Same patterns, Year after year.
Just look at the calander and you know what to do. Keep notes of past years. you dont need a log book , just a large wall calander. Works for me!

bent pole pattern , and/or a phone call from a buddy who is on them.

I've found myselt using my binoculars more and more. They are much cheaper than side-imaging and down scan electronics. Don't even need a GPS. Just fire up the boat, pull out the binoculars and then find who's catching fish, lol.. lol Just kidding of course.

Actually, I just try to use my experience on the various lakes and couple it with what I feel should be the predominant seasonal pattern, coinciding with whatever cover is available on that body of water. Then it's just a process of elimination, covering water with different baits till I figure something out. I'm always trying to spend a little time each trip and expand my knowledge on that water body. Using my ancient electronics to try and uncover hidden humps, ridges, pond dams, creek channels, etc. Then if all else fails, get the binoculars back out.

I only use the binoculars on calm days.Its too hard to focus when the waves are bouncing you around!

ignoring 90% of this forum helps.

fishing.

I should start bringing my cat with me. He can smell a can of tuna being opened 600 yards away

Seasonal patterning, using electronics, covering water, and most importantly by staying positive and having confidence in what your doing.

If I see a boat with 2 grasshopper legs that spot gets a waypoint.

I just stand out on my dock and yell--here fishy, fishy, fishy.

Works real well.

I spent this year figuring out who is winning on what lake and what boat they run. I am now in the process of driving past them every time I see them and pushing mark. Binos are a good.tool as well. Basically I plan to take pot licking to a whole new level.

a men brother!!!!!

Hire a guide!