It is all about respect. Listen and listen some more - HEAR what is being said and not told.
I get schooled each time I go out and I learn from every time I get skunked. Fishing certain times in a tide cycle is important - some spots are better at low than at high. Im my experiece, you don't know until you try the other end. Currently I haven't made the time to learn any one area THAT well (my family obligations will always come first over any of my hobbies).
I have never cared if I was top dog at anything I ever did in my life. I am not a failure if I don't come out on top. Does that make me a lesser man - NO. I am not going to get into a pissing contest with some one over anything unless I get they are dead wrong. I did graduate validictorian in my 8th grade class - does that count>!? LOL ( I felt 2-3 others were more worthy than myself, but I was a better all around student supposely).
Getting schooled each time out is a good thing - that means you are keeping good company IMHO. Eventually the student becomes better than the masters.
That is what I can hope to think that some day I could help some one learn about something I love. If you aren't getting schooled you should find better fishing buddies.
How can you get better if you don't get humbled - that is how I look at it.
I could never be a guide. If I didn't like some one for whatever reason I couldn't take then out and be nice to them. People expect a service and fishing isn't about catching. Some folks can't keep their mouths shut and will post the GPS co-ordinates online.
If some one wants to fill their freezer of meat they can go buy the fillets from a market.... LOL. Ok - I rarely have fish in my freezer anyway - it gets eaten shortly when it is available.
Toby - I sent you some pm's last week.
