Its a combination of things.

It is one thing to go fishing to wet a line and hope, its another to go fishing with an attitude of im going to catch fish.

Its a case of all the small things adding up, driving to a car park, walking 100m to the right. Taking several types of bait, BEING MOTIVATED and changing baits regularly, even when bait is not being touched, the movement of a fresh bait hiting the water can often entice a bite.

Fishing the right times, locations, using the right gear ect......

Most important thing, is knowing what you are most likely to catch, and targeting it. If you know all the snapper are going to be 33cm, why use 5/0 hooks, drop to 2/0 and your hook ups will be good. If you know the snapper are there and not biting, drop your trace to 15-20lb, this will make a difference.

A good fisherman, is a busy fisherman, someone who is always thinking ahead, and trying to beat the fish. Some fish are caught with luck sure, but consistent results and reward come with knowing what you are doing and learning from each time you go fishing.

Planning and preparation. Know your spots, know what you are most likely to catch, think of the best baits to get them and attach it to your rig you have had the most success with at that location. Fish hard over the most critical times. Change of tides, and evening and morning..............Thats all it is.

The positive attitude reflects through your motivation. I don't believe it is confidence so much, because not always when you arrive at a given location are you confident. But having the right attitude, and giving it a really good go, will reflect through bait presentation, changing baiting, walking an extra 100m, changing methods instead of sitting on ya bum and putting it in the to hard basket.

Arriving at Whakaki in 2.5m of swell is enough to knock any ones confidence, but looking at the positives can yield good results.