Listen to Dave, Buckmaster. Find a mentor, a great alpha angler that can bring the learning curve down to weeks instead of years. Don't fish in front of him- watch and download his every move. Hire a guide. The best ones will teach you, not just give you a trip dowm the creek and take your money. Do read- there are some wonderful books from Amato Publications that can help you along. And most importantly, pick one river and learn itwell. Don't shotgun around chasing fishing reports- by the time you hear them it already happened and you've missed it. Learn that river under low and high water conditions, summer and winter.

And for God's sakes, DO NOT read fishing and hunting "news". Keep your own journal to find best times or get a network of close buddies that fish frequently.

Be persistent, be patient, and practice. Luck when fishing only comes when persistence meets opportunity.

Have fun, do no get caught up in "boat racing" or firstwater-or die mentality.

And remember...Release native steelhead even whenb our shortsighted leaders say it is ok to take one.