In my pea brain this subject is answered with establishing a pattern.

 

Once I've established a strong pattern of where they're holding on the cover I'll not waste cast to anywhere else. 

 

Scaleface, let me add to my comments above.

 

I learned from Woo Daves to fish the outside of any cover first and then go inside.

 

By doing this you can catch any fish that are on the outside of the cover and not spook the bass that are inside the cover or by the bank.

 

I will throw crankbaits, etc. to the outside followed by my plastics.

 

Then follow up with my plastics by going to the inside of the cover.

 

Just how I approach a laydown or a log.

On 2/8/2020 at 9:05 AM, flyfisher said:

Tourney anglers time is of the essence so unless they found a pattern where the fish are needing baits presented slowly and thoroughly they are looking for those activities e fish, especially early in the day when trying to fill the limit.  

Me personally, I work a piece of cover pretty thoroughly but not to the point of boredom.  I can also say that if you are working a laydown and it hits near the boat, i can promise you the tree is under the boat then.  I was amazed when i got my sidescan at just how far out the majority of letdowns extend into the water.

They also have fast boats, unlimited gas $$$ and lots of other places to fish.