Seven hours on the water, and all we had to show for our efforts were four small pike and one 3-pound largemouth bass. It was tough fishing. We tried everything, even trolling Spoonplugs. When I called another fishing buddy who had been out on the same lake that day, he told me of catching numerous big fish by casting deep-running crankbaits off the tips of points. Well, I guess we tried everything.

Even the best of lakes on decent fishing days can make you look bad if you miss finding that presentation that the fish seem to want. But it sure is fun testing all the methods! And when you do discover what's working, it always makes you feel like the master.

Hopefully this year you won't be disappointed, and all the lakes and rivers you fish will be producing on just what you thought those fish would want. If not, just remember that the big one is just the next cast away.

Why don't you have some fun by trying out new waters this year? We even did the research to save you some gas money!

JANUARY
Little Rock Lake
There are some lakes that just fish better in the winter months when covered with a heavy coating of ice than in summertime when the water is open. Benton County's Little Rock Lake north of Sartell is one of those waters.

There's a good population of walleyes and black crappies in Little Rock that are hard to find in the summer due to the shallow, turbid, algae-laden water. But come winter, these fish head to the deeper water in the center of the main basin and are easier to find -- and catch.

Big Fish Lake
The weeds grow deep in Big Fish Lake in Stearns County, and there are a lot of pike. This is the perfect combination for catching a lot of fish. A popular weedbed is right in the center of the lake, where 8 feet drops off on both sides to deeper water. Check the rulebook for the special regulations on pike for this lake.

Blue Lake
The pike in Isanti County's Blue Lake tend to roam, but a good place to set some tip-ups is south of the narrows that lead into the smaller northern basin. Winter anglers have found that not only are the pike available in decent numbers, but there are some big ones in this lake. Don't let the lack of deep vegetation keep you from dropping a big sucker on any of those small humps. Big pike will be chasing small perch out there.

FEBRUARY
Lake Bemidji
A lot of anglers search out perch in February in Minnesota, and Lake Bemidji provides just the right environment for quality fishing.

Rubble bars and reefs throughout the lake spread out anglers who find the jumbo perch more than willing to hit a small minnow dangled under a 1/4-ounce jigging spoon.

Nokay Lake
Crappie anglers on Nokay Lake in Crow Wing County tend to migrate toward the deep water on the northeast side of the lake, but that's going to leave a lot of untouched fish in the southern section. Drill some holes in 20 to 25 feet of water off the southern tip of the island and use your sonar to locate a school of suspended fish that aren't used to seeing a bait, and you will catch some big crappies there.