Ten habits of highly successful fishermen

1. The more you fish, the more fish you catch
This iron law of angling is expressed in many of the other habits as well. Who catches the most fish at camp? The ones who are always fishing!
2. If what you're doing doesn't succeed, try something else
Try different colours, different lures, different sizes, different depths, different live bait.
3. The more fish you release, the more fish you catch
This is true on many levels: practical - the fish are still out there to be caught again; philosophical - whatever you seek, give away; religious - you reap what you sow
4. Keep your boat shipshape
Keep all your lures in the tackle box and the lid closed. When you get a big fish on board, it is going to be mayhem. You don't want lures caught in the net, in your body, or both. Have the net tucked away neatly, ready to be used in an instant. Hook-removing tools and cameras should be easily accessible. Trash should be stowed so it doesn't blow out of the boat or rattle around and alert fish.
5. Cut off a foot of line every time you change locations.
Your line is continually getting nicks from fish, the boat, rocks and trees. Stop line breaks by getting in the habit of retying your lures and leaders many times a day. And while you are at it, test your drag.
6. Sharpen your hooks
If you are getting strikes and few hook-ups, your hooks are dull. The point should catch on your thumbnail.
7. Thin out and stock up
Take all the lures in your tackle box that haven't worked for years, put them in a jar and leave them at home. Use the space to add more colours and sizes of the lures that do work or for new lures.
8. Take your lunch
The time it takes to come back to camp and then go back out again could be used for fishing. See Habit #1.
9. Fish an area, not a spot
Spend a morning or afternoon by thoroughly fishing a bay rather than leap-frogging from spot to spot and wasting a lot of time boat-riding. See Habit #1.
10. Fish in the day, sleep at night
If you stay up late, you will also get started late the next morning. See Habit #1.

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