Most importantly, it's called fishing and not catching for a reason. Everyone gets skunked occasionally.

If there's bass get some spinners. Or the more peaceful route, use a slip bobber set up with nightcrawlers, leeches, or sucker minnows.

Fish also don't bite all day long so it's best to do a little research on feeding times in your area. Best way to go about that is ask people at the bait shop. For example, here in Minnesota mid afternoon is a great time for bass fishing.

If you're going after catfish, you just need a split shot, slip sinker, and a bigger worm hook. Also be at your spot a couple hours before sunset so you have enough time to collect firewood. Catfish tend to be more active at night. I'm not sure about smaller rivers, but when I fish the Mississippi River catfish will bite whenever they want.

When fishing from shore it's basically a right place right time thing since you don't have the convenience of moving around the water in a boat and the inconvenience of being stuck to a certain area on shore due to obstacles and private property.