What Makes A Truly Good Fisherman

[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.

[Watreiler]

Great post. Pretty awesome to read through responses. I agree with most responses, but one I would add is confidence.
I do mot consider myself a great fisherman, but I have buddies who are and one thing they all have is confidence.