My dad started keeping a fishing and hunting log years ago,Lake level,water temp,color of water,What area of the lake we are fishing,Time of year(spring,summer,fall,winter) just to name a few.This gives us a place to start each trip.If the lake is rising in the spring fish the creeks and coves if falling fish the main river channel just to name a few.This has really helped us on the tough days.Instead of running all over the lake you know the area or brush pile you have been catching fish in so you keep adjusting to the fish sooner or later they will bite!!!