9       
           
   Notes:
  ----------
  Plan your trip with the "Fish Expert" - get latest version
  Check weather conditions as trip approaches to make sure you have 
    a good plan and the right equipment 
  Put fishing trips for year on work vacation schedule
  Reserve lodge early
  Get fishing license early with appropiate stamps
  Go to spring fishing, deer shows
   
  Check equipment before going on trip 
  Ask locals (sportshops, retirees, etc.) to confirm your fishing plan 
      and locations.
  Check all equipment ahead of time for proper working condition - 
  Review fish cleaning procedure
  Make map of locations for different wind directions and approaches  

  **Bottom line on fish locator shows up fuzzy for soft bottom (muck); bottom
    line on locator shows up sharper on a hard bottom (rock, gravel).
    
  You can determine if lake has "turned over" in fall by taking water
    temperature readings; a turned over lake has more constant temperatures
    at all depths.  A lake not yet turned over has more variable water
    temperatures from top to bottom and "thermocline" still is intact.
    You fish an early fall lake which has not turned over usually by
    using summer techniques.  
    
  Thermocline is cooler layer of water formed in summer under warmer surface
    layer which exhibits large drop in water temperature yet still has 
    sufficient oxygen for fish to use.  Summer heat may push fish into this
    thermocline. 
    
  In fall surface temperature cools, and water sinks to bottom causing
    the "fall turnover".  Thus water temperature becomes more standard at
    all depths.
       
  For musky make sure you use a wire leader.     
  
  Try different colors until one works, then stick with it.
  
  Walleyes school so once you catch one, catch more in the same spot.
  Use jigs with a light "wire" hook for better hooking success especially
  with light tackle.
  
  Walleyes like deep water, current, and gravel.
    
  With monofilament line wet or lubricate line before tying knots; dry
  monofilament breaks easily when stretched.
  
  For Ice fishing:
    Mark depths so when you catch fish you can get to same depth again;
    use twist ties to mark depth on line.