What catches more and better fish? Going down and beat the banks or go out and fish some type of structure?

Depends on the time of year. But I would say that aside from the spring, out and structure is the way to go. At least for me.

Structure!

Depends on the lake and what the fish are doing. In fishing you can't put all your eggs in one basket and sustain very many days success. They just move around too much.

Depends on the lake. Joe Pool is a fine example. Back when the hydrilla was matted, I could beat the bank and catch fish all day in that grass, but since it's been eradicated, it's become a structure lake.

The fish have adjusted, and we have to do the same.

what time of year makes a big difference

Fouzman is right on. With the exception of being the best chance to catch a giant fish, I hate the spring. The fish are all over the place and most anybody can get lucky. Structure holds fish and there is many types of it. It's were you can find them stacked up like cord wood.

for the most part offshore structure fishing is the better bet for me. There will be times though that shallow bank fishing is better..most lakes now for example will be better shallow. overall you are going to do better at what you are more comfortable doing and have the most confidence in

Beat up the shallow water.