if you are just trying to catch panfish then use a bobber with a sinker and a #6 hook. if you want to catch other fish like bass then your entering a whole nother world. for bass there are hundreds of diffrent lures you can use for difrent time of year, water temp, visiblity, ect. but my go to bait is called a slug-go, it can almost always produce a strike and is very easy to fish. you can also catch catfish by using a sinker and a leader to keep the bait just off the bottom, you can use premade catfish bait or make your own stinkbait. if you have more questions for specific fish, or want more info on these fish you can pm me and give me some details on the spot you fish at.