Tip 1. Tail your catch so you can leave the bulky net at home. You'll be able to travel light and cover more water. Photo courtesy of Scott Haugen

A buddy and I watched as two anglers in waders struggled to fish a prime hole. After nearly an hour of trying, they gave up. We stepped in, made a few casts and latched onto a bright steelhead. Though the anglers had been there long enough to catch fish, they never really worked the hole. They were too preoccupied with managing their gear.

I've seen similar scenarios like this play out many times in my 40 years of steelhead fishing. If you are struggling to consistently put fish in the freezer, it may be time to take a closer look at how you fish.

Following are five tips that have helped me over a lifetime of steelhead fishing.

1. TRAVEL LIGHT
When bank-fishing, the last thing you want to be is tied down. By eliminating bulky gear like hefty tackle boxes, big nets and coolers, you'll be more mobile.

Try placing all your terminal gear for the day inside a fly vest or a pair of bait boxes strapped around your waist. This will allow you to make gear changes while staying in one spot, without having to wade back and forth to your tackle box.

Carry everything you'll need for the day on your person. Hooks, swivels, drift-bobbers, baits, pliers and a file can all be carried in a vest or bait boxes.

You'll save time by having all the gear on you, and that will result in fast turnaround times when replacing lost gear. At the same time, you'll be more likely to cover water and search out those steelhead.

2. INFO IS IMPORTANT
Fellow anglers are one of the best sources of information in terms of lending fishing reports and sharing where to go. Sporting goods store personnel, as well as tackle shop owners and hatchery staff members, are often dialed in to the hottest action, too. In rural areas, diners, gas stations and marinas can be a valuable aid when it comes to pointing you in the right direction.

Ask about river conditions, the number of fish showing, what they're hitting on and where. One phone call can save hours of driving and an entire day of fishing in the wrong spot. These lines of communication can help direct you to where the best action is, and hopefully, a productive day on the water.

Local fish and wildlife agencies are also valued help. Don't overlook fishing-related Web sites that often file timely reports, including river conditions. Chat rooms and forums can also help direct you to the right destination; it's a great feeling knowing there are others out there wanting to help you succeed. Here's a good one: www.oregonfishingforum.com.

3. EYE EXPERT ANGLERS
In addition to gathering information from fellow anglers from the phone or Internet, you can also learn a lot by watching other anglers.

It doesn't take long to figure out who the veterans of the area are. Even if they aren't catching fish at the time you're watching, you'll know who they are by the way they stand, fish and systematically work a hole.

Look to pick up some details, but don't overlook the obvious. Note where, exactly, anglers are standing and where they are casting. Evaluate if the anglers are casting to water to fish it, or if they are casting there so the terminal gear can be carried to the point they want it by the end of the drift.