Hardware v. Software

[*T*]

We constantly talk about the wide range of equipment used in our fishing adventures and what products are best, or not so good, but what else is it, outside of the hardware, that most often makes one fisherman consistently excel, in different conditions, on different waters, at different times of the year.

Is it knowledge, experience, drive, luck, awareness, magic, having a great mentor or some combination of these? As with other skills, are some folks just born fishermen? Certainly, some who never fish at a young age and get into the game later in life, can and do develop into premier fishermen.

What parts of the mental game of fishing can we further develop to improve our success and increase our enjoyment?

I was just wondering.............and that gets me into trouble too often.

Good fishing! Go fishing!

[fishinwrench]

Not feeling rushed and not having "other things" on your mind is huge for me.

If I'm dealing with any kind of real life issue at the time then I typically don't do as well out fishing. We all have LIVES, so I think guys that are capable of shutting out all other thoughts/concerns for the day are usually the best fishermen overall.

[Sore Thumbs]

I'm fairly new to fishing. I am pretty much self taught. It comes down to time on the water, studying the bodies of water your fishing,Forums like this one. I gather info off the water as much as possible. I think the Elite among the Elite have God given instinct. As far as LUCK goes. I was told by a wise person one time that luck stands for Labor Under Correct Knowledge. I don't have great Instincts so I have gain knowledge by time on the water.

[nomolites]

Not feeling rushed and not having "other things" on your mind is huge for me.

If I'm dealing with any kind of real life issue at the time then I typically don't do as well out fishing. We all have LIVES, so I think guys that are capable of shutting out all other thoughts/concerns for the day are usually the best fishermen overall.

I agree with this statement 1000% ^^^^

Add the ability to know when to change and when to grind. I am not much on grinding so I usually will change it up until I find something that works; at times this is the kiss of death statistically but I prefer it over getting ground down to a nubbin. I've had empty livewells either way....

Mike

[MOPanfisher]

Agree wrench. And though I may not do as well when stuff is on my mind, I might actually enjoy it more, or at least appreciate the time on the water more.