You'll just have to look around until you find them. A rule of thumb for fishing off shore is that if you're in a spot the fish should be, and they aren't, it only means there is some even better near by. It's surprising how often this rule proves true. Find that magic spot and the fish could be stacked up like cord wood. There are other things you can observe off shore that tips you off on something neat underwater.
Any time there is a light ripple on the water, it's prime time for finding new spots.
If the surface is rippling everywhere except one small area, that's the area to take a look. In shallow lakes like those found in Florida, there is likely a weed bed just up wind that's keeping the waves calm. In reservoirs, it could be an oil slick showing fish feeding on shad under the surface. Either way, it's worth the gas to find out. If you're fishing a creek channel or road bed, always follow it out to the main channel.