i always look for a lake map and look for structure when i get there. i also use techniques i use on my local lakes

I normally first try to find anything similar to my home lake/river that I am comfortable fishing and try what normally works for me in that situation.

X2

Fish to your strengths

Right on! Try to find something you have confidence in such as cranking points or flippin matted grass. Start there and then go with your instincts. A good map and stop at a local tackle shop can't hurt but sometimes you need to take what they tell you with a grain of salt until you build a relationship. They might try to push some slow movers on you and say that's the hot bait.

Whenever I fish new water I focus on edges. By that I mean any area where two different types of structure and/or cover meet. And toss my confidence lure for that situation.