Getting off the bank is definitely a big plus...too many times I see people too close to the bank fishing a jerkbait. When I am hitting points that I know are good for those early spring smallies I keep on eye on the finder for targets under the boat...not unusual to catch them two cast lengths off the bank when they don't have the baitfish pushed up close. Another good thing you mentioned here John is letting the lure sit for a while if the fish are not taking on short pauses...takes some patience but it pays off.