Hi, I have heard alot of pros talk about how much they will research a lake before they go and fish in a tournament. I was wondering what does that research include. What all should you cover when researching a lake before a tournament, and where/what are good sites, ect. to find information that will help imporve knowledge about that lake. Thanks for any help!

I would imagine that would include looking and studing topo maps of the lake your going to be fishing. You cant tell alot by looking at a paper map. A good map will show the contour and depths of the lake. From there you can kinda have a starting point, once you get on the lake. Also...internet. Research the lake your going to be fishing via internet. Get up to date fishing reports and conditions about the lake. You should be doing that whenever you go out. I fish in saltwater, my main playground is Jamaica Bay in NY. I study my maps all the time, just to see if I missed something, or if there's a drop off or channel that or a hole where I think fish might hold. People rely to much on GPS...A good paper map will offer you alot of info before you even turn on that Lowrance or Hummibird.

When I plan a trip to a lake I have never fished before I invest in a marked map like the ones from Fishing Hot Spots (there are others) either on paper or electronic. Both have their advantages. With a paper map you can get a better overall look at a lake and the larger the lake the more this applies. I also have a FHS chip for my GPS that works in my handheld or combo unit. This lets me pick likely spots ahead of time and enter waypoints. This allows me to eliminate a lot of water. Remember that 85% of the fish inhabit 15% of the water.