CB, I used to fish this way all the time. 'Course I started in standing timber fishing over deep water with a cork set at about 4' deep dabbling from stickup to stickup. As the fish moved shallower so did I. I've read reports of people catching fish in 3'-6' of water but I havent yet. I'm still catching fish about 10' deep in 15'-30' (mainly 20' deep water....give or take) of water and like you said...the eggs arent anywhere near ready to lay yet even though surface temps say it's time.:o I'd say it's worth a try. Nothing says you gotta fish this way all morning if youre not getting bit.