It looks like most people are saying about the same thing, but here I go anyway...I'll make it a list.

1. Respect for the angler's self, other anglers and landowners, the regulations, and the resource.

2. Ability to catch multiple species of fish under widely variable conditions, both in familiar and unfamiliar waters.

3. The understanding that being an expert is not something that you necessarily achieve, but something that you continue to grow closer to as you continue to learn about the various factors important in fishing. This takes perserverence, experience, observation, research, and good questioning of folks who are doing something you're not familiar with and are being successful.

4. Experts are also folks who help others achieve better success. Keep your zipperlips, and a few tricks up your sleeve, but be free with *most* other folks about proper gear and presentations, resource management, and ethics and safety issues.

And, lastly...

5. Someone who enjoys fishing and catching, and knows the difference between the two.

Fish on...

Todd.