I've always said that luck has very little to do with it, yes there is some luck involved, but that isn't what the topic was about, unless you believe that the guys that always can beach the biggin's (or just more fish) are just luckier people....No, see, they put in their time, they know what phase of the tide the fish are cruisin' through (feeding) and they know what they are feeding on and match it, they know how to get the most out of there plugs and present the plug so it's irresistable to the fish.They keep logs, from good outings AND BAD, because you will see patterns year to year.They keep their eyes and ears open and their mouths shut.It's alot more difficult if you are married, hopfully you have an understanding wife .I know several top rods who have trashed marriages and careers for time at waters edge.
But to answer, what does it take?, time fishing (a LOT), keep a journal and being able to adapt to changing conditions and don't be affraid to experiment with new techniques.
There's no doubt that guys that live on or close to the shore have it all over those of us who travel.But that doesn't mean they love it any more than we do...
Good topic Mike. :) johnny

It takes someone with more desire than I have to get wet, stay wet, get cold, stay cold, get tired, stay tired, fish nights on end searching old and new water sometimes without so much as a bump. Been there done that, I just don't have that drive to catch large I once had, sure if they come my way I'm one happy fisher; but it's not my driving force anymore. Not to say I'm not driven, because I suffer a different cold and work hours to bust through ice to work my boat to open water all winter long, but it's just not the same as standing waist deep with a cold wind driven rain pounding you in the face.

My hat goes off to those that still have that kind of energy or desire. For a once a week fisher, I probably have my rod bent more than most on this board, even guys fishing numerous nights a week, in fact I've had it bent over 400 times in the past 5 weekends; but I appreciate it's boat fishing and they don't count:). I think a lot of it has to do with my background and my freshwater routes, or more importantly that I thrive on catching with light tackle and smaller plastics.

Even so it takes time, aquired knowledge, willingness to learn and pay attention, experimentation at times, ability to listen to others but more importantly to the fish, attention to even the smallet details at times and as Clammer knows good maintenance on your top end equipment:).

How do I do it Easy.I'm gifted.An i use big hooks.:cool:

Dave Hammock late of Murats, once told me that "you gotta put your time in". I agree with Saltheart. Hundreds of hours with out sleep every year, year in and year out. Time on the beach, attention to detail, check every knot, sharpen hooks and listen. Most of all talk to a select few.