Boats hanging on davits, docks and mangrove trees are places where gamefish seek shade from heat. Since these places are nearly impossible to get your bait under with overhand casting techniques, they seldom get fished. This lack of pressure increases your chance of getting a bite.

Live and artificial shrimp, weightless jigs and round spoons are best for skipping. Braided line in the 14- to 24-pound range will help pull fish out of the structure. A 2-foot, 20-pound fluorocarbon leader can double your hook-ups.

To practice, stand on the bow of the boat with your rod pointed down. Use a side-arm cast to fire the jig at a low angle so it hits the water hard about 10 feet in front of the structure. When done correctly, the jig skips like a flat rock. Once under the structure, start using a twitch-and-sit presentation.

Start practicing in open water until you can get the jig to skip four or five times. This builds your skills without losing tackle.

The docks are best during the afternoon and at night, and mangroves need to be fished around a major high tide.

- Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 347-1389.

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