In addition to all of the above (in particular, treat it as a fish EVERY TIME the float goes under), don't neglect a bright 1/4 oz. jig when you fish on water that is high, brown and seemingly blown out. Fish it near the bank, literally 3 to 10 feet off the bank, with the jig only 2 to 3 feet under the float. This has worked for me often, even in water where a lot of fishermen have been working the water farther out.