these guys have just about covered it all . i look for docks next to the main, river Chanel, deep water ,fish baskets,minnow buckets,lights rigged to shine down into the water ,ropes hanging down the sides( with brush brush tied to them). like David said people that live on the lake like there view look tree stumps cut on angels so that the tree would have had to doped down hill into the water. and the most important thing respect the dock owners . if anyone is on the dock skip it no matter how good it may be. never get out of your boat onto the dock to fish or to retrieve a lure. dont tie off to them . practice shooting from 15 to 20 feet away from the dock / pontoon the further away you are the further you can shoot your jig under were they like to stay(shade) and its more respectful to the dock owner. i use a 7ft med light rod ,4/6 lb high vis yellow line ,1/16 - 1/32 oz jig/ bobby garland baby shad .