Just my 2 cents, but the larger boats seem to do fine in the winter and spring fishing shallow. The challenge comes when the shallows get into the 70s and above. The fish seem to spook much easier in the shallows when stressed. In my kayak I continue to catch Crappie in 2 to 3 feet of water through out the summer even when the water reaches the low 90s. I'm always spider rigging, tight line without a bobber.