I could sure use some direction here :)

[Learnin2FWFish]

Hey folks, I'm a pilot in the army over here at Fort Rucker, AL, nearby we have Ech, Tholloco, and a bunch of other lakes here I am poorly attempting to fish. I grew up in FL, salt/bracchish(sp?) water fishing. This is my technique for saltwater.

Shrimp on hook. Hook in water. Fish on dinner plate.

This freshwater fishing business has been completely different and I could use some direction. Even if it isnt written explanation, maybe just some resourceful websites.

I've got the whole how to use a pole, tie the right knots, how to hook all the live bait (besides crickets, they baffle me) I would normally consider myself a respectable fisherman. Until recently. I dont think its my spots either, I see little old korean ladies pulling in 20+ inch bass all day long.

So where do I start? Currently Ive been using Shiners, on a slip bobber with a single splitshot about half way between the hook/bobber. About 6-8 feet off the shoreline, (leaving the bait about 1-2 ft off the bottom) I have been trying some worms, different colors/sizes, and some (pardon my ignorance) bait that is a small metal wire that has 2 sides 1 a aritificial bait thing with the hook and on the other side a metal spinner... (crankbait? you got me, ive just been buying what ive seen people catch with.)

My fishing locale is either the lake, around the overhanging trees, and underwater loose vegetation. And also a small dam release.

Someone help this freshwater reject out

On a side note, My wife and I laughed are asses off about the PITA post, sigh what idiot put up the investment for the robo-fish? I think ill have nothing better to do than flog them eternally with my lightest most flexible rod I have, providing the most sting for every blow, and then out of fairness charge them for the pole I shattered over them.