1. make sure i am rigged boat, bait, and tackle for any possible situation.
2. check the forums and make contact with real people who fish the lake i am going to. THis has proven to be most valuable.
3. Watch the weather and look at fishing reports that correspond with it.
Since you asked for the top three but put 4, so will I.
4. Be extra nice to my wife so that she will let me go again.
twister