What to do?

I was in Barmouth a couple of weeks ago and tried my hand fishing off the
harbour when the tide was coming in, i.e. at the mouth of the river.
I am new to fishing and as yet dry netted, but all I could get at Barmouth
was loads and loads of weed, so I packed up in disgust.
What should I have done to combat all the weed? and how does people fish in
these type of conditions? Help please before my rod & tackle
goes in the drink
Thanks in advance
Lofty