Gents,

See map below......is this a safe route to be able to run to the North end of Conroe? I haven't been up that way in years and I think memory says this is a safe route.

There are no real channel markers up there correct?
On the southern portion of my red line.......how close do I need to be to the bank?

That's exactly right!

And when you take that straight shot across, lay the wood to the throttle and keep your boat as high out of the water you can.

As stated, that run is safe. There are no channel markers up there. Hopefully you can follow another boat when you get up North. As for the southern portion; I am usually 10' ??? from the shore. Your depth finder should indicate the deepest part of the route. You'll should see the difference in depth if you veer to the right running the route (shore).

If in doubt, slow down until you get an idea of the bottom structure.

That is how you do it when you don't know the boat lane up the middle.

Friends been up there crappie fishing for a bit now and him and another boat knocked off coupler of transducers this year but still catching.

Anyone know where any pads are coming up yet?

That!