Can anyone suggest some sites that would tell me how fishing gear is connected? I have no idea what goes where when it comes to leaders and such. And what about knots? Any help will be appreciated...

It all depends on how complicated your fishing kit is. The main thing I've learned is the old KISS (keep it simple stupid) method holds up well. Tell me what you've got and I'll try my best to point you in the right direction.
http://gorp.com/gorp/activity/fishing.htm

Johno: I have a couple of pre-assembled kit in plastic tubes. The smaller kit contains:
- 15 ft fishing line, 15 lb test
- 3 swivels
- 3 fishing hooks, small
- 3 fishing hooks, medium
- 6 split-shot weights, assorted

The larger kit has a greater assortment of hooks, wire leaders (latching pin, wire, swivel), two flies, and some synthetic bait.

I'm wondering where and when the various hardware components are used in a line.

Bear

Bear,
one way that you could use your first kit is to cut about 2 feet or so from your main line and cut this piece into 3 or 4 equal lengths. Tie a swivel and a hook onto each length. Tie one end of the main line to a sharp stick and thread the swivels onto the main line. Using your shot as stoppers position the hook lengths about 2 feet apart (depending on the width of the water), then tie the free end of the line to another sharp stick. Bait your hooks with artificial or local bait, Wade into the water if safe to do so and push the first sharp stick into the bed. Pay out your line and secure the other stick into the bank or secure with a rock, tree root etc. Leave this line out for a few hours, keep an eye on the line every now and again for security sakes. Then hopefully pull in your line full of nice plump fish for breakfast.

Hope this helps
Johno

Check out this site for loads of common and not so common Fishing Knots

that sound like a nightline, except for the stick part, havent heart of that way...

Your right, I heard about the sticks from my grandad who used to help himself to other peoples salmon in the scottish highlands when he was a kid. If you cant see the line secured to the bank, it helps you avoid the gamekeeper.

Johno