What Makes A Truly Good Fisherman

[Mmike]

What do you feel makes a truly good fisherman.....

What is it that inhibits others from being consistently successful. (notice I said consistent)

Is it a lack of quality tackle ?........Limited options as far as lures or presentations ?

Perhaps not having a complete understanding of the species and it's preferred habitat / forage ?

I have my own theory's based on my own practical experience, but I'd just love to hear what others
have to say about this......might possibly help lessen the learning curve for some

[reely]

experience and a good network of sharing info

[Gerry Zagorski]

Skill levels and equipment being equal, most of fishing success is based on conditions and location...It's about making smart choices as to where you are going to fish given conditions at a specific time. Wind, current, structure, temps and local knowledge all figure into an educated decision.

Conditions and location aside, having the right gear, knowing how to use it can improve you odds. However, if you are not in the right place at the right time it doesn't matter what your skill level is..

The choices you make as far as when and where you fish trumps everything.

I think if you were to talk to 100 captains most would tell you the most difficult decision they make every day is where to fish. You make a educated guess and if the fish are not there or the conditions are not what you expected, you adapt and move on.

[Fin Reaper]

Most of the truly great fishermen that I have seen exhibit the same 3 traits...
They are approximately 8 years old.
Have never fished or rarely fished
They use a rental rod

[CadiShackFishing]

Sometimes it just comes down to pure luck no matter how prepared you are.

[FISHGERE]

Gerry and caddyshack said it all. Maybe a shot and a few beers to take the edge off.

[Hunter 2]

Everything Gerry said and A log book.

Also fish with as many of the best captains out there and gain some knowledge every trip. Ask questions

[Walleyed]

I personally believe the primary thing that prevents "enthusiastic" fishermen (like me) from being truly good fishermen is time on the water. At best, I can get out in the salty stuff maybe twice a month from May through November, the other months, maybe 1 once a month.

Makes it difficult to build up the experience and skill set required to "make your luck" trying figure out the where and when to fish.

That being said, I do like to catch fish, but I'm ok with a boat ride and a cold adult beverage some days too.

[Joey Dah Fish]

I think it's all about how much you care about being a good fisherman. Once you truly dedicate yourself to it you will make it happen. You then surround yourself with other knowledgeable fisherman watch and learn. Ask questions to those willing to share. Pay attention and put your time in. Everyone that is good is passionate about it. Lastly you need to be lucky. The best advice I could give to someone is to target one species at a time, learn the presentation, the bite, the structure the live at a particular time of season and so forth. Don't bounce around to different types of fish every day you get out you will learn more and more. Don't be ridged be flexible and open to new ideas. Case in point for fluke up in Raritan bay I use Bucktails tipped with spearing and fluke belly works great. Go ocean bound out of Shark River or Manasquan I used the same and was pestered with dogs, sea robins and shorts. While others were catching keepers with gulp and bellies. So it's important to listen to the Capts and locals willing to share their knowledge. Good luck and tight lines. FYI I'm still an ok fisherman but I'm pretty lucky

[Gerry Zagorski]

One more thing to add besides location and that is intensity.

Me personally, I'm not very intense.... Most times I'm just happy to be out and that's enough for me. Sometimes it's just a few hours to get out and decompress while other times it's to take some newbies out to get them into our great sport.

However time and time again, it's usually the person with the most intensity who catches the fish. They get to the boat early, have all the different baits to cover all the bases, will stay out later, will move or change what they are doing to get fish and are always at the rail feeling for a strike or working the bait or lure.