By John Seiffer

In my career I'm constantly reminded by my colleagues that we always need to be getting better. Even more so, if possible, we should be helping others "get better". So, after my most recent fishing trip, I'm trying to figure out...how can I get better? Clearly, I have been drinking the corporate kool-aid and I'm sure you're thinking "can't we just have fun when we're fishing"? And, I guess my question is wouldn't getting better make fishing more fun? So, how do I get better?

First, I realized that I need to practice more, especially with a spinning rod! Over the years I've had this mentality that all I've wanted to do is fly fish. And, sometimes fly fishing is impossible whether because of wind or because of where you are fishing; like the Everglades where on many occasions casting a fly is impossible because there is no room. So, why not cast a spinning rod into the super narrow creek and see what happens. For me, easier said than done and that is why I have to practice to get better, especially with a spinning rod!

Second, I realized that I have to try to fish faster. I'll try to explain. On many ocassions I'll wait too long to make a cast. Either because I'm not sure the fish I see is a fish or I'll wait for a better position and a better cast. I think that if I fished "faster" or more reactive, I'd be better.

Third, when it comes specifically to fly fishing, I take WAY too many false casts. The time it takes to get the fly from my hand to the fish is usually one back cast too long. For me, there is only one reason for the extra back cast, accuracy. But, more times than not, I would be just as accurate with one fewer back cast. I suppose too many back casts is mostly mental, but nothing a little practice woudn't fix.

So, how do we getter better? Practice! Practice! Practice! I'll steal the quote from ESPN's American Hunter, "shoot more and shoot more often". I'll fish more and fish more often.

Tight Lines.

Comments (2)

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I can't agree with you more, John. It's like anything in life...you've got to work at it. I try to practice my fly-casting when I can, but it's not often enough. By going out in the backyard to practice my casting on windy days rather than calm days, I've found that it helps me in tough fishing conditions.

MagicSFK , March 15, 2009

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Interesting article John. I agree with practicing, but I'm reminded of people who practice, practice, practice and never seem to be able to improve. Not just in fishing, but in other venues as well. I would like to add that I think along with practicing a person must try to asimilate more of what he is trying to accomplish within himself thereby evolving as an angler; ever changing, ever improving. Just a brief thought.

Scott McAnally , August 05, 2009

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