Help for the noobs

Lots of good info above, and I hear where you're coming from.  Just remember, the guys who consistently finish on top put in an insane amount of time on the water.  And when they aren't on the water, they're online, they're at the tackle shop, networking, keeping tabs on conditions/reports, and going back to their journals.  That knowledge comes at a big price, and I totally respect the guys who want to keep it to themselves.  That said, some fisheries are already 'exposed' and I'm more than happy to share anything I know about (Shasta spotted bass come to mind), but other 'secrets' will only be passed down to my boys, or around a campfire if there's enough Lagunitas IPA involved. 

As a noob, you have to pay your dues, do your homework, spend time on the water, and fish with top notch anglers.  Check the Hookups boards, if you see an invite for a species or body of water, or a technique you aren't familiar with, make that investment in yourself and get out there.

Tight lines,
beenfishin

From a Noob's Point of view,

I saw this and got excited and think it's a great idea.  Of course, this is from the recipient's point of view.   

While this is one of the most friendliest (is that a proper word?) and helpful group/club of fisherman I've been a member of yet, I think the idea of having a kinda set time or location for someone to show what they did that day, and was successful with, after an event (like near weigh-in time) would be great.  Not only to see what worked, but also as a kinda informal way for Noobs to introduce themselves as Noobs and meet some of the other, more experienced members.

While I have no doubt that private PMs work, it can be kinda tough as the new guy emailing strangers and asking for advice, especially when sometimes we may not know what to ask.  The videos and how-to links are great, but nothing works as well as seeing first hand.  I don't even think these need to be formal seminars, but a semi-formal time to introduce yourself and ask questions would be great.

I plan to attend events to scout-out what to do.  I plan to attend seminars, as I can.  I think getting started is probably the biggest challenge.  Walking around and introducing yourself at an event randomly can be kinda...awkward, at least the first time.


JonM

Best time is around the campfires at night when everyone has a couple of drinks in em.  I learn a lot from those sessions!  If you ever get a chance to sit around with Jonesz, do it.

time on the water and watching and talking to anyone who fishes and seeing folks land fish and why...time o.t.w has been the best increase in my  learning curve for me so far...time time and more time...mistakes where the fish breaks off my line right at the net or more often 3 feet from the yak are great lessons for me -floating in silence with a hook shank broke in half was a good one to learn..... subtle little things like watching as good fisherman are  playing the line out or dancing the bait or the depth they reel up for that twitch on the line after a drop...copying these were when I started to repeat with intention a catch from before and those are the things I watch others to see how they are putting fish on the hook...

yeah Pat ...what about it...you gonna show folks those honey holes and your technique   

The secret is ... go to bed late, sleep in, and never launch before 8am. If that doesn't work, then do the magical skunk-busting chant.
Here's how it works: Reach into your pocket and retrieve all of the silver-colored coins. Hold the coins in one hand above your head and spin around 3 times while chanting “Fishy fishy fishy, son of a bitchy!” Then throw the coins into the water. I was taught this magical skunk-busting chant by an 80-year-old Vietnamese fisherman, so you know it works. Although, it is a little more difficult on a kayak.

The secret is ... go to bed late, sleep in, and never launch before 8am. If that doesn't work, then do the magical skunk-busting chant.
Here's how it works: Reach into your pocket and retrieve all of the silver-colored coins. Hold the coins in one hand above your head and spin around 3 times while chanting “Fishy fishy fishy, son of a bitchy!” Then throw the coins into the water. I was taught this magical skunk-busting chant by an 80-year-old Vietnamese fisherman, so you know it works. Although, it is a little more difficult on a kayak.

LMAO!

Funny thing is you're not kidding. 

 

Sincerely,

Jim

please don't laugh at me when i try that next time i am in the water.

 

please don't laugh at me when i try that next time i am in the water.

Same here lol.

Well I hesitate to respond to this anymore. I don't want to appear to be trying to push the idea. It was suggested as voluntary and people will either adopt the idea or they won't. I will just reply to a few people and then let the idea sink or swim on its own merits.

Traildad...I had the same issues when I first got into kayak fishing.  When I first started, about the only thing I knew was largemouth bass fishing and bottom fishing for   rockfish/lings. 

Start off reading articles/write-ups/videos, not only on NCKA but anywhere you can find info.  Then practice those tactics you wish to get better at on the water.  Then after all this, if you still have some stuff that needs clarification, then post up on the boards and I am sure any of the experts here will be more than willing to set you in the right direction.  For the most part, the videos and write ups should help you get the basics down, then the rest is practice and time on the water.  Good luck.

All good ideas and things that I currently do or have done. My idea was suggesting something that could be done in addition to all those things you listed. A little feedback on the water from someone that has had success doing it seems to have special value.

I nominate sin coast to head this up! .......He can host a seminar on the famed ling leg lock  Seriously it all comes with practice (in my case it comes slowly most times) I have never gone out with a group or just another member that I didn't learn something. My method has and is get OTW with as many members as you can. Always fun and always learn lots

A very good way to learn. It might be elevated a notch if you can do exactly what you described with someone with the skills to win a tournament.

Everyone here will be willing to share their thoughts and knowledge about fishing, rockfishing is open for everyone and anyone can win those event who put enough efforts. lake and spots are probably different. I used to be a freshwater fisherman but found it more frustrating so I stop. last time I shared my favorite lake this is what happen.

This I understand, which is why I said "The hookup could be at the tournament location or any similar spot that was convientent. It could be open to the public, members only or restricted to tournament attendees." No secret spots need be revealed. It is more about technique.

Lots of good info above, and I hear where you're coming from.  Just remember, the guys who consistently finish on top put in an insane amount of time on the water.  And when they aren't on the water, they're online, they're at the tackle shop, networking, keeping tabs on conditions/reports, and going back to their journals.  That knowledge comes at a big price, and I totally respect the guys who want to keep it to themselves.  That said, some fisheries are already 'exposed' and I'm more than happy to share anything I know about (Shasta spotted bass come to mind), but other 'secrets' will only be passed down to my boys, or around a campfire if there's enough Lagunitas IPA involved. 

As a noob, you have to pay your dues, do your homework, spend time on the water, and fish with top notch anglers.  Check the Hookups boards, if you see an invite for a species or body of water, or a technique you aren't familiar with, make that investment in yourself and get out there.

Tight lines,
beenfishin

Again I agree. I'm just suggesting the idea that tournament winners hold a hookup like you suggested i look to attend. Totally voluntary, reveal only what you are comfortable revealing.

Best time is around the campfires at night when everyone has a couple of drinks in em.  I learn a lot from those sessions!  If you ever get a chance to sit around with Jonesz, do it.

Definitely not a bad idea. There just seems to be a benefit to doing it on the water. Plus in order to do it with the winner it would have to be at a campfire at a future event since everyone goes home Sunday after the tourney.

time on the water and watching and talking to anyone who fishes and seeing folks land fish and why...time o.t.w has been the best increase in my  learning curve for me so far...time time and more time...mistakes where the fish breaks off my line right at the net or more often 3 feet from the yak are great lessons for me -floating in silence with a hook shank broke in half was a good one to learn..... subtle little things like watching as good fisherman are  playing the line out or dancing the bait or the depth they reel up for that twitch on the line after a drop...copying these were when I started to repeat with intention a catch from before and those are the things I watch others to see how they are putting fish on the hook...

yeah Pat ...what about it...you gonna show folks those honey holes and your technique   

I don't want any confusion. I'm not suggesting winners should reveal honey holes.


I appreciate the input from everyone that responded. I also find it interesting to see those that remain silent. I am relatively new to fishing and this board, so far be it from me to suggest what is right. Balancing the idea of giving to the community with the natural tendencies to hold our "secrets" close to the vest is not a black and white thing. The community will embrace it or they won't. 

as your face becomes more familiar the top guys do help and give you tips. but I don't think they will help you if they do not see that you are putting your time on the water and trying.
We all are paying our dues and learning from trial and error.
like I mention before go to the CCK classes and learn, the same guys that are proven winners of tournaments and AOTY are the ones teaching them.
I know that Dan at Headwaters has put some classes too, take the time to participate in them, well worth your time and gas, I drove from Vallejo to Sac for those classes and I will do it again to pick up 1 or more ideas.

Actually I also watch some instructional U-tube. I also try some things that works in other areas of the country. Time on the water is hard for some. But get as much as you can seems to be the most common answer. besides knowing your area. The only thing harder than getting fishing spots from a fisherman. Is to get information on where the best huckleberry picking places are in North Idaho.

Those CCK seminars are very good for learning and you get to meet some great people to share info/tips. Nearly all are willing to help in anyway they can.

Is the west Delta your primary home water? What part of it are you fishing? Are you looking for bass tips?  What types of lures/presentations are you using now? Could salinity levels with the changing tides be affecting your success? What species are you targeting most?

I agree with most of the posts about simple time on the water being the best guide. Success does breed more success though and any tips along the way certainly help. You might want to focus on your preferred species of choice first. Don't get scattered and frustrated (easier said than done). I think it's better to be a specialist in one type of fish than someone who just fishes for what might come along and bite. And MOST IMPORTANT....make sure you are fishing quality water for what you want to catch.
If other people are killing it where you are currently fishing then pay attention and learn their techniques. If on the other hand, you are fishing an area that is a lonely, windswept outpost with no real fish attractions.....

I agree. Those are all things I already do. "Time spent on the water". Yes. How about time spent on the water with a little feedback from someone that is successful?  Even better! This suggestion was not supposed to be all about how I can get better. There is no way I could attend every event or hookup that followed. I expect there are many noobs now and many that will join over the years that could benefit. It was supposed to be an idea that would help the community. Only time will tell.