In my experiences with fishing, baiting and knotting the hook is one of the most important aspects. Choose the right hook for the size fish you want to catch. Eagle claws are great hooks. If you tie a deformed incorrect knot, the line makes lots of noise and scares fish. A sharp hook sticking out of the bait sometimes spooks them as well. The more realistic the lure or the situation where food is presented, the more likely you will catch a fish that isn't looking for a meal but takes it anyways.
Would really help to know if you were fishing with lures or live bait. I've only ever caught bass, cats, gar, tarp, sunfish and rock bass.