I think too many think they can learn how to fish by reading online forums. You are not going to learn what a hit looks like, when a river looks mint, or how to fight a fish by reading. When I started float fishing last year I read lots, in fact I still do. However, I learned way more by going fishing. Best bet to get to the fish before they are gone is to go to the river every chance you get. You might be early, but then again... you might not be. You want to be on that hot bite before word gets out and you are fishing shoulder to shoulder.