How do you prepare to fish a lake you have never been to before?

ask the TFF! get yourself a good map and make a game plan and stick with it.. go to http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ and look at what kind of cover it offers (timber, grass, etc) and stick with your strengths

try to look at as many maps as you can, every map is different. If its just fun fishing, I wouldnt go to that extreme, but I have maps that some show offshore humps and some dont because they are small, but that might be the difference in a $1,000 or so.

I have a navionics lakes program on my iphone and you can zoom in great detail, I am sure this is the same maps that is on a gps plotter.

I then compare that to the fold out lake map I have of a lake.

This is coming from an angler that isnt deep into tournament fishing or anything but I do as much studying as possible even when fun fishing so I can utilize my time on the water as much as possible.

I add gas to the boat, charge the batteries, and find out the best place to put in.

i do my homework and then listen to the lake once i get there.

I agree with Toxarch,,,just get in and do it.

I try and get a map, and I look at google earth and the aerial photos on terraserver. Sometimes there's a difference between the two due to lake levels. I generally pick an area within 3 or 4 miles of where I want to put in. I look for areas with diversity in terms of flats, structure, etc. First time out I check alot of spots and fish a few. Second time I fish the better spots from the first trip.

With an open mind....

I drink a six pack or 2 more than I normally do

Map study.

I talk to a lot of people...try to weed thru the BS, then make a plan according to the time of year and lake conditions. When I'm on the lake, I make adjustments. I just try to have fun & that usually works pretty good.

maps, and ask here for help lol

A few years ago the traol i was fishing went to Richland Chambers. Bought a map and ended up calling a guide and asked about general patterns at that time. He was very helpful and gave us great advise. He didn;t give up spots, just told me what the fish were doing and what had been woking. We didn't cash a check, but had a respectable weigh in. Not bad for never having been there and 30 mile per hour winds. I would advise calling a guide and hoping he is as helpful as the one I called. Don't remember his name off hand, but will look it up and post it.

load the boat with beer and go fish. works every time.

Map study, and lots of it. I photo sections of the map, blow them up and then hand trace the contour lines on at least thre sets. It shows me what I over look and by doing this it helps me pinpoint the areas. I will pull the cordinates and put them in my GPS and build me a track working from the closest on out to the ones fartherest from where I will be launching.

I break the lake down into sections and try to learn as much as possible while on the water.