more common in northern lakes and rivers. You may also find catfish, common carp and trout when dock fishing in fresh water.

For dock fishing in saltwater, you may catch black sea bass, striped bass and flounder around the Atlantic Coast, redfish and trout around the Gulf Coast, and rockfish and pile perch around the Pacific Coast. No matter where you are saltwater fishing, you may find mackerel and pompano.

Techniques for Dock Fishing

Dock fishing can get as complex and technical as you want it to. You can start targeting specific species by exploring different types of techniques, lures and bait.

While it takes time to master some of these skills and explore what your preferences are, you can still apply good, beginner-friendly strategies for fishing on a dock that can help you catch more fish:

• Target specific parts of the dock: Though the entire dock is the structure that draws in fish, particular areas can be busier. Try fishing near any boat lifts, crossbeams, ladders and other submerged components that could attract more fish.
• Fish the shady areas: Fish revel in any opportunity to enjoy some respite during the hottest parts of the day, making shading spots busy areas.
• Study the water and current: Some fish, like bass, like to position themselves where there is a current break as it helps them conserve energy. It also helps to pay close attention to the water for any signs of activity like swirls or bait fish flickering.
• Be flexible: Fishing conditions depend on many factors — wind, rain, sun, water clarity, currents and general fish behavior. The activity is not always the same from hour to hour and day to day. To get the most enjoyment out of dock fishing, be prepared to adapt to changing conditions and still have fun.

Seasonal Dock Fishing Tips

Fish behavior changes with seasonal conditions, and while some locations are good for fishing year-round, understanding seasonal behavior can help you catch more.

In the summer, fish are more likely to be in deep water and in shady spots where it is cooler. Fishing in the cool hours of the morning and evening is most advantageous. You can use crankbaits and Carolina rigs for fishing along the bottom of the water and use topwater lures in the mornings and evenings when fish are more likely to be nearer the surface.

In fall, fish may respond more to fast-moving lures as they tend to feed more in preparation for winter. Spinnerbaits are great for triggering reaction bites, while swimbaits can trick larger predators looking to feed.

Fish activity typically slows in the winter. The best move is to use slow-moving, small lures and techniques that imitate their low-activity behavior naturally.

Spring is the spawning season for various species. While this means that many fish are in shallow water as they look for nest sites, it also means that they are more guarded. You may get some attention using slow-moving lures and bright colors.

Make The Most of Your Dock Fishing Experience With EZ Dock Products

Fishing from docks is one of the most enjoyable activities by the water. It is convenient, accessible, social and beginner friendly. If you own private waterfront property, you can enjoy dock fishing or offer dock fishing as a leisure activity with your own quality dock system.

At EZ Dock, we have provided durable and versatile dock systems and all necessary add-ons for over 30 years. Our premium boat lifts and docks and our outstanding customer service help you enjoy more activities and time on the water.

Discover the EZ Dock advantage by finding an EZ Dock distributor near you, or contact us today to request a quote for a dock system that meets your unique needs.