Most dock fisherman never consider using swim baits while pitching and jigging around docks, I contend that there may not be anything better. Swim baits unless you have tried it is ideal to work under docks for the very reason that it is easily skipped and hence can be worked under a dock very easily. You can skip it with very precise accuracy and it falls very nicely with great tail action. This combination alone is very deadly to hanging a big lunker bass.The key to picking swim baits is part of the formula for success; you just need to look to match the size and color of the bait that hangs under the docks you are fishing. Once you have done that the swim bait will do the rest especially if the water is clear. Swim bait are easily noticed by a bass for up to three feet and has a low transparency and makes for an ideal bait to haul a big bass just waiting to ambush bait under your favorite dock.
A few keys to fishing it is to stay a reasonable distance from the dock so you don't spook the fish, use a medium heavy rod, and slowly work the bait back to the boat. Don't overwork the bait by jerking and twitching it, and don't over-rig by using heavy braided line and thick heavy action rods. Swim baits were designed to pull very slowly and let the tail do the action for you, when you try to over work it the bass just seem to turn away from it, and heavy action gear just will not allow you to accurately skip or easily and precisely present it under a dock.
Lastly while everyone is using traditional baits around docks, you we be using a unique bait and presentation most bass haven't seen on Guntersville.