Skipping Lures with a Baitcaster

Question
QUESTION: Hello Marc,

I have been using my baitcasters now for a couple of years and am pretty comfortable with them.  I was wondering how to approach trying to skip plastics under docks, is there a technique that I should be trying?

ANSWER: Hi Aaron,

Its hard to describe, but it is an underhand sidecast motion.  It's like skipping a stone but with a rod in your hand.  

Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3h7xOZUgQ4

I like tubes for skipping.  I also like a shorter rod.  Most of the time I use 7+ footers, but for skipping, a 6 footer is better.

With a little practice, you will master it in a hurry.

Good skippin'!

Marc

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do you leave the pressure of the line and hope it skips, if it doesn't wont that create a horrible birds nest

Answer
Yes, it takes some "touch" and you may cause a few "professional over-runs" before you get the feel.  You need to be a little light on the cast control, and have a good feel with your thumb on the spool.  

It is a different feel, casting underhand.  If you want to practice in the yard, stand on a picnic table and practice casting underhand.  On the water, start with something that skips well like a 4" tube.  

Good luck.  You can do it!

Marc