Try to keep a simple approach in mind. It is important to understand that subtle changes in water temperature, oxygen, bottom structure, shadow lines, and similar factors make a significant difference in locating fish. Fish tend to locate along transitional zones. One important overlooked transition zones is the areas that have weeds. The weeds or vegetation may be key to successful angling.
Fish are wary.
This helps them survive and can also make them difficult to catch. With either natural bait or artificial lures, the presentation must be realistic. It should appear that the offering is part of the normal food chain. Hunger is certainly a major motivating factor, but fish also respond as predators and strike something that moves. At times, they even exhibit antagonistic behavior when biting an intruder to drive it away.