The Little Things ... That make the difference

[cchobot]

This thread could also be titled "Attention to Detail"...

What are some of the "little things" that mean the difference between landing and losing fish...

I'll start... Don't be lazy. If you are planning on fishing regularly, a really great habit is to leave your gear ready to go at all times. While it's easy to throw your gear in a corner upon returning from a trip, taking the time to rig correctly when there is "no pressure" to be in or on the water ASAP will mean better knots and more time fishing. and as you can see bellow:

Better knots + More Time fishing =

The opposite is also true...

Lousy "Rushed" rigging + Less time to fish =

What other "little things" tips would you all recommend to someone starting out to help them on their way...

[snake slinger]

keep your hooks sharp.fresh line and leader

[Tunacell]

It's already been mentioned but its worth repeating, tying GOOD knots. I don't care if I have re-tie a knot three times, I'm going to do it until it looks perfect. Properly seated, decent sized tag end, etc. It gives me peace of mind when I hear my drag start to sing.

Also, the use of quality terminal tackle. Solid swivles, snaps, split rings, and at least 4X hooks. It makes absolutely no sense to spend $600 on a reel, $300 on a rod, and then decide to cheap out on the most important components.

[bart]

confidence and remaining calm

[Dave]

Proper drag setting and always stay focused.
Daydreaming and not paying attention will cause you to miss or react late when setting up on some fish. Likewise when fishing topwater don't react to soon and set up before you feel the fish solidly take your offering.

[yemslave]

Be knowledgeable - know the tide, water temp, moon phase, and what the wind is doing etc....

Most important dress for the water temp not the air temp - a good surf jacket, gloves and korkers among other things will make all the difference in the world

Peace-Andy

[snake slinger]

have a place in mind where your going to land the fish

[surfflyfish4stripers]

if you bring your fishing gear or fly gear,make sure after you clean everything put it in a place that you can take it ALL WITHOUT LEAVING ANYTHING BEHIND. i learned the hard way yesterday.
i went flyfishing,took all my flygear,waders water,snack and when i arrived 45 minutes away from my house, WWWAAAAAMMMM, I LEFT MY BOOTS.
The funniest thing was,i still wear the waders,but with my sneakers on,white running reebok sneakers, i was sitting in back of my truck and laugh with my friend until my abs were hurting,too funny. if you clean your boots,dry them and put them back with your fly gear.
i just wanted to share this silly story.i'm still laughing.

[RMarsh]

Test your knot regularly and especially after catching one or more fish.
I have pulled on my lure sometimes after a longer than usual battle with a fish
and it sometimes breaks off with very little pressure. This also saves you from losing a lure.