sound very much like when i first start fishing. well, tell you what, easiest way to know the fish is when you caught it and start asking people what fish it is. Or you can go to the fishing spots, watch people fish and then ask them the type of fish they got.
Learn to tie knots first, then learn fishing. Fishing is not something you can learn overnight but it's a never ending learning process. Say if you saw someone fish at certain area, try observe what they are using as bait and also how do they tie their hook, weight and line. Never be afraid to ask around although many will not be so willing to tell you but I find most Sarawakian are not so selfish.
First, let me show you how to fish using the most native bait of all, earthworm. Tie a clip-swivel to the end of your line. Then get a bigger lb or size line to act as leader. Tie a loop at one end of the leader with "figure of eight" knot or you can tie to a swivel. This end you can clip to the clip-swivel at the end of your line. The other end of your leader, you can tie to a hook. The size of the hook (which I normally will not care to remember) you may just get whichever you think not too big or small for the line. As for the weight, get a few size so that in case it's not big enough to sink your bait, you may change to bigger size depending on the place you are fishing. Sarawak's river tend to be quite rapid at times so, just don't get something that it too small. Get the weight that has a loop on the top so you can easily clip into the clip-swivel. As for the bait, you can just use an earthworm, mind you don't pick the earthworm that is "crazy" which will crazily jumps around type. Get the type that moves a bit slow and softer. if your hook is quite big, then you might need to add in more.
If you are aftering fish like Patin or other that has a mix diet, you can use bread instead. Peel away the skin and just use the white part, cover your hook with it and squeeze it until it's firm. But if your bread is too dry, you might wan to moist it a bit first by sprinkling water onto it. Do not dip the bread into water and also, it's prefered that you use the water of the source where you plan to fish, i.e. the water from the river. Never ever use pipe water which contains clorine.
Good luck!
