GPS Scouting

During these winter months, many lakes have been drawn-down in anticipation of spring rains.
Many anglers will complain about this because some flood control reservoirs may be dropped 6 -12 feet.
While at this low water levels, lakes will expose the location of many prime fish holding structures that were underwater during the year. This could be ledges, creek channels, holes, humps, rock piles, stumps, trees or brush and even areas with gravel.
We have in the past went out, shot photos of areas and tried to mark on a lake map. Once the water level was up we would go out again and try to locate these features, but find we circled around awhile before finding the spot, if we found it at all.
Many times this was due to using an incorrect shore objects to line-up with.
We have viewed video tapes other anglers have captured during low water which appear to be somewhat effective only if they show some good landmarks to line up with to help locate them later.
Today, we use our GPS to better mark and locate these objects without wasting time looking for the features to line-up on. The GPS has made it easier to find these objects or spots again when they are under water.
Additional, you can record the latitude and longitude displayed on your GPS right on a lake map for saved reference. This can be beneficial if you record several spots for several different lakes. This log of sorts will help you as a quick review of what each spot is or type of object on which lake.
We have found good features to be isolated objects close to deep water and you may be amazed by the amount of fish holding structure that may be on dry ground during these low water conditions.
Landmarks can change, sometimes by weather, making it hard to find this spots once spring rains fill the lake again, but the GPS can take the guesswork out of finding these hidden spots and will direct you back to them.
For whatever reason a lake is dropped, don't miss this great opportunity to scout and find fish hideouts,
- just Do Not Forget your GPS. -
EVENTS: Don't forget to take in a Fishing Show during the next couple of months while waiting for Good fishing weather. Check our website www.larrysfishinghole.com for show schedules and you can see us at the Collinsville Fishing Show on Jan 3-4 in the Brass Bell Cottages booth and at the Peoria Fishing Show in the Beachwoods Resort Booth on Jan. 9-11. We will also be sharing a booth with Hoss's Hawg Bait at the Tinley Park Fishing Show, Feb. 6-7.
Come see us at any of these shows to purchase your copy of our 2004 Best Times Fishing Calendar with $150 worth of money saving coupons at a Reduced Price.
One other local show we may be at is the Midstate Fish & Feather Expo Jan 16-18 in Bloomington at the Evergreen Lake Guide Service booth.
Or go to our website www.larrysfishinghole.com for details on how to order your copy today so you can plan your fishing this year and start using your coupons to save on gear, supplies, guide trips and more.
PRODUCT REVIEW: Watch our website for New Product Test for 2004 of such items as:
-The Newly Designed Deep-C Underwater Fishing Camera, www.deep-cvideo.com
-Jimbo's Jigs an Illinois Hand-tied Hair Jig, see them at www.jimbosjigs.com
-American Premier Rods and more....

Till Next Time HAPPY NEW YEAR & GOOD FISHING