Topo Maps.
 

I decided to do something different this year with my paper maps. Normally, I have one that has all my "spots" on it where I like to fish.

This year however I took an unmarked Old Hickory map and marked it with seasonal preferences for largemouth. There are 4 colored dots on it from sharpies. Spring...Summer...Fall...Winter.

It was actually eye opening to see places that I did or didn't fish and wasted areas. Plus, you can see where they move and how a ton easier.

Anyone else ever tried this?

I plan on only fishing the areas for the season we are in on this map and not my spots map this year. See if it pays off.

That sounds like a brilliant idea. Could very well pay off for you. Who you think makes the best paper maps? Sometimes I feel like the maps don't show enough contour lines to adequately show the dropoffs, points, etc.

The ones I have are from Atlantic Mapping. there are better and worse available.

I think you can purchase paper navionics maps...but not sure. If so that would solve your contuor problem.

I hope so...

As with all great ideas it originated in the "office" post morning coffee. :D I have a Hunting and Fishing Library book on largemouth bass. In there it breaks down on a reservoir where bass will relate in each season. I pulled out the Old Hickory map marked it all up from the Dam to the Steam Plant creeks and everything inbetween with a different color for each season.

Looking at it I thought I was crazy to have just ruined a map. Then I heard a podcast with Mike Iaconelli talking about how he looks for spawning bass on a new water. He said first thing he does before getting there is buy a paper map, circle the winter holding areas, circle the spawning areas and draw lines between the two. Next he fishes likely stopping points inbetween eliminating water as he goes.

After I heard that I figured heck, I will keep the map and see how it fishes this year.

man, that is what you want to do. mike ike has a video that explains it too! good info, it will save you alot of time!

I put a star by all the spots you fish, so I can hit them twice... :D

We gotta get on the water again man been too long.