Learning to read lake maps

[BrianMRetter]

I've learned/am learning the incredible importance of structure when it comes to finding bass. I've learned some of the terms for various types of structure and am slowly starting to understand what I'm looking at on a lake map. However, I've searched and searched and can't seem to find any good articles that actually show pictures on a lake map of what all the different types of structure look like. To me, it seems like the easiest way to learn this would be by seeing it. A definition helps, but a definition along with pictures on a lake map would be much better. Anyone have any good information?

[papajoe222]

Check out ' How to read a topo map' on YouTube  There are a few that show the structure and what it looks like on a topo map. 

[96ecss]

I'm not sure if this is the type of info you're looking for, but this is a great video that goes over some different types of structure and what it looks like on a map.

 

[Nitrofreak]

As you learn about structure and there will be many valuable posts to this thread I feel, there is no better visual than a rig you choose to feel what's on the bottom, it transmits the continuation of what you see above the water level, while you are learning about structure I think it's important to note what you are able to see above the water line as well, the angle of the ground as it enters the water, the placement of assorted rock and the size, the ground itself, sandy, pebble, clay  and so on, clues to possiblly aid in finding key elements that will attract fish when you search and explore primary structure.

These will be clues that can offer valuable information in addition to what you will see on maps.

 

 

[scaleface]

They are easy to read . You have to learn what good structure is first . Start out by looking for extended points . Great structure and easy to identify .

["hamma"]

I believe that bill dance did a show on this subject and defined it as so:

structure is the variables and nuances from the deepest water in a body of water to the shore ,...ie: channels drops ledges humps points or any other irregularity which makes up the lake bottoms topography.

cover was defined as anything the fish can snuggle up to or hide in or under,...ie: weeds docks rocks trees and brushpiles etc.

 the key 'SPOTS' will be structure with cover on it ,...ie" a drop=off with rockpiles on the edge,... a weedbed with a channel running through it,.... a point with trees and stumps extending out to deep water.,  etc.

 

 I think thats what he was saying

[WRB]

What type of sonar are you using; Lowrance or Hummingbird?

There isn't any short cuts to comprehending what you see on a sonar return verses reading countour lines on a map. Maps are stationary structure elements, sonar shows what is between or within the transducer cone top to bottom, plus structure elements and any other matter that can return a signal.

I suggest looking into a DVD by Doc Sampson or equal tutorial.

Tom

[BrianMRetter]

Thanks for all the replies!

1 hour ago, WRB said:

What type of sonar are you using; Lowrance or Hummingbird?

I'm using a Humminbird Helix 5 with SI/DI/GPS

[WRB]

12 hours ago, BrianMRetter said:

Thanks for all the replies!

I'm using a Humminbird Helix 5 with SI/DI/GPS

Wayne P hangs out in the Electronics forum and can answer detailed ? about Humminbird units far better than I can.

Regarding topo map reading try to get 1' evelation maps if possible, Navionics offers excellent detailed didital maps for your unit.

The surrounding topography where you fish usually mirrors what is underwater in man made impoundments, always a good reference. You will find bass fishing terminology to vary regionally; grass and weeds are the same term for aquatic plants of all types and ledges, walls, cliffs, can be interchangeable and for example.

The basics; the farther apart the evelation lines are separated the more graduate the slope is, tighter together the depth is changing faster and if several lines come together that indicates a sharp drop or cliff equal to the number of lines. The shape of the topography is illustrated by the line patterns; a point is shown by the line turning outward then returning back to shore or underwater island / hump.

A good technique to reading a map to find bass is to first determine what depth the bass are in and very important. For example you see fish marked on your sonar at 8' in several places, that is the depth you are looking for. Now look at the map for areas where the 3 bottom lines are at 7' to 9' (8' feeding zone) showing a change in contour or point or sharpe depth change with a small flat area. We call this type of elements that tend to be a holding area and if bait is there the bass should be close. If the small flat has isolated brush, weeds/grass, rocks, stumps those are features that bass prefer.

Hope this gets you started.

Tom