Lake Maps

[Hookemdown.]

Hey guys, How can i get my hands on good detailed fishing maps without paying the hefty price of hotspots (think that's right) ect.

(know this is a tuffy because I myself have not answered it. And I have been trying to for many years now)

Thanks in advance.

[flechero]

Ok, I hope this doesn't come across as demeaning. If you have spent a few hours time in those years of looking for a cheaper alternative, isn't your time spent searching, worth the few extra dollars?

Most good topo maps are $5-$7 or so, hot spots are what? $20 ? The way I see it, if you spent even an hours time looking for a cheaper way, you have already paid a "hefty" price and you have no map.

Here's another option if you just don't have any money. (I do this to preview new lakes since I have to download the data for my LMS332 anyway) Go to Lowrance's website and download the free demo of one of the units like the LMS332C then go to the free "enhanced Lake Maps" and download the ones you want. You can run the demo on your computer the same as if you had the unit. If you want, you can print screen on any zoom levels and then you'll have a (non waterproof) paper map with the GPS info. Depending on where you live, there may or may not be many lakes listed near you.

[RoLo]

To answer your question, I don't know of any such charts.

If you know how to interpret structure and how to pinpoint trial sites,

your hydrographic charts are as valuable as your rod and reel.

When you consider the cost of your boat and motor and all your rods, reels,

lures, etcetera, the cost of the best hydrographic charts begins to look dirt cheap.

Roger

[Hookemdown.]

Thanks guys, guess i'm just a tight wad trying to save a few extra bucks.

[Gatorbassman]

Thanks guys, guess i'm just a tight wad trying to save a few extra bucks.

I'm right there with ya man. Don't give your money away but always remember you get what you pay for unless it's on clearance.

[flechero]

Thanks guys, guess i'm just a tight wad trying to save a few extra bucks.

Nothing wrong with being frugal or budget minded... but sometimes it costs more to shop around that much!  ....lol  

[mudcatwilly]

I know that at my local bait shop, I can get good detailed topo maps of the local lakes for about $7.  You can also get them online.  Here's a little story.  At my home lake, there's a guy who runs a marina.  Last year, some boy scouts dropped 1000 christmas trees into the lake.  I gave the guy at the marina $10 and he showed me on the map where they sunk those trees.  Killed 'em that day.  Get a good quality topo map of the lake you are fishing, but don't get suckered by dock talk (guys at the launch telling you where they are).  Instead, ask the guys at the counters in the marinas.  They see the guys come in to weigh the big fish and they know where those guys caught them.