On the bright sunny days in the closed season I like to explore the smaller waters I'm planning on fishing when the season re-opens. Using a pair of polarized sunglasses and a sketchbook I can search for suitable swims and even spot the fish I'm targeting.
The great thing about searching the water in this fashion is it's much quicker than when you're carrying fishing gear as the fishing doesn't distract you. The downside is that features change and fish move - but you can build up a valuable picture of where you are fishing.
Or am I just torturing myself looking at fish I can't catch?