Compiled by Dave Hurley and edited by Roger George, a central San Joaquin Valley native and local fishing expert.

BEST BETS

Huntington trout still eating, Dick Nichols said. New Melones bass and rainbow bites pretty good, Melanie Lewis reported. McClure trout kicking out limits, Jason Mello said. Don Pedro rainbows hitting, Monte Smith reported.

ROGER'S REMARKSRoger’s remarks

I was talking to a few older experienced anglers who were discussing the topic of being a good listener, a lost art that we all agreed was in short supply in today’s me oriented world. We are all guilty of not paying attention to what another angler may be saying for a multitude of reasons, but these guys pointed out that most folks are more concerned about giving their opinions, rather than being quiet and learning from a more accomplished fishermen. As one friend who’s a good angler put it, you may be listening to what I say, but are you really hearing me?

Now I’m not saying that listening to everyone is what they’re advocating, but rather being careful to have some good questions for someone who has actually performed at a high level and making sure you understand what they mean when they answer your question. How many times have you seen someone corner a respected angler and all the guy can do is hardly wait for the good angler to finish answering his so-called question just so he can talk some more about all he knows. Yeah, the guy may be excited to have the chance to talk with an expert, but it’s not necessary to prove to him how great an angler he is, it’s already painfully evident from the conversation.

Knowing about something is very different than successfully implementing it, and many folks make the mistake of believing that knowledge is all that’s needed to succeed. Spanning the gap between the intellectual assent of how something works theoretically and the actual successful field application of a technique are worlds apart. Great anglers have bridged this chasm through hard work and intense study of their sport, just like in other any field of endeavor, and they know the difference.

Since accomplished anglers tend to be students of their trade and have usually paid a high price for their expertise and knowledge. They also have a great respect for what they have learned and treasure it. Sincerely approaching someone like this to find out all you can, usually tells them you are the kind of person who will also treasure the effort it’s taken to accumulate the gems of information you are asking them to share. Listening carefully is the hallmark of the right attitude great athletes exhibit.

I just heard about a phenomenon called the Normalcy Bias, and I understand it’s a theory that says most folks have a very hard time dealing with something they have never experienced before, or even considering it’s possibility, no matter how facts suggest otherwise. Folks will tend to deny anything that could possibly be so different. This is why I think we have a hard time listening as it can challenge our preconceived ideas of what we think our normal is. I admit it is hard to change things you’ve done all your fishing life. I’ve found that it’s certainly easier to just keep on doing the same things, even when the results suck!

If someone’s catching more and bigger fish than you are, or is an established bona fide accomplished fisherman, it might be a real game-changing experience to decide to ask for some help and then really listen to what the guy is telling you-and then go do it. Being humble helps. None of us knows it all!