Proper Depth

        Deep water is a relative term, determined by the overall area bass have access to.  So if eight feet is as deep as it gets in a body of water, to the bass, that's deep.  Basically, you want to look for the same types of structural features that would occur in a deeper reservoir or lake, but just in a shallower zone.

        The simplest way to achieve this, is by knowing your equipment, including the baits you are using.  Many manufacturers today offer a guide on their packages to give you an idea of how deep their baits will run.  This is especially true on hard baits, such as crank baits and jerk baits.  Remember that these are simply guidelines, and your own results will vary greatly, depending upon several factors.

        For example, a Norman DD22 is designed to achieve 22' on retrieve, but that can be misleading.  If your using a 7' cranking rod and 10 - 12 lb test, you can get really close to that depth, on a real long cast.  Actually, the lure could run around 18-20' on a normal cast.  How do you know?  You experiment.  Find an area where the bottom is 15', and start casting.  If you can feel the bottom there, then  move deeper, a foot or so at a time, until you no longer feel the bottom.  Now You know that with this set up, you can achieve around 18-20' on a normal cast.

        Other factors can alter these results as well.  If you need to reach 22 - 24', you can also achieve that depth by placing the rod tip under the water a few inches to as much as 3 or 4'.  Learning exactly what each "Tool" in your tackle box will allow you to do, will allow you to become much more versatile under constantly changing conditions.  Always have a variety of crank baits in like colors, and if the fish move deeper or shallower, you can change baits without changing colors or actions.  Often it can be the key to success when conditions change during the day. Also, you can do the same thing using other baits like soft plastics, jigs or sinking baits like a Rat-L-Trap, etc.

        Start out at a specific depth...let's say 10'.  Now try using different sizes of line, or even types of line, and allow the baits to fall to the bottom.  As the baits fall, count them down.  Doing this gives you an idea of the fall rate (feet per second) and will allow you adjust accordingly.  If you normally use a 1/4 - 3/8 oz jig or weight when fishing in waters from 5'-15' and you can then move up to a 1/2 oz or 3/4 oz weight if needed for deeper fish.  Line size, depth, and wind, etc., can all dictate which to use, but if you have a good understanding of your equipment, it will certainly make your choices much easier.

        Even so, you still may have to experiment throughout the day to adjust the fall rate to the mood of the fish.  If the heavier weights are getting down fast, and the fish want a slower fall, you might have to downsize, and try using spinning gear with lighter line.  The lighter line allows for much better feel, especially in deep-water areas or whenever using lighter weights.