I know this is very hypothetical and varies from region to region, but I'm just looking for a ballpark answer.

Say you've got a small lake that averages maybe 6 ft deep with maybe 10 ft being the deepest. The old creek channel might be a one foot dropoff at the most.

In the heat of the summer, would bass generally prefer the shade of lily pads that may average being in about 3 ft of water, or would they prefer to lay in the "deep" water on the bottom at maybe 6, 7, 8, or 9 ft deep (assuming you can find structure in the "deep" water")?

I'd fish the shade first for the reaction bite, then fish the deeper water.
I think the you'll catch better size fish deep though.

x2 Use a crankbait or slowroll a spinnerbait through that shade. If it doesn't work go to deeper water and throw jigs.

Probably a stupid question, but how it is possible to fish a crank bait in pads and not get hung up?

Probably a stupid question, but how it is possible to fish a crank bait in pads and not get hung up?


x2

he's probably talking about fishing the outside edges or just into them enough to where a guy can 'navigate' his crank to safety (or better yet total destruction )

You wouldn't be talking about lake Houston

You can fish a soft plastic swimbait like a swim fluke in a shad or gamefish patern that used a single hook with the point of the hook inbedded in the plastic so it will not catch in the pads or grass. fish that so it runs underneath the pads. A drop shot weight placed on the hook shank prior to running the point back into the plastic will give it some weight. Regards, Bart

I fish a lake here in north texas that is exactly like what you are talking about. 99% Of the time I fish it from 4pm to dark. So when I get there its really hot. What I do is pitch/flip the pads with a jig or soft plastic and throw a swim jig with a swimbait as a trailer. Im telling you its DEADLY!

Right on Jay. I doubt there is very much variation in water temps in a pond that shallow.I learned as a kid to never pass up shade on a sunny day.Drop something weedless in there,set the hook and reel fast.

Pads no doubt under those conditions.