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Post by Ranger360 on Jul 10, 2005 7:58:35 GMT -6
I am curious how other fishermen approach a new lake. Do you get a topo map and study the contours and decide where to fish by the time of year or do you just unload the boat and look for a spot that looks like it will hold fish? I usually try to find a good map of the lake and study it and look at past fishing reports for the lake.
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Post by Joel Babin on Jul 10, 2005 8:52:37 GMT -6
I generally approach it from the road leading to the ramp No, seriously I think you have a good starting point. Just relate your map studing to the season and weather conditions. The best thing to do, and hardest, is to cruise to whole lake while studing the surroundings, graph readings, water clarity, cover, before making a cast. Then you have an overall understanding of the available cover, and can eliminate water that may have looked good on the map, but doesn't look good in reality. Also, that will help you to find structure or cover allowing you to fish your strengths. I hate when I don't get a chance to cover a new lake entirely (keeping in mind a normal size lake, not Rayburn or TB), then find something late in the day during the tournament and realizing I should have been there all day. Resist fishing as long as you can and study the lake. I don't put too much faith in internet reports, people lie all the time...
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Post by Robert on Jul 10, 2005 20:51:17 GMT -6
I agree with Joel.
Use the map to break down areas by the time of year. Then get some seat time. Look today, fish tomorrow.
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Post by tailchaser on Jul 11, 2005 8:30:17 GMT -6
With a good topo map....
Then i will pick an area maybe one cove with alot of different structure or depth...then instead of looking at the whole lake i will try to figure them out in that one cove... once i have a "pattern" or at least something that is working for me, then i will start cruising the lake looking for a similiar area or type of structure...
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Post by cchamptr21 on Jul 11, 2005 10:03:27 GMT -6
1-topo 2-get all the info i can about the lake 3-try to get some reports as to what the fish are doing 4-apply time, season as to where and what to throw 5-attack the lake, fish as much water as possilbe..as i do this i'm gaining as much data as possible. pre-fish 6-come up w/ a game plan based on everything i've learned...and hope nothing changes....lol
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Post by The Fishing Coach on Jul 11, 2005 14:06:51 GMT -6
If you are approaching a new tournament lake you need to start your pre-work at least a month before...get EVERY map you can lay your hands on...none are the same. Use aerial photos as well. There are many features you can see that are not on any maps.
Contact the local boat dealer (your boat)...get some help...you may need him if yours breaks down.
Contact local fisherman via the Internet. I ask the dealer if there are any pro-staff guys he can refer me to.
STUDY, STUDY, STUDY...make notes,,,look at all your past Bassmaster & FLW mags.
Pack baits ONLY for that lake...don't get stuck taking too much.
Then plan plenty of time to drive around the lake just just looking and plotting.
That is a good start
cbs
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