As a co-angler I do a ton of observation on the bodies of water that we fish. I just began helping out a boater who is new to tournaments and these bodies of water. All of my suggestions were already covered but I will second them ...
1 - Don't over complicate the situation. If you have been fishing for a while then you will know what is "fishy". Test them our and let experience be your guide.
2 - Get a map. On a large body of water this is important. Get your bearings and use it as a reference around the lake. I buy those fishing maps. When we were lost this weekend this came in handy to find our way back to the launch.
** Another note on those fishing maps. You can certainly try those spots but there were a TON of spots not marked that we tested in preparation for a tournament that held very nice bass. Don't live by those maps. Just use them as you see fit and trust in #1
3 - Learn your vessel. Fishing is one thing. Fishing while controlling the trolling motor, the depth you are fishing, the boat position in wind, current etc. is a whole other ballgame! At first keep it extremely simple with the fishing and master your boat. Once you have that handy the fishing will take care of itself.
Boy I wish I were in your shoes ... I see co-angling in my future for quite some time before I end up in a boat.