|
Mapping your way to Success - By Rob Brewer |
|
| As Bass-Jon tournament anglers, some of us will have to fish lakes we have never fished before. With the right mindset, this can be less intimidating than it really is. We must remind ourselves that we had a “first time” at our favorite lake. Obviously something happened to make us go back again and again. Fishing new water is one of the best catalysts for angler improvement. New water puts your fish finding and catching abilities to the test. There’s a saying that goes “Even a blind hog finds an acorn every now and then”. We don’t want to be that hog. We want to find fish so we can catch fish. This involves eliminating the unproductive water. The fastest way to do this is with a map. Keep in mind that a map won’t show it all. However, it is the best starting place. Study the map well in advance of the tournament and identify all major structure and break-lines you can see. This will be your starting point. Of course you’ll still have to apply what you already know according to season, weather and such. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks, methods and other ideas regarding maps. It will still be up to you to put fish in the boat but these tips should help you bolster your confidence. First thing to do when you acquire a map is to make a “working copy” of it. The original is known as the “master”. The master can be paper, on floppy or on the Internet. The point is to always be able to produce a new copy when needed. When starting with your first working copy, take permanent marker (fine point) and trace the contour lines different colors. This will dramatically aide in pinpointing shelves, slopes and other rapid bottom changes (just look for the rainbows). Likewise, you can easily identify flats and humps too. Now laminate this map with contact paper or some other equivalent. This is now your new best friend on the lake (along with a pen). Anything you find pertinent should be penned on your working copy. Personally, I mark every fish I catch and any significant structure I discover not already on the map. Every year this “new info” goes onto the working copy prior to it’s lamination. Ultimately, you are compiling a visual database of fishing experience. When the bite is tough, or someone’s “camping out” on your favorite spot, you’ll have viable alternatives already available. One of the best methods to update a map is to go to the lake during an extremely low water period. Be certain to bring a working copy of your map and a camera and/or camcorder. There’s nothing like firsthand experience to see just what really lies beneath. I’ve taken pictures of cover in areas I never would have thought was there. What this translates to is areas with little or no fishing pressure. No secret methods here, just facts that will make you a better bass angler. Fishing is life. Rob Brewer |
