I appreciate the tips, fellas - thanks!
There are only two (very small) docks on the lake. They float on the surface and are in very shallow water - maybe up 2' depth, so I don't put much effort into them.
Here's my report for yesterday:
I picked up a 13" (that had a huge air bubble just under its skin - very odd!) on a spinnerbait. Casting right at the dropoff, I let it sink briefly and the fish hit during the drop. It was my first spinnerbait fish ever!
I also caught a 10", which hit the instant my crankbait hit the water on the edge of the lily pads, and I got a perch with that same crankbait along the pads.
I missed one other strike when the crankbait hit the water tight to overhanging brush in 3' of water loaded with milfoil.
My 6" black w/ red specs Texas-rigged ribbontail worm got a lot of attention from smaller fish, but I didn't catch anything on it.
Not too bad of a day for a rookie, I guess.
Now I have to figure out how to dropshot. I made several attempts at tying the hook to get it pointing straight out with the hook facing up, but the results were, uh, less than optimal.
Maybe I need to bring materials to the next meeting and have one of you show me how it's done.