In the beginner forum, you will find info on where to look at different times of year and different water temps. Local knowledge is priceless, so ask on the Mo forum for local reports. The electronics forum is loaded with info. Right now, locally, the fish SHOULD be transitioning from winter to pre-spawn. But nobody seems able to find them. Go 100 miles South and creeks seem to be giving up a lot of fish. Try to make it down to Truman for spring camp. Lots of really good fishermen/women show up from all over Mo. Don't drink with Joedog.....for both of your sakes.
Here is a link someone put on the beginner's forum
Another thing to learn is to use the 'search' feature on all the forums to find articles on different techniques