We normally fish in ponds/small rivers under 10' in depth. If I'm fishing any bigger lakes I'm with a buddy in a boat. We have had good luck though on "bigger" lakes with this method fishing parallel to shore. I like using floats but sometimes feel like its a kid thing when I'm using them! I just didn't know if there was a better or preferred method. I'm not real new to fishing but most stuff, especially bluegill, has been learn on my own.