There are a few simple things that beginner anglers do that make them unsuccessful. You can do almost anything when you're fishing and get lucky. The best advice anyone can give is to try out different techniques and find the ones that work specifically for you.

Know your knots

There are dozens of different knots that fishermen use for a dozen different purposes. One knot in particular, the improved clinch, is essential to fishing success. The improved clinch is used to tie your hook to your line. I've seen “experienced” anglers, who fish every weekend, tie their hooks with granny knots and random various loops. These sorts of knots slip when the fish tugs on your line too hard, and then the fish is gone. The knot is tied by running your line through the eye of the hook, twisting it five to seven times, running it through the loop closest to the eye of the hook, and then finally running the end of your line through the loop you just formed. If done correctly, this line will not pull out.

Know your prey

Simply throwing a hook and worm into the water will likely catch you something, but if you're trying to catch something specific you have to know a little bit about it. For example, you won't be able to catch pan-fish using an artificial worm, and you're more likely to catch a catfish than a trout if you're using chicken liver as bait. Do some research, ask some friends, try different techniques to find which works best for you.

Know your water

The way you fish changes depending on where you're fishing. This also goes somewhat into knowing your prey, you wouldn't try to catch catfish in rapids. Knowing your water also helps you to not lose your bait and lures. If you're fishing in a small pond with lots of vegetation you have to be careful of snagging your lures on the bottom. If the water you're fishing in is very deep then you may have to fish with a sinking rig. Knowing the water you're fishing in helps you to catch more and bigger fish.

Know your bait

Once you know what you're fishing for and where you're fishing, you have to pick your bait. There's no one sure fire bait that will catch the fish every time. Wherever you go the fish will be different, so you have to find what works for the fish in your area. There are some baits that work better in certain areas. In rocky areas, spoons work the best because fish lurking there are ambush predators and the shine will attract them. Areas with more vegetation may be better suited for bug-like lures. It’s a matter of thinking like a fish and what they would likely see in a specific area.

Patience

Most times fishing is a waiting game, it’s something you can’t force. If you try to force it you won’t catch anything and more importantly you won’t eat. Even more importantly, you won’t have any fun! Fishing is a form of meditation. It’s opportunity to enjoy nature and kick back with some friends. So just wait it out and once you’ve properly prepared your line the fish will come to you.