Congrats on the new boat!!
This is what I did, first thing I did was got a chart.
studied this even loaded the way points on my GPS that the chart provided. I think this is a great tool for a newbie to the lake, it even gives some good popular fishing spots. READ every post you can about the lake that relate to fishing. The fish move around a lot, you just have to take into consideration the condition that you have and make an "educated" guess. I have a few honey holes I can always catch a few, as do many of us on here, but those come with time on the lake.
If your just looking for a "one hit wonder" and don't plan to come much, Id recommend getting a guide. BUT for the July 4 weekend, im sure they are booked.
This time of year I would "suggest" for Specs drift over reefs on the south end of the lake, for Reds they should be along the shore lines, in the mornings and evening for feeding, one its heats up they will move to cooler waters. around the time frame your going the reds "might" start to school up
Get a chart, read post as well read other articles on the web about "big lake" or lake Calcasieu
HAVE FUN!!