Thread: How do you fish a lake for the first time???

Originally Posted by RCC

On a new lake remember one key thing. 99% off all people who own a boat with a motor. Even those who own a boat with a motor that will not run very good will leave the ramp and motor across to the other side to fish even if they know that more than likely they will be paddeling back across the lake to get back to the truck. My tip to you is to find a ramp that does not have another ramp directly across the lake. Put the boat in and use the TM and depth finder to find the first significant drop off straight out from the ramp. Fish there. Most people drive across a good bite right at the landing. If you are driving a boat, looking at a map, or punching on a video screen, sonar or otherwise, you are significantly reducing your fish catching time and chances. If you see a whole wad of boats, go the opposite direction, because it will just make you frustrated and do stupid stuff if you try to join in with them. Besides, I'll be at the other end away from the crowd and you can stop by and say howdy. You may not catch as many fish as some of the crowded boats, but hey at least you'll leave with less stress and probably be able to say "hey, we didn't exactly tear them up, but we caught more than the fat, short armed guy in the Excel".

Two roads converged in a yellow wood, and I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference..........................

Originally Posted by Buckrub

Two roads converged in a yellow wood, and I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference..........................

And both that morning equally lay, In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day!......I doubted if I should ever come back

Originally Posted by Cmj

And both that morning equally lay, In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day!......I doubted if I should ever come back

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

crossed eyes and tongue out, i just farted and that is all !!!!!

Originally Posted by Crappie Greg

crossed eyes and tongue out, i just farted and that is all !!!!!

Mr. Frost would be proud!!

Originally Posted by Tonykarter

Part of being old is being able to look back on how you might have spent your time more wisely and productively. If I could go back and change some of the things I have done, one of them would have been to hire a guide for a day or two each new lake I fished, just to show me the community holes, and maybe a sweet spot or two. To think of the hours and days I have wasted trying to figure out Fork, Livingston, Sabine Lake and East and West Bay.

I agree hiring a guide is the cheapest way to learn how to fish a new lake. They will show you the pattern that is working best for them at that particular time, and the pattern is really what you're looking for on any particular lake. After that it's up to you to do your homework, and fine tune the pattern to fit your needs, whether it it be Numbers of or Size of fish.

I doubt they give up their personal Big Fish spots, or their honey holes tho!!! They WILL put you on good fishing however!!! Most guides do some tournament fishing, and they love getting paid to pre fish. BE OBSERVANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ain't not nary one of you yahoos that made those posts above BRM even close to "right" if you know what I mean. Killin me

Originally Posted by RCC

Ain't not nary one of you yahoos that made those posts above BRM even close to "right" if you know what I mean. Killin me

We NEVER know what you REALLY mean.
BWAHAHAHAHAHA

It would be a nice night for Crab legs at Wynne again tho!!! Lori and I are headed back to Jonesboro after while, and them legs are haunting me!!!