Here are some quick fishing tips for a beginner

* Learn how to cast your line. A lot of people don't realize you need to cast the bait out so it drags along the surface, like dragging a worm in dirt on dry land. This is called "flipping" and gives fish an instinctive reaction that makes them more able to find and bite your bait.

* Get a good rod with an appropriate reel for the type of fishing you're doing, matching line weight to lure size is important too because heavier lines will be more suited to larger fish like catfish than smaller panfish.

* Be patient when waiting for a bite. You may not catch anything on a given day, but if you want to get better at fishing you need to learn what it feels like when a fish bites.

* Use bait that the size of your intended catch will be attracted to. For example: use small worms for panfish and larger worms or minnows for catfish. Chumming with breadcrumbs on top for the water, or using the "flip" technique can also help.

* Cast your lure out and wait for a bite before giving it any more slack on the line so that you're not dragging bait over areas where fish are unlikely to be lurking. Use different lures like spoons, spinners, jigs with the right type of bait.

* Learn to cast your rod and reel smoothly, with a straight line back from the target on which you're casting. There are many different types of rods out there so make sure that the one you get has good action for the type of fish you want to catch (i.e., slow-action or fast-paced type).

* When catching catfish, try using live bait like worms or minnows. They are the most common prey of larger cats usually found in smaller streams and ponds. For panfish on a lake, use lighter line to cast small lures with flies so they can't be seen by fish below the surface.

*Next you would want to set up your fishing line. You want to cast straight out from the shore or pier and then reel in until you feel a tug on the line which is when you need to start reeling it back in fast!

*Hold onto the rod with one hand while holding onto the end of your casting reel's string with another. This will enable you to have more control over the rod and line.

*The most alluring bait is live worms or minnows, but if you are not lucky enough to find these around your local lake then try earthworms instead! They will still work just as well in attracting fish. One of the best ways to improve at fly fishing is by trying to catch as many fish as possible.

*The best time to go fishing is during the early morning hours or late in the evening when there are less people on the water and more fish! If you are still having a hard time catching anything try changing your bait, location, day of the week, etc. If you get frustrated it's ok but don't give up! The more you go out the better your skills will get.

*It is important to keep a log of all the fishing dates, types of bait used and what happened with each day so that when it's time for vacation or moving on from this particular lake you can look back and see patterns in lure usage. If you want to catch more fish it's important to find a spot where there are plenty of them.

*You'll have an easier time catching more if you're not using bait that the fish can see or smell. When fishing from shore, be sure to use dead baits such as mice and minnows instead of live ones because they can easily be seen or smelled.

*If you're fishing from a boat, it is best to use bait that sinks and swims less because this way they are not easily spotted by the fish. You can also try using live baits such as worms if there's plenty of them in your area. These will be more visible to the fish and you'll have a better chance of catching them.

*It is also important to be patient and not just cast your rod at any fish that swims by because there could be more hiding in the brush or rocks waiting for you. Avoid using lures with flashy colors as these will attract all nearby fishes instead of attracting one specific species. Choose the right lure for the species you're trying to catch.

*If there's a spot that has lots of fish in it, don't go too close to avoid spooking them away and instead try fishing from farther off which will be more difficult. There should also not be any boats or other objects near by because they can easily scare away your best catch.

*Always try to use the right-sized fishing rod for your fish and reel in gently so you don't break any line or hook when pulling back on it. Another useful tip is that a good way to get bait for an angler's lures, like worms, shrimp, etc., is by using food scraps such as awed frozen shrimp, hot dogs and hamburger meat.

*When fishing in a river avoid standing too low because fish can jump out of the water to escape predators which is both dangerous for you and not helpful with your catch rate. Last but not least, always have patience when fishing! It may take some time before anything bites or strikes in your favor but it's all worth the wait as you pull a big catch out of the water.