When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Admittedly, poorer fishing days outweigh the good days, and this happens more often than we’d like due to powers beyond our control. When faced with challenges and problems such as bass not being located where they’re supposed to, inactivity, or foul conditions, good anglers will fish smarter and not harder to solve them. Several seasons ago, I began exploring the backwater channels and thoroughfares of my favorite drainage lake systems. Factors that possessed me to visit these unlikely areas, in mid summer of all seasons, was high winds and foul weather. I recall having no chance of dealing with the strong winds on the main lake areas with my 16 ft. Lund tri-hull, my main fishing boat at the time. The smaller vessel with shallower draft allowed me to get into these protected tucked-away areas, which other boats couldn’t, quite easily. During the initial adventures, the amount of bass I found dwelling in these spots blew me away. Since then, I’ve invested more time and focus into these locations whenever seeking immediate results. Whether fishing seepage lakes, drainage lakes, or flowages, most will have fu