Pretrip information can be very important. Since some lakes are pulled down starting in the fall, it’s good do know the lake level for both fishing and navigation. An other thing is to learn the water conditions. Water temperature will give a good guide for where you will find fish. Also, a rising or falling lake will change patterns. The last thing is to learn as much as possible about the bite. Is it a good or bad bite? What depth are the fish? Any particular area? -TH