So I have heard a lot of pros to study the maps of the lake before you fish the spot.  However, where can you find the maps of the lake that show the depth charts and more importantly, what should you look for? 

Thx!

 

navionics has a webapp that has a lot of lakes on it, might have whichever body of water you are looking for. Just search for navionics webapp and you'll find it.

 

 

Now what you should be looking for, well that's something someone else would be better at answering than me... but I'd there is a ton of things to look for. Spawning areas and winter hold outs can give clues on where the bass will be in the early and later portions of the year. Look for points, bluffs, ledges, humps, etc... any kind of structure that is different from the rest of the area could be a spot the bass relate to. Once you have identified some key locations to check out, look for cover on the structure and that might be a big ticket.

The navionics web app is a start. There are also a great many mas and books available with maps and local information. A local tackle shop would carry ones from your area.