i recently bought a lure (rapala skitterwalk) that says i should use a walk the dog technique on the retrieve. not quite sure what that is. can someone please explain?

This video should help you out.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/walk-the-dog-zara-spook.html

Featured on the Home Page, too!

http://www.bassresou...zara-spook.html

the skitter walk is the best walk the dog lure I've ever used!

Finally got around to watching that video (my wireless internet sucks and I was too lazy to get up and hardwire my laptop to the modem). Very helpful. Im gonna try it when i go out Thursday. Thanks guys.

You picked out a good dog walker to learn on for sure! Good luck!

Finally got around to trying this technique today. I think I got the lure action right. Had it darting from side to side. The only thing is that the way im holding and moving the rod seems kind of awkward. In the video he's kind of tapping the rod down and reeling at the same time. Most of the time when Im tapping, Im tapping into the water or holding the rod really high to avoid that. Im standing at about the same level as the water and hes on a boat, a few feet higher. Im also using a 6'6'' rod. Is this better done with a shorter rod or from a slightly higher elevation? Sorry if these are dumb questions. Im just trying to get this technique down.

Not a dumb question at all. IMHO, shorter rods are the way to go with topwater plugs...longer for buzzbaits...you will find more control with a shorter rod and less stress on your wrist. The lure is weighted in the back of the lure so you won't really compromise casting distance or noticable distince.

I mostly fish from the bank and I use a 6' rod without problems. I used to use a 5'6 until I snapped it. Try finding a 5'6 baitcasting rod these days...LOL

Definitely a good walk the dog type bait to learn on. I fish fro ma kayak and walking the dog can be difficult so close to the water but ti can be done with a little practice. Luckily i got a kayak this spring that i can stand in if i want so it makes the job much easier

I'm no expert with this technique, but the way I see it is a longer rod is troublesome only if you can't work the bait because the rod is too long. That usually happens since we are used to jerk the rod downwards. You can walk the dog just fine with the rod held horizontally or even vertically.

Well since Im broke as a joke right now, Ill try it horizontally and see how that goes. I'd like to try and get a couple more rods for different types of baits and techniques but I guess I'll just have to make do for now.

Bring a milk crate with ya and stand on it while you're taking a dog for a walk, then when the bite shuts down you can use it to sit on while you work a jig slowly...LOL

Bring a milk crate with ya and stand on it while you're taking a dog for a walk, then when the bite shuts down you can use it to sit on while you work a jig slowly...LOL

interesting suggestion but I think I'd look kind of goofy.

I'd rather look goofy while catching fish than not look goofy while getting skunked.

I'd rather look goofy while catching fish than not look goofy while getting skunked.

hmmm....that is a pretty good point