I enjoy fishing, but I catch things like old boots, turtles, and even caught a snake once.  I don't know what I'm doing wrong!
It does take some practice! Are you doing the fishing for pleasure or part of a competition? 
Just for pleasure.  I am trying to teach my son, but I'm afraid the only thing he has learned from me is that it's a myth that there are fish in the lake!
Ha, I guarantee there are some! My father was a commercial fisherman for profit. The trick for lake fishing is getting up early in the morning!
Oh THAT might be my problem! How early is early?
I'd say just before sunrise! I always would use a rod, reel, line and hooks. Keep it simple and you'll catch something!
It took me two times fishing to get up the nerve to put crickets on my hook, and another 3 or so to get son to do it!  Maybe I should use something else.
You need fresh worms too. If that grosses you out you can also use lures instead of using fresh bait.