All great advice.
I too like to fish but am far from being a good fisherman.
Two things work for me when I can go in May my favorite time.
Unless the weather prevents it, I'm trolling a lure all the time. You can play with different baits for depth/color until you start hitting fish.

I do something that might be a bit controversial but works for me. On a stick bait with trebles, I remove all but the tail treble.
Cuts way down on hang-ups and while I probably do miss some hook-ups, the fishing is normally so good, I don't know what I'm missing ;D

I also never miss a chance to fish any spot with moving water and that includes the numerous seasonal run-offs you'll find along the shoreline.
Bugs get washed into lake, attract bait fish and you can take advantage of that.
I just anchor out where the run-off disperses and cast into flow and do a slow retrieve.
You'll be pleasantly surprised at the size/species of fish that can't resist that easy meal.