Hole: Specific holding spots

The shoulder often deserves the first cast more than the center

Check, in order, the shoulder where the shallow flat drops into the hole, the hard-bottom edge, and the outlet, then check the suspended layer inside the hole. If the bottom is uniform, thick muck, fish may pass overhead without holding tight to the bottom. In clear water, position outside the hole to avoid boat shadow crossing the shoulder first.

Example: the flat is 6 ft, the hole bottom is 15 ft, sonar marks are at 8 ft. A finesse swimbait passing through the mouth at 7–8 ft is more direct; with bottom contact, your bait drops below the fish. Only when fish are tight to the 12–15 ft bottom edge should you sink a drop shot to the corresponding slope.

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