So, let's begin fishing ...

In working a lake to determine where the fish are, I like to begin by motor trolling. Trolling has many advantages. It allows a greater portion of the water to be covered. The water can be checked faster, and in many instances trolling will locate fish when casting won't.

Since most casting rods are no good for trolling, we will use a shorter, stiffer rod, rigged with a heavy, stiff line that is metered so that we know exactly how much line is out at all times. I am asked if Spoonplugging requires special equipment or if the fisherman can use what he has. If your equipment works, that's fine. Spoonplugging equipment was designed to give maximum feel and control. Equipment that does not have these characteristics won't work as well.

Let's assume that the lake we are about to fish is one we have never fished before. What should we do first? How do we start?

When fishing a new lake, there is one thing I try to find out before leaving the dock area. That is, where are the "hot spots"? When the fish are biting, where do fisherman catch fish? What this does is indicate there is a productive "Structure Situation" in the area.