I'm assuming that you're just throwing in from the shoreline. My best advice is to throw your worm near some sort of structure. By structure, I mean downed trees, weeds, rocks, anything that makes the spot unusual. Bass don't usually swim around in the open water. They like to hide behind something and ambush their prey as they swim by.
Also, I highly recommend getting your hands on some lures. All stores that sell fishing stuff have spinnerbaits (that's a kind of lure). Spinnerbaits are deadly for bass! Do either of you have a dad that likes to fish? Ask him for an lure. Worms are great but lures are usually more effective for big bass.
I can't help you much with catfish. Being a northerner, catfishing isn't very popular where I live. For more advice, hit my website. It's got lots of cool tips.
Matthew Carter 'Fishing with Matt'
http://www.albany.net/~buzzbait/fishing/index.htm
I love to fish! I'm 13 years old and a real beginner. I fish with worms I dig out of the yard and I don't ever catch anything but little minows. My Grandmother has a Lake in her neighborhood that I fish in. How can I catch big fish? I would be so proud to catch a bass or a large catfish! I know there are big fish out there, I just don't know how to catch them. Me and my cousin are going to go to grandmother's house and fish tomorrow. We want to catch something big! COuld you give me some nice helpful tips please? Thanks! 
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