It’s a common phrase among fishermen that there’s a whole lot more to fishing than catching a fish. For those who love to fish, it’s known as a way to relax and unwind, to immerse oneself in nature and leave the stresses of daily life behind. When standing knee-deep in a clear water stream or casting a reel from a forested riverbank, fishermen say life looks a little bit brighter. And the ongoing challenge of catching fish gives anglers a chance to improve their craft and strive for the feeling of satisfaction upon mastering the skill over time. Don’t forget to purchase your state fishing license online first.

Here are 9 tips to help you become a better fisherman.

1. Fish at the right times

You may like to sleep in until 10 a.m. or brave the waters only when the sun shines, but if you do you’re missing out on some of the best times to go fishing. If you haven’t been able to reel in a catch lately, consider the time of day and weather in which you’re fishing. Fish like bass, for example, are low-light predators and are more apt to chase a lure on gray days or when the sun is low at dawn or dusk. Trout bite the most when mosquitos and bugs are most active, usually in the warmer months. And if you’re fishing in the ocean pay attention to the tide, because fish are easier to catch during tidal shifts.

2. Become a student of fishing

The best fishermen read fishing magazines and regularly share stories with other fishermen. In other words, they eat, breathe and live fishing. Talking and reading about techniques that work in certain conditions will help you learn how to handle whatever situation you encounter at the end of your line, and finding out what works for other fishermen will give you new tips and tricks to try. If you’re able, find a mentor who can teach you the skills, ideas, techniques and patterns that work for them.

3. Fish where others aren’t willing to fish

If you’re willing to go the extra mile you’ll be rewarded for your efforts. Drive to a remote fishing spot, wade a little farther out into the river or keep active in the water so that you can identify where the fish are biting. These are all ways for you to get ahead of the other fishermen and catch more fish. In order to be a great fisherman you must be versatile and up for trying out new places. Don’t get stuck going to the same old fishing hole time and time again expecting different results.

4. Reel your catch in slowly

Once the fish finally start biting it’s natural to try to reel them in as quickly as possible. But successful fishermen know that fighting a fish too hard can allow the fish to break off the line. When you’re reeling in a fish, sudden jerks to the line are a big no-no, but don’t let the line go slack, either. Instead, keep a steady, taunt line all the way into the boat. If you’re fly fishing, pay attention to how fast you are wading, especially in calm waters. If you see small waves radiating out from your legs that are more than a foot and a half you are moving too quickly. Slow down so you don’t scare the fish away.

5. Practice, practice, practice

Take the hook off of your line and practice casting every day until it is second nature. There’s only one way to truly get better at fishing and that’s by practicing.  And you don’t need water to practice; you can cast your line in your backyard, at the local park or anywhere with some open space. As you practice, try first for accuracy and then, once you’ve mastered that, try for greater distance.

6. Think ahead

Before you cast out your first line of the day, think about what you’ll do when you hook the fish and how you plan to reel it in and land it. Successful fishing requires a well thought out plan so that you’re prepared and can think quickly when the fish tugs on that line.

7. Use colorful fly lines

Fishermen will tell you that the color of your fly line doesn’t matter one bit, but for fishermen trying to improve their game it can make a difference. Casting is all about accuracy and it’s much more difficult to accurately cast when you have a fly line that’s the same color as the water. A bright and colorful fly line will help you land your cast exactly where you want it to go, so ditch those clear fly lines.

8. Keep a journal

One tangible way to become a better fisherman is to track your progress. You may think you’ll remember your big catch forever, but after awhile the details can become a little fuzzy. When you keep a fishing journal you’ll be able to record what worked and what didn’t in real time, and can come back for the details later. Keep track of where you fished, the water temperature, weather conditions and the type of lure you used, and chances are you will be able to repeat your success later.

9. Have a positive attitude

At the end of the day fishing is all about having fun in nature. When you’re out on the water have a good attitude, keep your energy up and keep the faith that you’ll catch a fish.  A happy fisherman will not only have a better time, but he’ll keep the rest of his group relaxed and in good spirits, too.