Best topo map?

[nhornback]

I've only ever seen one brand of topo lake map, and they're the waterproof ones you can pick up at walmart, basspro, etc.  Anyone know of other versions that might be of more detail, or are those the only option?

Thanks!

NH

[dtrs5kprs]

If you can find a set, the old Structure Graphics maps have a lot more detail. They are the "yellow" maps, with the lake below power pool colored yellow. Little harder to use, more sections, less contniuity, if that makes sense. Try eBay.

The hot spot maps tell you where you are, are generally up to date on access info, but lack the detail of the SG's.

A chip for a chart capable graph is probably the best off the shelf option. Even lower end graphs with mapping can generally run a Navionics chip with 1' contours of TR.

[arsenal1477]

Funny you say that dtrs5kprs. I have a set of those original maps from the Corps.

[dtrs5kprs]

34 minutes ago, arsenal1477 said:

Funny you say that dtrs5kprs. I have a set of those original maps from the Corps.

These are the SG maps, from an eBay listing. Not my listing. Mine are in the barge to stay. They are pre fishing hot spots (and therefore pre rapala ), but not as old as the blue Tom Mann maps.

[96 CHAMP]

try this out,  http://www.missourigeologystore.com/home.php 

for custom topo maps try this out http://www.mytopo.com/index.cfm

[arsenal1477]

14 hours ago, dtrs5kprs said:

These are the SG maps, from an eBay listing. Not my listing. Mine are in the barge to stay. They are pre fishing hot spots (and therefore pre rapala ), but not as old as the blue Tom Mann maps.

Yep, that's the one! I have another yellow one that is from the corps from when the lake was made. Ill try and dig that one out to take a picture of it.

Normally I use http://webapp.navionics.com/#@3&key=_kwwG_wfhA if I am messing with my phone or Ipad, but I always revert back to the oldies.

[Old plug]

I would find a fishing hotspots map useless. This day in age it is a wonder you do not run into a croud at each one of those spots. A map means only one thing to me ,it helps me find structure( if I ever was go to a strange lake) that I think might be a good spot. But they should not be depended on to answer the three basic questions where when amd how. You need all three pieces to put the puzzel together. 

[dtrs5kprs]

3 hours ago, Old plug said:

I would find a fishing hotspots map useless. This day in age it is a wonder you do not run into a croud at each one of those spots. A map means only one thing to me ,it helps me find structure( if I ever was go to a strange lake) that I think might be a good spot. But they should not be depended on to answer the three basic questions where when amd how. You need all three pieces to put the puzzel together. 

You're not at all wrong Plug. The actual fishing info is pretty general, although the marked areas are often pretty fair community holes. That particular brand is good for folks who don't know a given lake well. They get you started, and keep you from getting lost. 

[Old plug]

speeking of getting lost. i had a hydro graphic map of Eagle Lake Ontario when i and a friend spent a week up there. Well let me tell you on that bg old map  the many islands iin there sure look spread out abd abreee to run thru. Hmmmmmm first time we did it we took off and we were going to a spot we thought would be good a few miles away. Well we got about half way down there and I turned around in The boat and all I could see was trees and what looked like a solid bank line off in the distance. Scared me a bit.  It Was like we were sitting there in a round lake. Would  have been very easy to to wind up god knows where if you did not have enough confidence in the sun and your own sence of direction. 

[dtrs5kprs]

1 minute ago, Old plug said:

speeking of getting lost. i had a hydro graphic map of Eagle Lake Ontario when i and a friend spent a week up there. Well let me tell you on that bg old map  the many islands iin there sure look spread out abd abreee to run thru. Hmmmmmm first time we did it we took off and we were going to a spot we thought would be good a few miles away. Well we got about half way down there and I turned around in The boat and all I could see was trees and what looked like a solid bank line off in the distance. Scared me a bit.  It Was like we were sitting there in a round lake. Would  have been very easy to to wind up god knows where if you did not have enough confidence in the sun and your own sence of direction. 

Leech and Mille Lacs are like that. So is Okeechobee, in a way. Gives you a real sense of your place in the world.