hey!
i read in the sports afield almanac that people do use rakes to open up areas. it also causes a feeding frenzy according to them. they say it releases micro organisms that fish feed on....who knows but i think you should try it. i know when fly fishing for large bass i look for break ups in vegetation because it usually means a large fish is using it as a channel! it seams to work. i try to fish as deep as i can in high sun. i use bead heads and seems to get me in the zone. im usually about 6-8 ft.