Local Knowledge

When going to a new place always ask a few of the locals for some advice - where they go and what they are using for bait, best times to fish and all that releveant stuff. many local people have fished an area for years, if not generations and it's hard to replace a lifetime of experience.

You also need to offer some value in return be it taking someone out fishing with you for a day or whatever. People who 'pick the brains' of others often get what they deserve - not a lot!