Skipping Bait: A Game-Changer for Catching Bass
One thing that consistently makes me a more successful angler is my ability to get the bait into places others can’t.
When you can position your bait in hard-to-reach spots like under boat docks, overhanging trees, or tight cover you dramatically increase your chances of catching bass.
Learning to skip a jig, frog, buzz bait, or similar lure into areas where bass rarely encounter bait is critical.
A Reel Built for Skipping
Andy Montgomery, one of the best anglers at skipping jigs around docks, and I approached the team at Lew’s with a mission: develop a reel specifically designed for skipping.
Together, we created Team Lew’s Custom SP, engineered to handle the unique demands of this technique.
The Custom SP: Designed for Precision
This reel is a game-changer. While it’s optimized for skipping, it also doubles as an incredible target reel. The Custom SP’s design makes it virtually backlash-proof, even if you misfire and hit a dock piling.
It holds just 40 yards of line perfect for precision casting and features a braking system with a unique “skipping mode.”
When you adjust the brake to the skipping zone, you can forget about tangles or overrun. Additionally, it has a “knot slot” that eliminates bumps when tying your line. Even beginners can cast flawlessly without needing to thumb the spool.
Versatile Setup for Skipping
Right now, I keep two setups ready to go. One is rigged with a 50-pound braid for skipping a frog, and the other uses a 20-pound fluorocarbon for jigs. For the rod, I designed the KVD GC5—a 7’2″ medium-heavy model in my signature series—specifically for this skipping technique.
Effortless Casting
Whether you’re skipping under docks or casting down the bank, Team Lew’s Custom SP makes it effortless. Its design ensures long, accurate casts with zero backlashes, making it ideal for seasoned anglers and those new to bait casters.
Skipping a Jig for Bass Fishing
Before I started using this reel, I considered myself a pretty good skipper. Now, the Custom SP makes me look like a magician on the water. If you’re serious about improving your bass fishing game, this reel and rod combo is an absolute must-have.
