1. use weighted torpedo bobbers not your old ones ,fish can't fell the new boober more catches.
2. make small balls of power bait like size of grape.
3. yes if the sun is bright fish bottom or use the panthermartin spinner walk around lake cast out reel in slow use a small split shot 4 inches from spinner for further casts.
good luck with the kids catch slot of trout the bass pro shop will have every thing you need kmart don't have alot of fishing gear in my area