I have not been a huge fan of fishing in shallow water around Lilypads. The tackle required is usually more robust. Heavier line, a longer and heavier action pole, a bait casting reel, and the competition of a lot of pressure. No doubt there are some lunkers sitting in the pads waiting for something to eat. Those that fish the shoreline and pad areas will hook up with a respectable fish as it is inevitable. I have personally noticed that the majority of those that fish for Bass go right for the pads. Think about the number of times these fish see lure after lure and the fish’s reinforcement of negative consequences when going after it.

How about an alternative? Think about the volume of difference between shallow water and a depth of 15-20 feet. How many more fish can be in this space and how much less these fish have seen deep water presentations. Fishing in deeper water is sort of a combination of both horizontal and vertical. Once when fishing in 20-25 feet, the Bass wanted soft plastic on the bottom. They would strike the bait in a total vertical scenario and were consistently 16″ and larger. Imagine feeling the bite and setting the hook with 30 feet of mono! Feeling the weight of the fish and stretch of the mono line was exhilarating! Most times, just as in shallow water, the cast is out from the boat with the patience of letting the tackle sink longer since it is deeper. The retrieve is slower than in shallow water. More patience, less work, more enjoying your surroundings. Oh yeah, and consistently more fish for me!