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Posts: 32956
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | A new lake or river, one you have never fished before. It is several weeks before you are heading there , and you are there for a week. How do you prepare for the trip to that water? What is your process for 'learning the water' once you get the rig wet in the new lake or river? |
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Posts: 3920
| Obtain a map. Find someone who knows the water and ask them questions. Locate a DNR fisheries bioligist and call to talk with him/her. When I finally get there, drop in to the best local bait shop and spend at least $20 before asking any questions. Ask as many or more questions about bait fish locations (perch, walleye, etc) as muskies. Once on the water, troll for most of the first day to locate structure, weedbeds and baitfish. Watch and talk to the baitfishermen. |
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Location: Illinois-Indiana | I agree with Ranger, the local bait shop can be one of the best ways to get information about a new body of water.
I would first get a lake map and study it while at home, marking potential good spots and milk runs, then I would get online to MuskieFIRST and see if anyone has ever fished that body of water before, tons of GREAT info to be gotten here!!!!!!!!:)
Talk to the guys at the boat ramps and share information with them.
Another key spot for information is the cabin that you will be staying at, these guys are filled with info and are more than willing to share it with you, the paying cusomer, after all, I'm sure they want you to catch fish and come again next season.
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| Check out the poagy bait/Coke cola supply first thing...stop at the counter of the bait shop w/ a handful of 1.00 bills, covered w/ a 50.00, then start asking some questions...most likely they will share info. once they see cash...hate to think that way, but this is the world we live in!;) |
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| First and most obvious, you want to find a map, not just to find fish spots, but also to find out about any navigation hazards.
Then yes, I would try and get some "free" information from the bait shop.
I would also utilize this and any other message board out there and post a question asking for tips and advice.
Then and probably most importantly, I would hire a guide. I'm heading to Lake of The Woods for the first time this July and am probably going to hire a guide for the first morning. Probably won't even wet a line, we will just use him for navigation help and pointing out likely hotspots. God bless.
John Stellflue
Oneida Esox Guide Service
www.oneidaesox.com |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | Other then what was already said, I'd take an hour or so and drive around the lake taking in what it has to offer. Some maps are great, but most have much to be desired. They usually don't show you rockpiles, bottom content, weedlines, reeds, and pads either. After you have had a quick trip, drop a line and attack the lake with a plan. |
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