IF you could pass on 1 fishing lesson ~

[Finaddict]

Having fun is the most important ... bar none ... life is too short ...

... but also, for someone starting out - whether they want to learn how to use lures, jigs or flies - I would recommend to start by fishing with bait first ... watch how fish interact with/attack bait ... incorporate that into the presentation of artificials ...

[robc22]

AS my English uncle said to me many years ago:

If it's not for tea...set it free..........

[Rockport24]

I think the Thoreau quote sums it up: "Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after"

As many have mentioned, make sure you are NOT one of those men. Enjoy everything about the experience, catching or not...

[Got Stripers]

Edges & seems, fish slow first, then speed things up, establish and record patterns.