Hat Lake

If you are looking at Hat Lake, you are looking at a Lincoln County lake with verified water details of about 4 acres and a maximum depth of 38 feet, which gives you a much better starting point than trying to read too much into a satellite view.

Size, depth, and the lay of the lake

The first trip does not need a giant tackle plan by checking what is happening around the best bank cover, any obvious weeds, and the deepest water I can reach because the easiest way to waste a day is to keep moving without learning anything.

The fishery on paper

Recorded species at Hat Lake include Largemouth Bass; so I would make room in the tackle box for weeds, wood, rock, or docks for bass, and avoid chasing a totally different kind of fishing without a reason.

My game plan

If I had a few hours to figure out Hat Lake, I would give the easy-to-read cover and depth changes a fair shot before trying anything fancy, then I would verify any special water rules before deciding what can go in the cooler.