Success on the walleye tournament trail hinges on finding the fish, and cutting-edge GPS mapping is an amazing ally in the quest for more ’eyes. But like anything else in the digital realm, your data is vulnerable to electronic glitches—not to mention the theft of your GPS unit.

After spending years collecting walleye-rich waypoints and other mapping treasures, Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit walleye pro Mike Knippenberg, of Hiram, Ohio, knows the value of guarding his GPS stash. Knippenberg—half of the reigning MWC Team of the Year—safeguards critical data by copying waypoints and trails onto an SD card, then transferring it to his laptop’s hard drive.

Though he’s yet to have a problem with his Lowrance GlobalMap 7600 and HDS10, Knippenberg sleeps better knowing the data is safe. “Plus, using a program like Navionics’ HotMaps Explorer, I can organize and manage it all, even ‘scout’ new lakes and mark areas worth checking, before I ever leave home,” he adds.

As for troubleshooting hiccups that do arise, most manufacturers offer tech tips in the owner’s manual and online. Often, simple things like a loose cable connection or outdated software are the culprit. Turning the unit off, then back on will also resolve more than a few headaches.

Another handy trick is executing a “soft reset,” which doesn’t delete stored data. In the case of a GlobalMap like Knippenberg’s, turn the unit off, press and hold the pages key; press and hold the power button; then release both buttons when the USA map appears. For more GPS tips and tricks, visit www.lowrance.com.