If you are new to fishing, do not attempt to stand shoulder to shoulder with other fishers in combat situations. Instead, find a stretch of river where no one else is and hone your casting skills there. You may not find fish, but at least you'll be able to get the technique down before going head to head with more accomplished fishers. Besides, you might get lucky and hook up, without having to worry about learning to play a fish amongst a crowd. There is no shame in being a rookie. Everyone was a "cracker" at one time in their lives. Don't sweat the petty stuff, and don't pet the sweaty stuff!