Read the stickies as well as the archives

The best advice I can give to all the people to c.com is to read all the stickies at the top of whatever forum you are interested in. You can also read the archives. The archives is located at the bottom of the forum. These are tips and advice from individuals who have been there and done what you are trying to do already. Even experienced fishermen and women go back and read these too as a type of refresher course. You will be amazed at what is already in there.