Sunfish and crappies invade shallow soft-bottomed bays in the case of larger lakes, because the bulk of the total acreage is unsuitable for spawning. This means that panfish have only one or two favorable breeding places to choose from, hence concentrating fish. In the case of shallower lakes, where a great deal of shoreline habitat accommodates spawning, panfish disperse to a number of locations. So first recognize the lake's shallowest and softest bays. Bluegills begin their spring feeding and spawning run by 'staging' outside these bays.
Larger fish are oftentimes the last members to assail shallow water.
A reasonable depth range for productive bars and humps would be 8 to 15 feet. On a relatively clear lake, this range keeps you amidst or just outside weed growth. Remaining or new growth cabbage and coontail, sprouting from a bar or hump, is a hotbed for big bluegills. Bulrush and reed edges, common to large lakes, are other environments favored by pre-spawn bluegills. Oftentimes the edge forms a shelf or overhang where bluegills have a chance to pick at aquatic morsels.