Just looking for some tips, I got a 7' M and MH baitcasters. There is this overhanging tree and only about 6 inches of space between the water and branches and I'm sure that if I can just get something under there I will catch a fish! Every time that I try to skip something it will skip once and then I backlash, any help fellas?

Practise and maybe a shorter rod.

other than Grey Wolf's serious answer, my first thought was "very carefully"...but then, I use a spinning rig to skip.

Use a reel with MagForce brakes. Spool that reel with 16-18lb test FLOURO. Use a 6'8"-6'9" MH action, MF/F taper. Set the tension control knob to just under a fast drop. Use a low angle, fast sidearm cast. Use a compact bait with as few appendages as possible. Practice.

after that description, I might just give it a shot. I'll let you know how it goes.

I use zero brakes and lots of spool tension to sidearm skip senkos, traps, spooks, and other aerodynamic baits.

To pitch skip jigs or t-rigs, I use max brakes, and zero spool tension.

In both cases, my thumb is always in contact with the spool.

to start off with while practicing, make a long cast, then peel another 15 yards of line off the spool, then put a piece of tape over your line, so when you do backlash, it's not the whole spool

I do what JF does. Max spool tension hardly any brakes. Spool tension controls the beginning of the cast, brakes at the end. I also like a somewhat smaller rod with a slower action.

Not sure where everyone gets the notion that brakes kick in at the end....most brakes exert max force at max spool speed (centrifugal and Daiwa Mag Force-V/Z) or through out the entire cast (basic magnetic brakes).

I don't know why turning them off works, it just does - like night and day, LOL.

Jf said the key... thumb always incontact with the spool. Learn to "feather" the spool with your thumb while casting. This will help you cast into the wind better also.

I use zero brakes and lots of spool tension to sidearm skip senkos, traps, spooks, and other aerodynamic baits.

To pitch skip jigs or t-rigs, I use max brakes, and zero spool tension.

In both cases, my thumb is always in contact with the spool.

I always hesitate to mention thumb pressure on the spool because without fail people put too much pressure on it, like they're pressing a hamster's head into Plaster of Paris.

Yeah, I know. it's really just the thumb "skimming" the spool. I guess mine moves a lot, too. I never notice, but others do.

I was watching the Elite series tournament on TV 2 weeks ago and saw Edwin Evers(I think) skip a bait under a tree, and my jaw dropped!!! I can do it pretty well with a spinning rod, but he underhand skipped it about 5 feet under an overhanging branch with a baitcaster, and I had to back it up and watch it like 5 times it was so cool!!!

Lots and lots of practice helps along with the other suggestions. If you have a lake with lots of docks go there and try skipping under docks all day. You'll get the hang of it eventually with enough practice!

like they're pressing a hamster's head into Plaster of Paris.

You make molds of hamsters or something?

You make molds of hamsters or something?

I was actually going to write "pressing a gerbil's head where it don't belong" but I thought it might upset the a famous actor's fan base.

really watch the spool but also start out with easy skipping baits. Like a skipping jig, or a large tube. Then move to other baits. But PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE will make you the best. I have seen some guys I fish with that can skip there baits into amazing spots that I thought was impossible to skip into! Good luck fishing!

Check You Tube under " skipping jigs " for videos. If you want to see someone skip a jig, watch Bryan Thrift on FLW TV. Amazing skill.

Check You Tube under " skipping jigs " for videos. If you want to see someone skip a jig, watch Bryan Thrift on FLW TV. Amazing skill.

Suggeston:

When using a bitcaster to skip consider doing the following:

1. Take your baitcaster and pull off enough line to allow you to skip under docks and cover.

2. Pull one arm length of line off the baitcaster.

3. Put Scotch tape or electrical tape over the remaining line on the spool.

The tape will stop your backlashes from going deeper into your line as you are learning to skip a baitcaster.