Let’s say you hope to become a better fly fisher. You want to improve your skills, and catch more trout, and have more fun.

And let’s say you have a chance to ask some of the world’s most acclaimed fly fishers one question. Just one. What would it be? Would you ask them where you should fish, or what fly to use, or which rod to buy? Would you ask about knots, or fly lines, or techniques, or how to improve your casting? Or would Winston Churchill’s admonition that “only wise men learn from their mistakes” echo through your subconscious as you tried to frame your question?

I’m pretty sure I fall into that final category, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that I reached out to the School of Trout’s instructors and asked them which angling mistakes are the most important to avoid. Their responses follow.

Bob White, member of the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, artist, author, and former recipient of Fly Rod & Reel magazine’s “Guide of the Year” honors:

Here are a few important mistakes to avoid when trout fishing …

Rushing into the water. The most important time on the water is often spent watching, not fishing. It’s a common mistake; we arrive at our destination excited to fish … and more likely than not when we rush into the river at our favorite spot, we’re spooking fish that we may not even see… and these spooked fish telegraph their nervousness to others. Early in the morning, before the sun is high, you’ll often find big fig fish cruising the shallows. When you arrive at the river, take your time and carefully examine the entire scene, particularly the water at your feet and close to shore.

Making long casts to those juicy “prime" spots and spooking everything in-between you and your best effort. I find it interesting that when we fish from a boat, we cast to the shore … but when we’re on shore, we feel compelled to cast as far out into the water as possible. When prospecting, start close and work your way out. Then, relocate and repeat.

Tirelessly casting over the same fish. In my experience, the first drift over a rising fish is the most important one. Even if it isn’t perfect, play it; I’ve caught some of my best fish on my first (imperfect) cast. In my experience, a quickly repeated second cast has half the chance of success … and next one, half of that. If you’re lucky enough to have eyes on a rising fish, it pays to take a few moments to check your leader and tippet, and to identify what the fish is feeding on, and where it’s feeding; is it taking dries off the surface, or emergers in the surface? Change your fly to match the targeted insect, and sharpen the hook if it needs it.

Craig Mathews, internationally-acclaimed angler, author, fly designer, and founder of Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone, Montana:

Lack of patience. When arriving on a stream, sit on the bank and observe for a minute or two rather than jumping in the water and beginning to cover it. Usually you can determine what the fish might be feeding on by watching the water for insect activity, or by examining stream-side vegetation or cobwebs for insects. By fishing an imitation you increase your odds that you will have a productive day on the water.

Kirk Deeter, author, fly fishing guru and editor of TROUT magazine:

Wading too far out, stomping on fish, or casting too far and lining fish.

Tom Rosenbauer, author, angling expert, and one of the most respected fly fishers on the planet:

Not paying attention to your leader, especially your tippet length.

Jeff Currier, internationally-recognized fly fishing savant, author, and artist:

There’s no excuse for losing a fish because of a bad knot. Just imagine, you find a big beautiful rainbow trout sipping mayflies under a willow. You successfully make a challenging cast and your drift is perfect. The fish eats your fly and he’s on, but for only a second. Frustrated, you bring in you leader only to notice the pigtail in the end of your tippet. Your leader-to-fly knot slipped!

Hilary Hutcheson, owner of Lary’s Fly & Supply fly shop, fly fishing ambassador, guide, and longtime host of Trout TV:

Avoiding weather mistakes is super important. If you're cold and wet or overheated, your day comes to an early end. So, pay attention to the radar to see when storms are expected to blow in, when the wind is maxing out, or when it's too hot for fish and humans. 

Tim Romano, professional photographer, fly fishing rock star, and managing editor of Angling Trade magazine:

Personally, I need to constantly remind myself to slow down in general. In all aspects. The slower and more methodical I am when rigging, observing the water before fishing, and actually fishing, really seems to help my game.

Pat McCabe, expert angler & fly caster, former guide, fly fishing instructor:

Stop spooking fish. Pay attention to your surroundings, the water conditions, the wind, the sun, the available cover, and the trout. You can’t catch a fish that you’ve scared away. It all comes down to being focused on your goal. Once you locate a fish, concentrate on stalking and presentation.

Steve “Mac” McFarland, longtime fly fishing guide and professional instructor:

Line management. Trying to cast when you have slack in the line because you are too focused on the fly and not focused enough on the fly line. It's like going to a class when you haven't done your homework.  And check behind you before you make your back cast ...

John Juracek, angling guru, fly casting instructor, author and fly designer:

A careless approach to the water is the most important mistake to avoid. You can be the world’s greatest caster, making one superb presentation after another with the perfect fly, but if you’ve already spooked the fish, the game is over. It's imperative to remember that the fish we’re after are wild animals, and want nothing to do with us. If we respect their wildness by way of a cautious, studied approach and stealthy casting, we give ourselves a great chance to fool them.

Of course, those aren’t the only errors we’re likely to make. There are literally millions of things that can go wrong on the water. I’ll close with three mistakes that I’d personally rather not repeat.

A lack of awareness. Remember to pay attention to your surroundings. I’ve gotten so engrossed with my fishing that I’ve waded right into deep, dangerous water, and missed the grizzly bear walking on the bank, and been smashed into from behind by a huge chunk of floating ice. Concentration is important, but it should never trump awareness.

A lack of water. No, not the water you’re fishing. When you forget to bring something to drink, you get dehydrated — and dehydration sucks in every possible way. Remember to fill your water bottle, and to bring it along when you go fishing.

Anger. It’s natural to get angry when you fish poorly or when something goes wrong. It’s also a mistake. Fly fishing is all about enjoying yourself. If you get angry when you’re on the water, your physical performance will deteriorate at the same time your mental outlook suffers. Don’t worry when things go sideways, and definitely don’t get angry. Just remember that you’re out there to have fun, and focus on those positive vibrations.

Todd Tanner is a life-long angler, an outdoor writer, a former fly fishing guide, and the head of the School of Trout. His essays and stories have been published by Hatch Magazine, Sporting Classics, Field & Stream, Fly Fisherman, American Angler, Midcurrent, Fly Rod & Reel, Newsweek, Forbes, Men’s Journal, the NY Times and a wide variety of other print and electronic media.