@Chris Skrobarczyk Thanks for the shoot out. @Jon Henn Even though most of my advice may be directed toward Bass, Most of the rules apply across many species. There are many factors to consider when choosing a spot. Water Temp, Cover, Current, Bait and Pressure. Its been a long time, but for Trout I found that they like to congregate Near deeper pools or just outside heavier current in Streams or Rivers. For Lakes look for cover that allows for ambush points such as current breaks, Brush, or Rock Piles. As a boater we tend to do the opposite of those on the bank. Boaters cast to the shallows as bank fisherman cast deep. So if those from the bank are catching them there is a reason why. Underwater structure will give the secret away. set up your boat outside the line they are fishing but stay within casting distance. Water clarity is also a driving factor. Clear water use more natural looking bait, More stained water use lures that make noise and are darker to create a better silhouette. Hope this helps and as Chris said without more information its hard to pin point specifics.