| When approaching a new lake, it's always a good | | | | what the fish are doing and how they will react: |
| idea to have a plan. Maps and lake reports are | | | | cold water and warm water. Cold water; slow |
| handy, but they aren't always accurate and may | | | | your roll, Warm water; speed it up a bit. |
| not be the only thing you need. Sometimes you | | | | - Don't just throw your favorite lure because you |
| need that keen eye of an experienced angler to | | | | like how fish strike it, or it happens to be your |
| see the opportunities. Or just learn what that | | | | favorite color. Check the condition of the water. |
| keen-eyed angler is looking for and duplicate. | | | | Is it clear or muddy? Is it cold or warm? Is the |
| Sometimes you may get lucky and find someone | | | | level rising or falling? Believe me, water conditions |
| on the docks willing to give up some secrets. | | | | matter. |
| Older anglers are usually more than happy to pass | | | | - As always, the local tackle shop is a great place |
| on some of their tips, favorite tricks and spots. | | | | for information. However, sometimes it's hard to |
| I always use a system of gathered information. | | | | get good advice right before a big tournament. |
| Here are a few tips to help your overall success | | | | The person running the shop may fall into a rut |
| on a new lake. | | | | and answer everybody the same, "Well so-and-so |
| - As I have said before, keep it simple. The most | | | | creek can be good this time of the year." or "The |
| basic fishing techniques work the same on most | | | | fish have really been biting on this (Insert product |
| all lakes. They have done so in the past for a | | | | here), which is on sale today." Knowing when to |
| reason. If it works on one lake, chances are it will | | | | ask the local tackle shop also comes with |
| on others. | | | | experience. |
| - Structure! Structure! Structure! Look for docks, | | | | Water clarity is something else that will be a |
| standing timer, weeds and lily pads. Anything that | | | | factor in going to a new lake. If you cannot see |
| creates shelter and camouflage for the fish is a | | | | what is under the surface, it's pretty hard to |
| good spot. Bass, especially largemouth are | | | | determine what to throw. If the water is muddy, |
| ambush hunters. | | | | throw out a nice dark color (I'm not a favorite of |
| - Confidence can be a great fishing tool to have in | | | | black or blue however, other are). Bladed Spinners |
| your tackle box also. If you go out to the lake | | | | are always a good way to "feel-out" the water. |
| with the mindset that you're not going to catch a | | | | Something weed-less or snag-free well works in |
| fish, your chances of catching a fish are going | | | | "testing out the waters" also. |
| diminish greatly. Throw that lure like you're a pro | | | | My fishing buddy likes to go to a different lake |
| on the biggest tour of your life and before you | | | | each time we go fishing, which can be a bit |
| know it, your catching fish like a pro. | | | | difficult when you're strapped for time or cash. |
| - The shallows near a drop off or channel are | | | | However, experience comes from doing and the |
| always a good place to catch fish. The Bass | | | | more lakes and ponds you can throw your lures |
| species, which include the Sunfish and Bluegill, like | | | | into, the better. |
| to have that abrupt transition. | | | | Well I do hope I have helped someone and just |
| - If you're trying to catch a specific species find | | | | remember, on those rainy or bad days, do some |
| out what kind of habitat they require and look for | | | | research, 'cause like the old saying goes, |
| it on the lake. | | | | "Knowledge is Power". |
| - The time of year has a lot to do with how the | | | | And as always, keep happy thoughts and good |
| fish will bite. Two things make a major impact on | | | | fishin' to you. |