You have received some excellent advice. Why not go for it rather than dream about it? As you look back on a trip it may end up becoming a highlight even if you get there and the fishing was lousy and the skeets a bit tough.

I am no expert with map or compass or GPS but have spent a fair amount of time off trail and might be able to offer some practical tips.

I would avoid bodies of water that are very small. I would also avoid bodies of water that have swamp around the entire lake. These are apt to be shallow and possibly winter killed. If there is a natural feature such as a creek you can follow all the better especially if you are not skilled with map and compass or GPS.

Once you have selected your destination I would advise that you get your start early in the morning. This gives you the entire day to size up your options. My preference on bushwacks under a mile is to walk the route first with a light pack. This light pack should have your raingear, fire starting abilities, and a pile of cliff bars as well as ample water. There is always the potential to get lost. Always prepare.

If you are going up a creek it is seldom you can walk right up the creek. It is magical when you can but that is not usual. There is, however, often a transition zone between the creek and the forest where you can pick your way through. Keep the creek in sight and "ease" or "glide" your way through. Pause frequently, slow your pace, stop, look and listen. To many inexperienced people actually increase their rate of travel off trail........this is a no-no. You "pick" your way through. Pause, size up your next 10 yards, remember you will have to walk it eventually with the boat.

Back to the creek.......if you do follow a creek and walk it be on the lookout for beaver work. They often dig channels that can be hid by tall grass. Add a few cuttings around and a fall could be bad news indeed. Another reason to go slowly. You never want to fall, ever.

If there is no creek all is not lost. You can flag a route and do simple compass work as well. You must remove the flagging tape after your done but nothing is quite as comforting as looking behind at the bright orange wand. Speaking of looking behind get into the habit of doing just that.......things look entirely different on the return and that can throw you if your not careful.

So you have arrived.......it is very satisfying to arrive. Check it out. See any fish in the water? How about the shorelines? Any potential for campsites? Be careful in your excitement not to wander away from the point you first hit the lake!!! Better yet flag it........now you can clamber about the shoreline and get a better feel for the place without losing your place. OK.......a whole flotilla of baby smallmouths come up to you looking to get fed (that actually happened).......lets go for it.

Going back will feel faster. Your gaining confidence in the route. But wait......now it is time to improve your travel, especially for the boat. Take mental notes of tough spots, cut a limb or two if you have to. Good thing you started early.......

Off trail travel can actually be very fun. But you must be safe. That means knowing where your at ALL the time. And knowing where your stuff is at all the time. To wade blindly ahead at breakneck speed is foolish. Take your time, go slow, pause often, look around.......its an adventure. Take it in. You have heard the saying "the joy is in the journey".......this is especially true in off trail travel. So be less focused on arriving and more focused on your traveling style. Relax, slow your breathing, listen to the sound of the wind in the trees.......what's the rush?

One last tip......I like a very light pair of sunglasses (as opposed to dark shades) and have even thought of safety glasses for off trail travel. The reasoning is two fold.........of course they provide some eye protection, especially when the boat grabs a branch and then it releases it can give you a bit of a smack.......but also to discourage the little gnats which seem very attracted to your eyes. If they are around they can be an irritant as they end up in your eyes and can actually ruin what would of otherwise been a quality experience.

Good luck........with all the time spent on these replies we are expecting some return ;)..........let us know how your trip went OK.