Hi Guys how do you approach a new lake that you have not been on for water hazards?

If I haven't been on a lake before that I want to fish I would seek information from as many local anglers as possible or a fishing Guide that has experience on that particular body of water.

Check out the Navionics web app first. Some (but not all) hazards will be marked on it.

When you get to a new lake, be conservative about what you intend to do. Don't try and drive the whole lake. Use the Navionics website to review the free charts. Understand that words like "Flooded Timber" doesn't fully explain the risks involved. Go slow, give potential hazards a wide berth and stay vigilant.

Leave alcohol at home, go slow. Best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. Best way to learn a new lake is to pick an area and focus on learning that area. If you have access to locals, that will help. If it is a lake that you intend to fish heavily, it is worth paying a guide for a "Learn the lake tour", costs about the same as a guided fishing trip, but you are there to travel and not fish.

You could ask on here for potential spots, I've given gps cords several times for a south Texas lake.

Not really looking for spots. I just dont want to knock a hole in my boat lol

I meant for hazards nobody is going to give you their fishing spots.

Yeah be careful , ive been fishing lewisville for years and never knew there was a submerged bridge hanging out 1 ft under the waterline...lets just say my lower unit got to know it really well

Hey Buckshotbuddy, Me too for many years. Where might that Old bridge be?
Thanks,

Hackberry creek?

I see we have a mutual friend!

Hackberry creek

Fishbonz and Capt Craig responses, are the way I go...Usually, i will fish with a friend, forum buddy, guide for a few times before I take my boat on a lake...I check all the maps available to me...and go slow until i get a good idea of where I'm going...just because you can see the other bank, doesnt mean you can get to it!

There used to be buoys marking where the center portion was removed for safe passage by boats.

Thanks for the input guys. Me and the boy are gonna try out hubbard this weekend depending on weather.

First I would buy the best map I can find, (BPS has many), once I decide where I want to launch, I look for potential places to fish close by,
develope a plan of where I want to go, mark it on the map with a highlighter, and proceed with caution.
For me first time on a lake is going to be a very cautious trip.