I 've fished many tournaments and won more than I lost..Here are my money makers..since you folks are not in my area..except for maybe 2 of ya..LOl

Big Cranks catch BIG fish..they will wear you and your reel out..but they work..If a hot spot is off come bck later..you may be surprized

Frogs are great BUT I stink on frogs EXCEPT Zoom's Horny Toad..in bullfrog color..Then it's like a rubber worm..you can let them run with it.

In clear tough water..a 3/8 ounce White Rooster Tail kicks butt..Warning...the hooks are small so keep the rod bent.

Grass and dingy water..White Terminator Weedless Spinner Bait..

BEST all round bait..I use a 7 inch Zoom BLACK trick worm..with worm rattles,,,When casting,,,dead stick the worm about 30 seconds..I used to have a big aquarium of bass to study them,,Many times they will swim up within a foot and just stare..and sometimes the curiosity gets the best of them..from a foot away they can simply open their mouth and vacumn the worm in their mouth..so don't be in a hurry.

Semi baits...when the bite is tough..Little George..a tail spinner invented by Tom Mann
Flukes...Jigs ...in dense cover..tree brances etc. Little Betsy..
Heddon Torpedo..Zoom Spook {Walking the dog} Gold and Black back Rapala
rattle traps in deep water or suspended fish..