Grim admission: I am not an angler, simply a fisherman.

This I learned at the recent Fishing Expo at L.L. Bean, when four world-class fishermen (and one fisherwoman) spoke about the glories of fishing. They defined fishing with the emphasis on flyfishing, and all have been around the world seeking the best spots and the most coveted fish. They are pictured here: from left, Emily Whitlock, Mark Sosin, Dave Whitlock, Stu Apte, and Flip Pallot.

They are called Legends, and I have concluded they earned this title by writing books, making fishing films and endorsing fishing gear. All except Emily have been out there for at least four decades so they must be doing something right.

I was chagrined when Apte said there was a difference between anglers and fishermen. Anglers study the science of fish and the environment of the surroundings. They evidently ponder for many hours about how to land the most recalcitrant lunker.

He didn't say anything about worm slayers such as myself but I heard an unspoken message - anglers are the real deal and fishermen are just passing time (albeit pleasantly).

The Legends talked about the exotic places they had fished, such as the Buffalo River and several hard-to-reach streams in New Zealand. I doubt if I could find these waterways on a map. One Legend recalled the day he caught an 11-foot billfish on a fly, which is something I can't even imagine.

I did understand their sincere concern that youngsters aren't getting outside, and learning to fish and paddle a canoe. "We grew up with fishing and in the outdoors," said Pallot, a Floridian. "Kids today have video games and TV. We have to come up with ways to make the outdoors interesting for kids, or fishing as a sport is going to diminish in years to come."

Agreed. I have encouraged both my children to fish - but evidently not to angle: They both grew up using worms and bobbers.

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