Five tips that help to catch more fish...what are yours?

Here's one that often works for me:

- If you know fish are there but they won't bite, dangle something smaller in their face.

I might add...

Support your local bait shop!
Many of the guys in the fishing chains, have no flippin clue about fishing.
The guys in the local bait shop are usually very knowledgeable.

You will pay more for your bait and lures, but you will walk out with the knowledge of where/when/how to use those baits and lures.

1.  Do your homework about the species you're targeting: what, where, and how. 
2.  Go fishing with people that know what they're doing.
3.  Watch the people that know what they're doing.
4.  Ask questions of people that know what they're doing.
5.  Do the same things as the people that know what they're doing. 

1.  Lure/Bait
2.  Hook
3.  Line/Weight/Pole
4.  Water
5.  Gettin' off my ass & on the water

What everyone else said...but would like to add regardless if its hunting or fishing I always google earth it. You can see reefs, channels ( especially tomales  ) places to park elevations etc...

I really don't care if I catch fish or not as long as I enjoy myself. And I catch more with artificial's than live bait. But there is a time for bait too.

A couple years ago when I was just starting to get serious about kayak fishing, it seemed like I'd see this guy almost every time I went out:

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/sports/20150723/allen-bushnell-fish-rap-weird-and-wonderful-weather-in-monterey-bay

And he usually would catch something impressive. So, I'd try to strike up a conversation to see if I could get some hints, but he never had much to say. Then one day, he really opened up and gave me advice that I'll never forget: He said, "Follow the bait."

Who needs 5 tips when you've got that one?

1, call racin rob
2, Call ATD
3, Carry 300lbs of gear and toss it all in the water to find out if fish are there at all.
3.5 (ocean addendum, Eat enough breakfast so you can LEGALLY chum the waters for fish)
4, Follow the leader to the fish (ie, tag along)
5, Build your Karma bank up and get out on the water a lot!

Switch from a rod and reel to a speargun.

 

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Switch from a rod and reel to a speargun.

 

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Yeah that has helped me a lot. 

Haggle who ever has the most often and productive fishing report so you can tag along

Lot of great info frome some of the best anglers I know, the best advice I can add, is to keep at it. I have learned over the years that you can't catch a fish without your hook in the water. Sounds like a joke, but many times I see anglers get discuraged from lack of production only to be out fished by a kid who kept at it. 
Persistence pays off.
;0)

Here's to hoping this thread goes on for 14+ pages instead of some other one    :smt013I

be on the fish as the sun comes up.

Study how to target the species you are after.
Prepare BEFORE you get to your location, leaders, specific gear, etc.
Ask those who know, most here will give up the info. Better in a PM and not     a public board. That is just courtesy.
Time, time, time, time , time. You won't be an expert overnight. You can learn a lot over night, but those that are consistent have taken the time to learn their target. AbKing(Loleta Eric), Clayman, ATD, Yakhopper and the giant River bass, and many others here.
Get your butt in the kayak and just keep at it. One day it will hit you in the head what really works, gear in front of fish is the best solution.

Now quit reading and get out there!