Structure

[jtreimanis]

So, as of right now I am stuck on the bank (except at one lake where I can rent a row boat). Anyway, so how do you go about finding underwater structure (like breaklines, humps, drop offs, ect) without a sonar unit? 

[scaleface]

Google earth sometimes shows shallow water.

[Bluebasser86]

Fish a C rig or heavy jig and pay close attention to everything you're feeling with your bait. You can even use a heavy bank sinker so you don't risk losing a bait/rig, but then you might miss the chance to catch a fish too. 

[papajoe222]

A sensitive rod, braided line and a 1/2oz. tungsten weight or jig will transmit changes in bottom composition and any cover that is present on the bottom.  Learn to count down your offering to determine the approximate depth of the area you're casting to. Anytime you loose contact with the bottom on the retrieve, stop and continue counting until you regain contact (this is an increase in depth). Make follow up casts shorter, or longer and again count down your offering. This will give you good idea of the slope of the shoreline. If you begin casting to your left as you stand on shore and work the area in a clockwise progression, you will end up with a good mental picture of the area. You could even write down the information gained from each cast to draw yourself a 'map' for future reference.

Lacking the equipment mentioned, you could cast the area with various crankbaits, but not knowing the exact depth they run plus the fact that they take a while to reach running depth makes them a poor choice.

 

BTW, welcome to the forum. (I should have begun with that, but I'm an old fart and sometimes forget my manners)

[Catch 22]

_{Use one of these.}

 

_{http://www.amazon.com/iBobber-Castable-Bluetooth-Smart-Fishfinder/dp/B00LEA2FS0}

[Wayne P.]

_{Use one of these.}

 

_{http://www.amazon.com/iBobber-Castable-Bluetooth-Smart-Fishfinder/dp/B00LEA2FS0}

 

Or Vexilar Sonarphone T-Pod

 

http://www.vexilar.com/blog/2014/08/28/new-sonarphone-available-for-any-open-water-situation

 

 

Or Deeper

 

http://www.amazon.com/Deeper-Portable-Smartphone-Compatible-versatile/dp/B00GOJWQ08/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1430059638&sr=8-3&keywords=smart+cast

[ClackerBuzz]

fish near the creek channel ie deep water. don't waste time fishing giant flats that require an impossible 100 yard cast to reach deep water.  get a topo map and only fish areas where the creek channel comes near the shoreline.  it will zig zag from side to side of the lake.  if a topo map isn't available learning how to read above the water can tell you what is below.  one side of the lake will usually have a steep/rocky shoreline with mature trees while the other side will be farm land flat with small bushes.  the creek channel is on the steep side b/c it eroded the bank away over many years. 

[RAMBLER]

Get a Humminbird Smart Cast fish finder.  The screen is on a wrist band about the size of a large wrist watch and you attach the sonar sensor to your line and  cast it to the area you want to see.  I think everyone that fishes from shore should have one.  I use mine in my boat when there is water I want to read and can't get the boat into the area, such as pockets of water that are almost land locked.  It is really accurate and easy to use.