It depends on the body of water, what part of the country, recent weather patterns, etc.,etc. The water i've been feeshn lately is in the high 40's but i have caught feesh from 2' deep to 24' deep within the last month. Go figure. The last 3 trips we spent 1/2 the day just trying to locate them, but that's half the fun. Learn to use, then trust your electronics is the best advise i can give.