Every time I turn around it seems like I see someone trying to provide me with the "next big thing" as far as fishing and catching fish is concerned. I find this perplexing, because after more than 20 years of fishing and catching fish I've realized that there isn't any "magic" product or device that's going to make you a better angler. As a matter of fact I've discovered that the things that truly make you a better angler don't cost anything. These things are free to anyone who wants them, and they constitute the fishing secret no one wants to talk about.

The first thing to disclose is that becoming a good fisherman and having success time after time when fishing comes from one thing…..practice. The more time that can be spent on the water, the better. And once you find a lake or river/stream that you like, there's no substitute for spending time on that water fishing. Why do you think it's so hard to go on a fishing trip and actually catch a lot of fish (without the help of a guide)? Because when you have you learn the nuances of the water your fishing in a couple of days, it's tough to be successful. This is why professional anglers spend so much time studying maps and such.

So practice is key to becoming a better angler, but it's still not 'the fishing secret no one wants to talk about.' That secret is the weather and moon. That's right, the weather and moon, and how they both relate to the behavior of fish. Learning what you need to know about the weather and moon is completely free of charge, and will have as big an impact on your fishing success as any lure or bait. Have you ever had one of those epic days fishing, where it seemed like no matter what you did, you caught fish? This was more than likely due to the fact that you were fishing at the perfect time, rather than your ability as an angler.

You see, understanding The Weather & Moon, and how these two natural factors relate to fishing is the fishing secret no one wants to talk about. Everyone seems to want to sell you some device or piece of gear that will help you catch fish, and almost all of that stuff is pure BS. If you want to catch more fish, simply practice your craft and make sure that you're fishing at the proper times. That's it. There's really no need to get crazy or spend a ton of money on this stuff. At the end of the day, never forget; it's just fishing for God's sake. We're not building rockets, we're just trying to catch some fish.