Where To Start On A New Lake?

[mathnerdm]

I appologize in advance if this is a stupid question. But tomorrow I'm going to a new lake I've never been to and we're going to try some kayak fishing (something I've never done)... This really is just a general boating question I'd imagine and not just kayak related, but where the heck do you begin on a new lake? I'm used to bank fishing where I basically will fish where I can, but this is totally different. Personally, I'd imagine in general to stick to areas with cover like downed branches and whatnot. Or should I just go to the middle and start casting? Also, when unfamiliar with a lake, would something like a spinnerbait or a shallow crankbait work well for covering a lot of water opposed to say a soft plastic? Thanks and any other tips I know yall could give to a newbie like myself would be greatly appreciated!

[slonezp]

I would start with the obvious. Without electronics or even a map, paddling to the middle and casting blindly would be my last option

[mathnerdm]

I would start with the obvious. Without electronics or even a map, paddling to the middle and casting blindly would be my last option

So what exactly is the obvious? Just casting into structures and foliage?

[flyfisher]

Fish the same way you would from the bank just cast towards the bank instead of out from it.  Also, get a little used to the kaya kbefore yo ustart fishing real hard.

[mathnerdm]

Fish the same way you would from the bank just cast towards the bank instead of out from it. Also, get a little used to the kaya kbefore yo ustart fishing real hard.

Sorry I shoulda specified this isn't my first time kayaking, just fishing from one. I used to be big onto canoeing and kayaking but that was before I got more into fishing. Also, I know there's a wooden dock and I've heard casting around and into the shadows of those can be a great way to get some, is that correct?

[Robdog]

Two rods in your yak? If so a spinnerbait and a worm(texas rigged, since c-rigs suck from the confines of a yak) use the spinnerbait to find any aggressive fish, and the worm, along with looking at the above water topography to learn what's under the waters surface (points, drops, ditches, brushpiles, rocks, etc..). A carolina rig is better to me for feeling out a lake but the texas rig will do. I'm guessing you will be going back so use this trip as an opportunity to get comfortable with your boat, figure out what mods need to be done, and learn a little bout the lake. There was a time not that long ago, electronics were rarely seen in boats...yet people still caught fish. Good luck in your new boat!

[roadwarrior]

So what exactly is the obvious?

 

Points, creeks, rip-rap, steep banks & cliffs, dead trees, grass, lilly pads, islands and ridges.

[5fishlimit]

Here's a link good video from Boyd Duckett.

[Deleted account]

How big is this lake?

[KyakR]

Terrific video! What I do first is look at a topo map or a depth map for the lake. If there isn't one I look at it on Google Earth....sometimes you can actually make out deltas where tributaries flow into it. And I try to read all I can about it online. In a kayak, even a motorized one like mine, you can't go long distances fast, so this prep is especially important to instill confidence. Then it's in general time of year, species of fish present, fishing pressure. I love after labor day up here in Maine! Of course, kayak fishing does have some disadvantages (fewer poles, can't stand, being pushed off a spot more easily by wind and current). But for me the sneaky factor outweighs the rest. One thing you can do is head right into the pads and get back where no boat can go or cast to. The pads will hold you against wind and current and if you find a pocket you can just sit there and be happy.

[deaknh03]

If your not into researching, and your just gonna drop your kayak in the water and go, follow roadwarriors advice. Look for shoreline hints as to what's in the water. Points, rocks and other shore structure extend into the water, and that's where you are gonna want to start. 

[Lil'Gunner]

Lake maps.. I look for situations that regularly produce for me no matter what lake I'm on.. I'm big on points and humps, and brush banks. Google Earth is awesome if no maps are available or your lead time is short. Zoom in at several levels; look for color differences that indicate points, humps, shallow flats, deep drops, etc. These are for-real. Use the measurement tool in GE to scope how far off they are from landmarks, and know that 50 feet is about equal to a basic "medium" cast. I'm a habitual count-down person, use a lot of TX rigs and jigs, so I always know what the contours are (at least relatively) even without a depth finder. A one-foot-per-second drop is a fair assumption for most rigs in the 1/4 to 1/2 oz range.

 

I also feel like good shallow structure always has bass in it. Key variables are fishing pressure, and effective presentation. This is where kayaks, float tubes, etc rule - stealthy presentations into tight corners, pockets, holes and what-not in shallow structure. This allows you to beat both variables many times. If you can get back thru the goop where few people go and drop a worm on top of a bass' head, he/she will hit it more often than not.

 

Lastly, I always think of new lakes as long-term investments. I go number one to learn them, and number two to actually catch something. Focus on learning first, and that will pay forever.

[Bankbeater]

First thing that I do is do an online search of the lake to see what people have been saying about it.

[K_Mac]

RW gives a good start if you do not have any other info other than how to get there. A little bit of research to find a topo map and available lake info will increase the odds of having a successful trip. Good luck.  

 

EDIT: It looks like the trip has already happened. How'd you do?

[J Francho]

I ALWAYS start with a map study.  I look for the launch, and try to break the lake up into zones.  Then I consider wind, current, bait, seasonal patterns, and sometimes online fishing reports or tournament results.  I try to relate this info with the structure presented by the contour map. Once I'm on the water, I try to look at the cover present in spots I earmarked to fish.  From there, it's really just a matter of catching. The more you catch, the more information you unlock....moving baits vs. contact baits, depth, cover, water temp, all these details will lead to a pattern, hopefully. 

[WRB]

I appologize in advance if this is a stupid question. But tomorrow I'm going to a new lake I've never been to and we're going to try some kayak fishing (something I've never done)... This really is just a general boating question I'd imagine and not just kayak related, but where the heck do you begin on a new lake? I'm used to bank fishing where I basically will fish where I can, but this is totally different. Personally, I'd imagine in general to stick to areas with cover like downed branches and whatnot. Or should I just go to the middle and start casting? Also, when unfamiliar with a lake, would something like a spinnerbait or a shallow crankbait work well for covering a lot of water opposed to say a soft plastic? Thanks and any other tips I know yall could give to a newbie like myself would be greatly appreciated!

Newbie like myself is the key ?, not how to catch bass from a boat (kayak).

You have been given lots of good advice IF you were a skilled angler and you are not!

What type of tackle are you skilled with or plan to fish with?

Where you fish with a self power boat like a kayak is limited, what type of lake are you fishing; small natural lake or reservior?

Tom