If you are feeling the take then your leader length may be okay but experiment with it. A few inches either way may make the difference. But it sounds as if you are simply not getting the hook in the fish so;

1) Sharpen the hook until it sticks to your thumbnail with very little pressure. It'll also stick to, into, or even through your skin so be careful.

2) Set the hook....HARD....multiple times. This practice usually gets the fish to the surface or even out of it so be prepared. If you miss, the lead/lure may come clear of the water and toward your head. Either thing can obviously be starteling.

3) I admire your desire to learn but I think you need a mentor. Find a person who knows his/her beans and likes to share and teach. You will have someone to talk directly to about fishing. You will see this person read water, rig gear, and hopefully hook fish. There are many such people.

4) Finally, Don't give up. Never say die. You'll get the hang of it. Go fight win. Rah, rah ran. And all them other pep talk sayings.