Things Learned

[ThomCat]

It's better to be lucky than good!

[FishermanTim]

I learned that the wind CAN be your friend, particularly when fishing the canal during the summer. It can add distance to your cast and, Damn those skeeters!)

I also learned how to differentiate between a bump from the bottom and that of a fish when jigging the canal (much easier with braid).

But most importantly, I learned that fun of this nature should be shared / taught to someone that can appreciate it. My brother, who had limited fishing experiences as an adult, has learned to fully appreciate the experience. It doesn't matter if we get a "keeper" or not, but just to get out and fish. He now knows why I love fishing so much, and now describes me as "my brother, the fisherman". He will even go as far as to explain that I will (and do) fish ALL YEAR ROUND!

I have a sister that is catching on, as well as a few nephews and nieces too!

[Ed B]

Presentation of a lure at the right position, angle, speed, and depth; and feel for the current. Improvement in these areas will increase the success rate on every gamefish not just stripers and the only way to improve is the same as with everything else, practice, practice and practice. I don't think you can ever really master it, just hope to get better.

[redcrbbr]

not to tell everyone the secrets that I had to learn the hard way. I will share with a select few though.

[BassDawg]

excellent thread, CH!

sumthin' i taught myself 2 years ago during
the Fall Run at the corner rocks of 1stBeach.

it was about an hour into first light, and
i was into multiple schoolies on a classic Atom's blue/white.

so then i says to myself,
"self, switch to a storm bunker to reach the mid/bottom
of the water column, and two casts later,,,,,,,,,,,,BAMM!"

25#er in broad daylight and a huge, ahaa!

since then i've applied it to several UDL's to
know that water depth and tide position is HUGE
and that ALL spots are tide specific,,,,,among other conditions.

[bassackward]

I think putting in the time to know your spots is key. Weather, tide, moon, wind, and time of day all very your spots and knowing which conditions increase your chances takes understanding of these variables. Once you get a handle on these, you can better decide what rod/reel combo and lure or bait are appropriate for the location you pick. For instance, at inlets, high tides can pull a lot of weed and pickiing the right lure or bait is key to having a shot as well as knowing the current food source for the fish. It takes time to soak up all these things before you can target more successfully. I am still learning. If it were easy it wouldn't be as fun or challenging.

[NIB]

When I sit and think about this I can't seem to come up with any one thing that strikes me as the one that made anything click for me.For me it kinda came in small bits and pieces.I have a nephew who is 6 and is growing like you can't imagine.I went a stretch where I saw him often and I you take it for granted.After a while had passed I noticed him again and he doesn't even resemble the kid that he was at Christmas.
I have been fishing all my life cept for a short period when I found out why god made women.I learned the importance of wind as a kid.I learned fishing prior or during storms was more productive as a kid.Same with the art of hunting fish,fishing ambush spots like points or any cover or structure.
If there is any one thing, I would have to say it was my commitment to learn to fish moving water.I was a average striper fisherman.Catch some here and there.One year I decided I was going to learn the moving water and that was all I did.The aspect of fishing moving water opened up a entirely different style of fishing for me.I found it invigorating. I never left.
Moving water puts the fish where they are supposed to be.
One of my favorite bit's of advice I ever read is if you find the moving water you will find the fish..
If I could think of a second one.Years ago I decided I would never bring a gun to a knife fight.If I had to say one thing that has helped me to become a better angler was the sacrifice I made to fish gear that could get the job done.Staying with the same tackle for continuity reasons.I learned my gear better, learned it's limitations and landed fish that may have been question marks for me at a earlier time..Fishing is full of sob stories.I have no desire to take part in that aspect of it.

[Circlehook]

Originally Posted by BassDawg

so then i says to myself,
"self, switch to a storm bunker to reach the mid/bottom
of the water column, and two casts later,,,,,,,,,,,,BAMM!"

BD, are You Emeril? Your sure as hell sound like him. Put some essence on it.

[BassDawg]

Originally Posted by Circlehook

BD, are You Emeril? Your sure as hell sound like him. Put some essence on it.

sorry, m'man,,,,,,,,,,,
i'm not trying to rip him off, but

i DO tend to go over the top like that, and i have been doing so for as
long as i can remember!! Emeril is one of my favorite Chefs.

very down to earth and keepin' it lively and authentic.
i can definitely relate to his personna,,,,,,,,,ya think???

funny thing is, i am very quiet when i'm fishing or have one AWWWN!