Being a biologist....I have to say that there a way more ol' timers tales (that have little to no scientific proof) that do work, than not. Strange thing is that many "wifes tales" work all over the world, some are regional. And yes Wayne there are exceptions to EVERY rule...well except for gravity.
I had a farmer in NE TX tell me about cows laying down, fish dont bite and deer dont move. There is MUCH science to prove this theory based on Lunar cycles. But there are exceptions to this rule as well, see weather pattern now. Same farmer told me fish wont bite when its raining, the rain drops scare the fish....I think we all know this isnt true. I have seen soap outfish live bait for catfish in the Deltas of AR and MS, cant find any science to support why, but have witnessed it first hand.
To me, this is why fishing is such a great sport....You get to go out and test your own theories, and compare them to what the magazines tell you and what the ol' timers tell you. One thing I will always remember.... The ol' timers were fishing to provide food for their family, most of us just fish for enjoyment. Seems they learned a few tricks out of necessity, not just for fun. If more of us youngsters would just sit down and shut up....those ol' timers would teach us a thing or two. EXPERIENCE is the greatest teacher.