"Expert" anglers

[Norm M]

1 hour ago, DADAKOTA said:

Best thing about fishing is anyone can do it.  Folks can fish as often as they can or as little as they want.  They can become as good a fisherman as they choose to be whether on a lake, river, or stream.  So many folks out there who have all the equipment, know the various techniques, and have the physical tools of casting, working a bait, etc. equal to or better than the next guy.  What separates a true "stick" in my book is the ability to find fish and catch fish year round on any body of water.  Paying attention not only to patterns but patterns inside of patterns.  Putting the pieces of the puzzle together as quickly as possible.  Knowing the time of year, wind, weather, water temp, clarity, time of day, and a host of other things.  Anticipating changes in the wind, weather, time of day, etc. and how that will affect the fish.  Trusting your gut instincts.  Some are blessed with a certain sense that others are not blessed with.  They also are open to gaining knowledge from whatever sources they can and are not afraid to try something new or think outside the box.  Being able to recall similar situations from fishing trips past and combine them with experience and current conditions in the computer we call a brain to lead one to the fish is definitely a gift some have that others do not.       

 AMEN

[Flysmallie]

On 4/14/2017 at 9:34 PM, Al Agnew said:

Best fishing compliment I ever got was from my best fly fishing buddy and former guide in Montana, when he didn't know I could hear him say it.  He said, "Al may not be a great fly caster, but he's just a pure fish predator."  Kind of a back-handed compliment, since I thought my casting was okay.

As long as you are happy with your casting then it's perfect. Fish aren't handing out style points.