I've seen some newish fly guys with not too much savvy come and catch some biggish fish and then a guy who knows the ropes and blanks. So what do you need to be a great fisherman other than luck ?

Observation and dedication.
If you want to be the best and you want to be the rest oh oh dedication's what you need, well thats what roy castle used to sing anyway.JB

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http://www.fishleven.co.uk/
http://www.edenangling.co.uk/

The best fly fishers I know are the ones who help newcomers to the sport.
They have the time and patience to teach the beginner (and improver) to cast, observe and present a fly to the fish.

Brennan

It's a question that does intrigue me and I feel it's a bit like casting.

50% of people have no idea how to cast, 45% can get a line out but there are 5% who can really make a line fly in almost any conditions.

Same with actual fishing, 50% just chuck Lures out regardless of what's going on. 45% can alter their method and catch some fish but there is that mysterious 5% who can catch when all others are blanking or just getting a few, regardless of whether it's River or Stillwater.

They seem to have a sixth sense when it comes to what fish will take and where they are.

Then you get the complete odd balls like my eldest son. He doesn't fish much but always uses the same technique..Intermediate line and a steady retrieve with "any old thing" on the end. He consistantly catches more than anyone else and hasn't got a clue why.

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Roy

Sixth sense could also be construed as intuition. If you grow up fishing on rivers it is ingrained into your subconcious about where trout lie, what they are doing in relation to the seasons/weather and what is the most effective way of fishing in any given situation. You are making subconcious calculations and decisions from past experiences so you go beyond thinking about it and just go straight to the doing. JB

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http://www.fishleven.co.uk/
http://www.edenangling.co.uk/

It's fishing; and any Numpty, can catch fish, without any love or passion for the art of fly fishing! A true gentleman of the angle, would consider fly fishing as a full and total package! While the main aim is to catch a fish! There are other factors to take in to consideration; such as how you catch your fish? your attitude to fly fishing? and your approach to fly fishing! Also your concern for the environment and the conservation of the Flora & Fauna, the Fish, birds and other animals within the area! To-days angler needs to be a caring and considerate person; with a passion for fly fishing; and a real concern for the future of the environment! Remember the word : Fishing! Should imply trying! Not guaranteed success! - It's called fishing not catching; large or small fish - we pit our Witt's and try our best! Above all we should enjoy the time we spend out in the fresh air; and savour the natural beauty that surrounds us, you may even catch the odd fish or two! Relax and Enjoy it! That's what makes a true and good angler (fisherman) Not Big Fish.

Perfect answer.

The hunt for a trout in a difficult lie ......... taking a few trips, a few lost flies, a few ignored flies and eventual success; for me beats taking a few hungry trout in a pool on a lure any day.

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Carl

http://www.wandlepiscators.net/
http://teiseangling.co.uk/index.htm

TOMORROW THE TRENT COULD BE YOUR FISHERY! When are YOU going to JOIN THE ANGLING TRUST?

Sharp observation skills.

The ability to read and quickly adapt an angling approach and technique to your watery environment - on any given day.

An acute knowledge of the water ecology and insect life
on the waterways you are fishing.

The ability to think like a fish.

The ability to sight and stalk fish.

Humility when nature and an animal with the brain the size of a pea get the better of you.

To be progressive in your approach to angling and open to new
ideas - as we are all still learning.

To be able to tie all manor of flies to a high standard both imitative and attractor - for salt and fresh water.

To regularly catch and be successful when chasing all manner of fish species in both salt or fresh water in both Hemispheres.

A high level of fitness to paddle or backpack to remote angling locations.

Try and promote fly fishing as an inclusive pursuit instead of exclusive.

A bloke who can drop a fly into a six foot puddle of water, knowing full well there are no fish in it and do it for six hours. When he finaly walks away empty handed he can say without reservation he had a great time and hopes next time there is a hatch on. Oh and that 175th cast was a belter.

Believe me I am that man. A terrible catcher but a true fisher.

Couldn't agree more Brennan, someone who shares his knowledge of all things fly fishing with others is a delight, and one who respects his surroundings be it still or running water and passes this on to the youngsters is to be applauded. No matter what you know or what you may think you know there is always more to learn and he who says he knows it all is a fool