Hunters scout their hunting spots quite frequently but it's not often I hear of anglers scouting a fishing spot. Scouting new fishing holes is something I've been doing more of lately. If I hear of a possibly good fishing spot while frequenting the local bait shop or even while fishing one of my regular spots I usually follow up by scouting the location.
Many times I will check with locals in that area first to find out the exact location and then I will check out satellite maps and gps coordinates before scouting it in person.
A few weeks ago I scouted a section of a local creek that is stocked with trout and musky. Now I have a plan for that creek in mind when I get a chance to fish it.
Today I scouted two holes on another section of creek for parking and bank and wading access.
I've also been looking at satellite maps of another creek for a white bass spawn.
I feel that simple things like scouting the location ahead of time make for a better fishing experience. Also getting permission from landowners ahead of time can make things go much smoother when you do get a chance to get out fishing. Doing your homework ahead of time means more time spent on the water fishing, so get out and scout those spots.
