This time of year I look for docks and shallow water more than trolling. Fish seem to be gathering up to spawn, as for dead lake.... I have never been able to catch in there but I usually plan my trip for late February or Early March depending on weather temps and the moon stages. 1/24 is perfect for shooting but you will have to special order them most stores do not carry that size, sinks at just the right rate for me but is still not to heavy to send flying, On occasion I will use 1/16 when the fish are on the bottom or the wind and waves are rather extreme.