Well, my wife got me for my first father's day a nice 8ft inflatable boat that handles a 30lb thrust motor. I know, I know, its an inflatble, but it'll do nicely until I get my pickup this spring(suprisingly very stable). Anyways, now that I can get out in the water I am kind of stumped. I usually fish starting at about 5am at the latest, and hitting the banks holds up real nice in this small lake until about 10am. The problem is though, I have no real idea what it is to fish deep water for bass. I know I'm missing out on some good action, but I've never had, or known someone who had, a boat to fish in. So can you guys help me out with some suggestions? I know c-rigs are talked about, and dropshotting, but I have no real experience with any deep water fishing techniques. Also I was wondering if I could get some tips on what to look for without a fishfinder or map, as I am waiting for the park to get me a depth map. This is a highly pressured little lake from the banks, and I still commonly catch 3lbers there. NO ONE fishes from a boat since nothing over 30lbs is allowed, so it could be a real treasure. Hope you can help!

You basically want to fish anywhere that the shore anglers can't for starters.

just cause your in a boat doesnt mean you have to fish for deepwater fish    pound the banks     look for cover     look for shaded areas in the water   maybe something from a tree or even a cloud    and if the lake is nearly all shady look for some sun             best thing to do is look for something different   good luck

Congrats on your new toy!

Try some deep running crank baits or some Rapala Shad Raps just outside the casting limit areas where everyone else has been fishing. It would be a good idea to find out the depths of the lake so that you don't over do it with deep running lures and snag 'em up.

Good luck and have fun.

I too this year made my way off the banks, and I realized that I still fish them alot, just from the other direction.  However, I have noticed that a lot, and I mean A LOT of fish I am catching are just beyond what the bank angler can reach.  It is so cool to be able to find a hump, or an old creek channel and throw a deep diving crank, or be able to pitch to submerger timber.  I am looking forward to fishing this summer like no other, I used to hate summer fishing because most of the big fish moved to spots that were out of my reach, but not this year ;D.  

Above all the only real difference in fishing from a boat is where you can go, you still have to find the fish and make a good presentation.

thanks for the suggestions guys. I will fish tommorow morning and get back to ya with the results.