What’s the best reel out there in the $200-300 range for skipping jigs under docks and bushes? I’m not great at the technique currently, so I’d like to get something that will minimize my backlashes. 

 

Is the curado dc worth it or any of the Daiwa reels?

A DC reel may help, but practice and gaining an educated thumb will help more.  My favorite reel to skip with is an OG Daiwa Zillion.  I use zero brakes, and higher than normal spool tension - the exact opposite of my default settings.

I will add that the Curado DC is supposed to be good for dock skipping (I don't have one) and I have read where there is a Daiwa reel, which is also popular for this procedure because of its braking system I don't have a Daiwa either)

9 minutes ago, J Francho said:

A DC reel may help, but practice and gaining an educated thumb will help more.  My favorite reel to skip with is an OG Daiwa Zillion.  I use zero brakes, and higher than normal spool tension - the exact opposite of my default settings.

I need to try this approach, I’ve had good success with less spool tension and more brake, would be interesting to see the difference 

You're basically forcing a too tight to backlash spool, but not using any brakes.  Works great for senkos and jigs, using a snap cast.  Things like hollow frogs, spooks, or traps, I don't do anything special, and use my standard settings.

Grab a spincast reel. Honestly, this is an area they do really well.

I will say the Daiwa Tatula SV for the lower end in the price range the OP mentioned, and the Daiwa Zillion like J Francho mentioned. I have the Tatula SV and it's very user friendly when it comes to learning how to skip baits...But in the end, it all comes down to practice!!!

Save yourself time and headache and get an SV spool...

Thats another for a Tatula. T-Wing rocks.

I'll admit that I gave up skipping after getting tons of backlash with my baitcaster setup in the past. I just couldn't do it no mater what I did. 

 

Last year, I decided to invest into the SV103XS. Man, it was day and night difference for me. Now I am able to skip under the docks with 3/8oz jigs/trailers. I still get some backlash but its like 3 times out of 100 attempts.  

 

19 hours ago, J Francho said:

A DC reel may help, but practice and gaining an educated thumb will help more.  My favorite reel to skip with is an OG Daiwa Zillion.  I use zero brakes, and higher than normal spool tension - the exact opposite of my default settings.

I don't skip, but would like to learn.  This is one reel I wouldn't have considered.  Was planning on an SV spooled reel or a DC.  This info is nice to know.  Thanks.  Love my 50th Anniversary.  It is a favorite reel.

I have never gotten in to dock skipping because the stretch of the Potomac I fish is just acres and acres of grass beds.

Trained thumb,  proper lure choices!

 

I skip with various reels. It's just a matter of practicing. One day you'll just get it and won't have problems.  Don't even bother skipping If there is a wake. 

23 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

I much prefer to run a loose spool tension and max on the mag brakes with an SV spool.  I can skip effortlessly, far and with difficult to skip lighter weight baits.  SV spools make it easy.  

I'm by no means pro at skipping, but I do the same with my Tatula SV reels. It's definitely more effective than using my other reels.

What makes the sv reels so much better than some of the shimanos again 

? Take for instance the new curado mgl, the mgl I believe has an even more shallow spool and lighter spool. Would the steez sv tw be considered the ultimate of skipping reels? I ask because I'm a shimano fan boy but am trying to build a great skipping setup. I could use either brand. 

26 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

Anything with an SV spool in it or can be fit with an SV spool.

The braking profile of SV spools break heavily at low RPM.  Like the kind of spools speeds when a bait is slipping across the water.  They also do it with with ZERO spool tension.  They have the spool tension to allow the bait to be free and and skip as well as the braking to control the line to meter out the right amount to the bait as it skips.

Thank you. So this goes for the tatula, zillion, steez sv reels?