Judging the depth from shore

[Lipripper]

When your fishing new waters from the bank take the time to map it out.
A good way to determin the depth of the water is to take a slip bobber and put a small weight on the line (no hook) and keep moving the bobber up the line. As long as the bobber stays up right your not on the bottom but as soon as it lays over you have found the bottom. Now when you reel in your line you can judge the depth by looking at the string bobber stop. You can also get some idea of whats on the bottom doing this also.