Comfort zone on a new lake

[airborne_angler]

Theres a lake about an hour away that I frquent. I go at least once a week and am very comfortable fishing there. However I may want to venture out and try some other lake that I havent fished before.

Before even going,I can already tell mentally that im gonna be lost . I get lost  just thinking about it.

Its a new lake and im going to be out of my comfort zone. Anyone else ever get these "jitters" when trying a new lake? Almost like a confidence bait. I have confidence ill catch fish at my home lake,not so much at this new one

[LA4024]

I understand completely the nerves of fishing a new lake, but I think that if you will try to imitate what you do on the lake your familiar with at the new lake it will be a good starting place.  I also like to  for those places that just scream BASS, i.e. weeds, brush, timber.

[roadwarrior]

Focus on structure and cover you are comfortable or familiar

with on your home lake! Bass are bass.

8-)

[Nebraska Bassin]

Focus on structure and cover you are comfortable or familiar

with on your home lake! Bass are bass.

8-)

X2

I actually enjoy fishing new lakes just because it's fun to find out where the bass are (or aren't, as the case may be  ). 

[Raul]

When you are in a new impoundment fish what you fish in your impoundment, what attracts fish in your lake attracts them in another lake, bass are creatures of habit no matter where they are.

In my neck of the woods most dams are covered by boulders if I go to a new lake and the dam is covered by boulders you can bet I 'll fish it because the boulder covered dam in my neck of the woods attracts fish and I fish them.

If you go with this mentality:

Before even going,I can already tell mentally that im gonna be lost . I get lost  just thinking about it.

Don 't go, you have already lost the battle.

[basser223]

I am always exited to go to a new lake to see the new types of cover explore the hole lake to me it is half of fishing

[Skunked in DR]

Be excited to fish new water.  Look at it as a challenge and a way to improve your fishing.

[Paul Roberts]

I'm excited to fish new water. But I may find that, as I refine a pattern, I may not have what I need. But, LOL, that happens on waters I know too bc a calendar is just not very accurate in terms of biological events.

I tend to, most practically, start by choosing the rods I'll need, then techniques, then terminal tackle, then lures, then colors/finishes, ...

What I do is take what I expect will fit the bill (and I like some info on that particular water ahead of time), and make the maiden voyage(s) exploratory. If I don't kill 'em -I've learned something. All my fishing trips are about adding to my knowledge base of individual waters and bass in general. I love doing this. If I'm in the mood to kill 'em, I choose the best water for the conditions I have in front of me. I had to do a lot of exploratory voyages to get to know the waters I have in my circuit.

So, go have fun exploring. Don't put pressure on yourself. Go have fun. Bass waters are just great places to spend time on.

[Catt]

Focus on structure and cover you are comfortable or familiar

with on your home lake! Bass are bass.

8-)

Exactly

Then add food source & lure selection 1 or 2 top water lures, a couple mid-divers, & a 4 or 5 bottom bumpers you're good to go.

[Glenn]

I love fishing new waters.  I check maps to be sure I know what areas to be cautious of (stump fields, shallow flats, anything "dangerous" to run through), and then simply focus on points.  I fish shallow to deep to find where the fish are active, and then focus on that depth/structure.

[K_Mac]

I also love fishing new water. The challenge of finding fish is a big part of what I like about fishing. Don't get me wrong, I like catching fish. Catching fish on a new lake is just very satisfying. Refining a pattern and locating  bigger fish is the icing on the cake. My back-up plan is to blame not knowing the lake for any lack of success. :

Getting all the information available before your trip will greatly improve your chances. Fishing reports, lake reports, etc., can help. Dept. of Natural Resources (or your equivalent) lake info regarding stocking, species present, size, and numbers can also be helpful. A good topo map is an extremely valuable tool. By doing your homework and having a plan before you get there, you can increase your confidence and your chances of a successful trip.

[backwater4]

I also love fishing new water. Like Glenn said, map work is critical at first to avoid hazards. Next, fish what's comfortable. Start out with baits your comfortable with also. New waters are fun, do some exploring and you'll be surprised how fast you learn new stuff.

[Bassin_Fin@tic]

Besides locating the fish one of the hardest parts of fishing new water is fishing cover,structure,water clarity,or even depths that your are not accustomed to normally.At times this may even mean using equipment setups or tackle that you normally don't as well. Think of it this way though,it is a learning experience and one you learn these things you can duplicate it on many new waters that meet similar conditions.

[trevor]

Focus on structure and cover you are comfortable or familiar

with on your home lake! Bass are bass.

8-)

X2

I actually enjoy fishing new lakes just because it's fun to find out where the bass are (or aren't, as the case may be ).

I'm pretty new to bass fishing, but also enjoy fishing new lakes (more ponds for me). Its a challenge to find the bass and what they want.