The first thing I do when looking for a new spot is look to see if it's mentioned in the Projo-either this week's or last. If it is, then I know the spot is worthy, if not, then I go to one of the spots that is mentioned.
Then, I will register to a bunch of different fishing websites under different names and ask about the spot. Most of the time, people are really nice and will share a lot of info with you through the "PM". If I get enough good info here, especially about most productive tides, wind, notable structure ect., I then go to the bait shop nearest the spot I intend to fish. If I don't know the area well enough to know where the closest shop is, I ask when I'm online. Like I said, the internet people are really nice....
What I'll usually do is look around the shop, grab a nice lure and strike up conversation with the guy that works there. Since I can already describe some of the spots in generalities because of the prior recon, the guys tend to be a bit for generous with fine tuning all of the other info with some specific suggestions. Usually, talk will shift to whats working and I'll browse around under the pretext of picking up a couple extra "things". When the guy isn't looking, I put the stuff down and leave because they mark it up too much. I mean, if I can get it at Bass Pro and Cabela's for cheaper, why not? If I'm not confident with the info given, I repeat at a different shop.
Then I go. Most of the time I'll grab a coffee to stay alert and ditch the empty either on the way down or when I get there. Usually when I get there though because the tide will carry the cup somewhere else so I don't have to look at it. Same with the beef jerky wrappers.
Simple as that.
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