4 Illinois Hunting and Fishing Tips in Regards to Internet Scouting

4 Illinois Hunting and Fishing Tips in Regards to Internet Scouting

I got a phone call from my dad asking if I wanted to fish a bass tournament on Lake Shelbyville in May.  He could hardly get the words out of his  mouth before I answered yes.  Usually my dad and oldest brother go, but with some obligations, my brother couldn't make it and I'm the fill-in for the day.  I was on the phone with my brother, who's fished Lake Shelbyville numerous times, discussing strategy when he said -

"Remember these are not just some local fisherman.  The guys you're going against have those fish pattern and probably get on the lake 3-5 times a week.  They know where to go, what their hitting and you don't even know how dirty the water is especially with the rain we've had.

Great... What am I going to do to try and give me some edge.  We're not able to pre-fish, don' know anyone over there.

Internet Scouting it is... We've all done it.  I'm a better educated hunter and angler because of it.  You see, as with anything else, there's a right way and a wrong way to do something.

1. Yellow Brick Road
1. Internet Scouting is like the Yellow Brick Road. You never know where you're going or what you'll find and where you'll end up.  Looking up information can be tedious and can take hours, but its essential.  Check websites, forums, guides, organizations, baitshops, etc.
2. Remember Four W's and a H

1. You remember it from grade school.  Who, What, Where, Why and How.   Ask and answer these five questions for each category you are researching. 
3. Maps
1. By now we all know of satellite images.  Google, Bing, Yahoo, Flash Earth doesn't matter which one you use it only gives you a picture of what a lake or hunting spot used to look like.  It can be a big help to those that are just starting off on a new lake or new to the outdoors scene, but not an exact replica of what lake will look like that day. 
4. Social Whaaaatttt?  
1. Not everybody is on social media but for those who are don't forget to search facebook, twitter, and youtube for relevant information.  
2. Forums - don't go on a forum and start asking questions like wheres the best hunting spot or where are the fish biting.  As you probably won't get very far.  Instead... ask generic questions. 

There's nothing wrong with doing a little research. However, getting out and seeing what is actually happening out on the lake or near your blind is still the best way to learn.  If you're online and people are razzing you then you're asking the wrong questions, don't get discouraged.   People including myself spend countless hours searching, we're not going to give up our spots easily, especially online.  The hunting and fishing community is here to help, but the end of the day its about how serious you are.

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