Shallow water fishing is one type of the many types of fishing there is. Shallow can mean many different things; shallow lakes, shallow rivers, and most common to fishermen is the shallow ponds with high concentrations of moss. There are many different baits and fishing lures for shallow water fishing such as, "Skitter Pop, Skitter Walk, Pencil Popper, Popper, Slim Dog, Z-Top, Turbo Toad Buzz Baits, Locust, Frogs, Jerk Baits, etc.
Weight has a lot to do with shallow water fishing. You may have to use a lighter weight if you prefer worms of wax worms. Weights are what you put on the fishing line to weigh down your lure/bait so it doesn't float.