I approach it like this: If it is raining and has been so for a couple of days, I start shallow and usually stay shallow. If the lake is rising I start off shallow and only go out deeper if the fish are not biting, but continue to check shallow through out the day. I hate fishing deep and it is surprising how many fish are in shallow water even in the winter, but when the water is rising I am always looking for active feeding fish up shallow.

Lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what have-yous