before the spawn I have found them shallow and deep, one day they will be up around the cypress trees and the next day I'll have to go to 12 fow to catch any. one thing is certain tho, they don't have to be spawning to catch a bunch, just on a feeding spree. you know they are feeding hard when they poop all over your boat before ya can get him in the cooler. lol redworms on the bottom has been the best bait so far , but I use at least two rods, and let the bait sit a good ten min. before moving it at all. In shallow water a slip bobber with no stop knot helps ya see a bite, it will jiggle and move a little. submerged humps out in the lake seem to be the best spots. anchor boat front and back so you can tell better if your getting bit. I find them shallow sometimes but more often than not 12 feet seems to be a good average.