If you intend to travel to an unfamiliar place in the hopes of a good day or week of fishing, you would be well advised to consult with an official guide to show you the best spots. It's pointless to waste time struggling through the wilderness, only to find there are no fish to be had for some basic reason that only the locals knew about. Or maybe you find just the spot, but it's taken to day five of your week long fishing trip and you have to allow one day to travel home. If you hire a guide it will be well worth the cost entailed. You may only need the guide for the first day; after that you'll know where to go yourself.

Your choice of fishing spot may also be dictated by the type of fish you wish to catch. Freshwater fish like to hang around humps and ledges where they feel safer from predators, so look for a place where there is both deep and shallow water in close proximity. Redfish tend to chase their prey into water as shallow as six inches, so look to fish around the shoreline of marsh ponds, lakes and canals where there is shallow water.

Many anglers prefer to fish from a convenient pier and this can be quite successful due to the number of other anglers - and therefore bait - that are there. Usually there is a bait shop located conveniently close by and you'll be able to derive much information about times, tides and types of fish. Others choose to fish along the beach, but you need to know what you are fishing for to make this successful. Different types of fish need different bait, a different strength of line and size of hook.

Success will often depend on the weather and/or the tide. Some fish bite like there's no tomorrow when a front is due or passing through. Some hide in the deep water if it's windy; others - like trout - refuse to bite if the temperature isn't right.

If you are fishing from a boat you may wish to invest in sonar equipment to show you where the best fish schools are. Generally, fish go where there is food, so make it your business to find out what type of food your particular fish likes best and go where that is - if you know. This kind of specialized information can often be found in your tackle shop. The Department of Fisheries put out a free guide to fishing and it can usually be found at tackle or bait shops.

Wherever you go for your fishing expedition, plan ahead to ensure success.