Bass Fishing from Shore

Question
I just caught the fishing bug and I tend to fish from the shore by the dock.  What do I need to do to catch bass from the dock.

Answer
You really don't need a fancy setup.  A medium weight spinning outfit(Cabela's has a Shimano outfit on sale right now for $39.99 and it is by far the best deal around) with 12lb. test(Extra tough Stren is my preference). Must have lures for fishing around docks and from shore are a shallow crankbait( I like Bombers in a firetiger color), Shaky head jig with worm(pumpkin and watermelon are always good colors), a 3 to 4 inch Rapala(I've always preferred gold), a spinnerbait( a yellow H&H is my favorite), a Rat-L-Trap(a silver with blue back), a plastic frog( I like snagproof's original in brown), and finally for nighttime I like a Heddon Torpedo(in silver and black). It is essential to have a light portable tackle box with a sling to throw over your shoulder.  Always keep a measuring tape, fingernail clippers, a camera, and maybe a scale with you at all times.  You really never know when the big one is gonna hit.  The fingernail clippers make cutting line a breeze.  You should always keep a watch on you and don't get to carried away and not be able to find your way back(that sucks trust me I've learned from experience). All of my biggest bass have come from fishing banks or docks. Always be careful, I cannot stress that enough.  I've fallen into the water, gotten lost, run into snakes, and one time I picked up my tackle bag and found that a snake thought it was a comfy place for a nap.  You have to let someone know where your going or keep your cell phone and essentials in a double seal plastic bag.  Keeping your things dry is probably the most important thing of all.  So be safe and have fun.  I wouldn't mind if you e-mailed me back at [email protected] with some results.  I'm going to start a website full of weekend anglers' catches. Thanks, and have fun.