Thread: What do you do your first time on a lake?

I like a map and to ask people that are leaving with fish what area they caught them in not exact spots just the general area.

Originally Posted by Tracker123

The first thing I would do is check with the folks here in this forum, especially the state forums. In the past couple of years I have made a few out of state trips to unknown lakes in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, etc. just because. These folks here are excellent. Other than that, the advice stated are good tips.

I would also look at old posts from this time last year and compare notes with what they were doing then on that lake...and compare water temps to that time

I pray first

Google Earth is your best friend. I do what research I can and then run to the promising looking places.

Let Google Earth be your friend. There is a really neat tool that lets you look at historical imagery. You can roll back time. Helps me out because in years past we had drought like conditions here and many of the lakes were down 6-12' and I can see standing timber and what not that isn't visible today with the lakes at normal level. See pic.

Good binoculars. Also if you see anyone catch one troll behind him. If he catches a few more start the big motor and get ahead of him. If he complains just say "I've been catching them here all week."