We miss a lot of the “experience” of fishing if we learn about only a limited number of techniques, or baits, or types of tackle, or whatever, and stick to them forever.

I suspect that many fishermen who cant fish as often as they would like, tend to stick to a limited number of go-to methods by default to maximize the “catching part” of the fishing experience. This is quite understandable. Another consideration that precludes some from experimenting, is that they only try new things when their go-to methods aren’t working – well, we all know that some days, nothing is going to work. So some might think that because they tried something once and it didn’t work, it wont ever work; yet often they have tried these new things under the worst circumstances. On the other hand, some people enjoy experimentation, trying new things, and relish the joy of success from something of their own invention. I bet most of us can remember the total elation we felt from catching a fish on the first fly that we tied by ourselves. It’s also pretty clear that having

To balance these two points of view, I make it a point to try at least ONE new thing every time I go fishing. I plan well in advance, and during the day of fishing commit to stopping whatever I have been doing and at least give this “new thing” a try. Sometimes this “new thing” even gets tried over several fishing trips to different locations/conditions, etc.

Next, hire a guide when possible. TThere is nothing like learning from the experts about specific techniques, locations, etc that work for a guy who is doing it every day for a living. Most are willing to readily share their knowledge with people who are truly interested in learning.

Finally, I like to read all I can; books, stories, tall tales, research studies, whatever. I guess the key is education and there is a lot of information already out there.

I firmly believe that the more we know about our sport, the more fun it is. The most important part is however, is to get out on the river and go fishing. There is nothing like good ole perseverance and experience to increase your fishing knowledge.

So next time you go fishing, try just one new thing on a day when a hot bite is on. See what happens.