I too skip jigs under docks and pontoons and there are a few things I have learned the hard way.
First off, to avoid a bird's nest backlash that Yoda couldn't even untangle for you try this:
If you are going to be skipping under docks from 30-40 ft away for example, make a cast beforehand that is 50ft or so and don't reel up. Slap a small strip of "lectrical or duck tape" on the spool over the line and then reel up. This way while you are learning you can concentrate on skipping instead of de-nesting because no matter what the backlash can't go deeper than the tape.
I too skip a 3/8oz or 1/2oz jig in most cases unless the water beneath the dock is very deep or drops off quickly. I like to skip football jigs because they seem to work a little better but any head will work. I also prefer a less bulky jig for skipping because for me it seems the thinner skirted jigs create less drag per skip and don't mire up early into the cast.
It is worth spending time getting the best angle on the dock so look at the whole dock before making your skip cast(s). If you can get close enough to the dock to swing the jig underneath by using the bottom of the dock that works good as well.
I use a Curado on a BPS 6'10 MH Woo Daves rod to skip. You can use a spinning rod to do this and it may be easier for someone who is more acustomed to using spinnies.
I use Bass Slayer jigs because...well I make'em...and they catch fish.
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Rod length for this technique is usually dictated by an angler's height, mainly because this cast involves a underhand roll cast, where the rod tip is loaded fast and released fast. If the angler is real good with a baitcaster( you know- thumbing and all the brakes and tensions are set right) Then my suggestion would be: a 6 to 6'6" medium with a fast tip. I would aslo suggest a high speed (7 to 1) reel. You may need to get the fish out quickly. Also, based on the fact that most docks have loads of brush on them I'd use a braided line. Fireline works well for me.
