How do you learn a new lake?

[preach4bass]

A friend of mine in KY and I were discussing this today. He has just moved to a new area and is going to focus on learning one lake (Laurel River Lake). He'll get to fish about one day a week. How should he go about learning how to fish it? What would you do if you were in his situation? :-/

BTW, I'm going to visit him in a few weeks and we're going to spend a couple of days on the lake, so I'm hoping he figures them out fast so he can put me on some bluegrass bass

[brian_82]

First thing to do is find out what forage there is. Second what cover there is. Third thing... you should be setting the hook on something.

[Catt]

First find a map of the lake, second find structure on said map, third find structure on the lake using electronics, forth find cover on said structure with electronics, fifth fish said cover on said structure.    

[RoLo]

First find a map of the lake, second find structure on said map, third find structure on the lake using electronics, forth find cover on said structure with electronics, fifth fish said cover on said structure.

Exactly

That's the "shortcut".

Roger

[eastkybass]

Map is a big thing but also tell him to talk to some of the local bait shops they are usually very helpful with that.  

[moloch16]

I would hire a guide to show me around a bit.

[brian_82]

I would hire a guide to show me around a bit.

Ask another man for help??

[RoLo]

I would hire a guide to show me around a bit.

Hmm, but would you still feel like they were 'your' fish?

To my mind, finding your own fish is the only "real challenge" of our sport, and also the most fascinating part.

If the day ever came when I had to forfeit the challenge of locating my own fish,

I'd feel pretty useless just cranking fish to the boat (but that's me).

Roger

[roadwarrior]

I would hire a guide to show me around a bit.

Me, too.

I fish with guides most of the time (my fishing partner is a guide). I'm on my way to Bull Shoals next week. I've been fishing with the same guide (Tim "Hot Dawg" Curtis) three or four times a year for the last seven or eight years now. Chances are I'll be fishing with Hot Dawg next year, too.

8-)

[preach4bass]

If he hired a guide, I'm guessing it would be a couple hundred bucks.  Hiring a guide one time, might put him on some bass for a while, but would it help in learning some consistent patterns for all conditions (time of year, weather, water clarity)?

I've never fished with a guide before, but if he liked the idea, would it be cheaper for two of us to go out together, or does that make a difference?

[roadwarrior]

Generally, guide prices are the same for one or two fisherman. If the guide will fish three men, they usually charge an additional $50. The cost will range from $200-$350 plus tip and may or may not include gas, lunch and baits. Soft drinks and water are usually provided.

With a competent, professional guide, you might learn more in one day on the water than you could doing anything else. For me, it's not about learning anything, I hire guides to put me on fish and suggest the right baits or lures to use at that time.

George Welcome's website lists a number of things you should talk with your prospective guide about before agreeing to hire him. All guides are NOT the same and it is your responsibility to determine if there is a good fit.

I rely EXCLUSIVELY on personal recommendations.