time on the water is important, but does no good if one is not observant, and learns from thier experiences on the water. Attention to detail, Awareness of ones surroundings, and learning to take advantage of the constantly changing conditions and situations that present themselves on a body of water is key. Preperation, and planning are also very important. most people dont even realize a shift in the wind while out on the water, that to me is a very important condition change,. are thier baitfish swimming around the structure you are fishing? what size are they./ did the crappie you put in the livewell an hour ago regurgitate any shad or minnows? Did you notice that cormorant standing on the bank still as a rock? whats he hunting for? are there bubbles coming out of that brushpile your fishing? Maybe its fairly new being its still bubbling and decomposing? was that tree there last time you came, or did it float there? wow, the water level in the lake is 6 feet low, wonder if theres any brushpiles sticking out of the water? wow we just came around this point, and this guy has five marker bouys set out, and he is scurrying to pick them all up? .. Remember .. the definition of insanity is continuing to do the same thing over and over , and expecting a different result. If what you are doing isnt working, or your results just will not improve.. do something different. If you cant catch more than 10 crappie in an outing, if you dont modify your technique or gameplan, chances are you never will catch more than 10. Fish with as many good fisherman as you can and you will get better if you pay attention.

I think what seperates me from the True gurus of the sport is time on the water and experience. I've got 2 years and 3 months of seriously concentrating on crappie. So I am one of the ones that do okay but aspire to be better.