Marker Buoys part 2 Tip Of The Week

[Lee Borgersen]

Review: Marker Buoys part 1 http://mnoutdoorsman.com/forums/index.php?topic=24243.0


Marker buoys part 2 Tip of the week.

The first thing I would like to mention is the importance of having a structure map of the lake you plan to fish. Be it a hard copy or the newer type maps used with specific electronics. Before I venture out to a new body of water I like to study a lake map. Plan your spots in advance and have a game plan set up prior.
 
Look for structure: Sudden natural structural changes in the bottom of a lake. (not to be confused with cover)
 
Cover: weeds, logs, docks, trees, cribs, sunken boats, etc. (not to be confused with structure)
 
When searching for reefs for example you will have a general Idea of area because of your map. Keep an eye on your electronics at all times and watch for sudden changes on the bottom. When I find a reef I'll throw out a marker when I've hit the highest spot found. Then I'll run circles around that high spot widening the circle each time around. This will allow you to see where the reef ends by the fast drop-offs. At this point I'll drop markers at the drop-offs. Now you will have to visualize I've placed 4 markers like a cross with the original marker in the center (high spot).
 
So, now we have the center (highest spot) and the edges 4 corners (drops) of the reef figured out. Depending on the reef none are all the same shapes and will twist and turn or flair out in spots.
 
 
Markers can also play an important roll while trolling or drift fishing. Always have a marker close by for a quick toss. Throw one out when you hit a school of fish, weed patches or various types of under water cover. If it looks good mark it. Otherwise you may spend a lot of precious time trying to go back to find what you thought you saw but now can't find again. While drifting/trolling and you get a hit or fish, flip that marker otherwise you may not be able to pinpoint that same spot.
 
It works well for me and after a while you'll have some of the reef shapes memorized and mapped out in your head. In that case you will need to use less markers. Just remember that markers are a great reference point and can tell where you've fished and spots in the area you've not hit on yet. This is because you can also fish North, South, East & West of each marker and have a visual reference for confidence in your water straining approach.
 
Never overlook using marker buoys!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRiejA63LsU[/youtube]


**It is not how abundant nor how considerable our catch be, but rather to the sport, and manner in which our quarry, the noble fish is angled.

[JohnWester]

i use markers too... to make a point of reference with a point on shore or with another marker....   so  I know how far away to go to get to the real spot.  Funny when you show up to find people fishing around your marker when you know you need to be 50 yards away.

And boo to you if you steal someone else's marker.

[Outdoors Junkie]

My grandpa taught me that it is wise to use a marker buoys when I was little and fishing with him on URL.  Great tip!