I have different methods for different waters that I fish. My tackle box consists of a fairly simple assortment of lures and hooks.

Ice fishing and areas such as docks, drop offs, or anchored in a boat in deeper water - Jigs from 1/32 - 1/4 ounce topped with one of several colors of artificial jig bodies and a little bit of power bait. I have to experiment to see which color the trout are liking at the time. Power bait also works for crawdads in areas where there is a good population of them.

Trolling - I mainly use spoons, large spoons, up to 1/2 ounce usually no flashers. Or I will use nightcrawlers on a size 4 or 2 hook behind a set of flashers.

Streams - a small 1/16 ounce split shot about 12" above a size 8 hook, and a small piece of worm, set right along and inside larger cutbanks, or near hanging cover.

Mt. Lakes - Panther Martins, Mepps, or Kastmaster lures in the 1/32-1/8 ounce range. I will also use the same method as stream fishing.

Shore fishing - Large lakes or ponds - depends on what I will use. I will use a large assortment of techniques ranging from casting spoons, spinners, other lures, or using a foam float about 2 feet above a bell sinker, then linked to another 1 ft leader with a size 4 or 6 hook with power bait or nightcrawler (thats if there are a lot of weeds). If no weeds, I will put on a size 4 or 6 hook, and put a 1/4-3/8 ounce sinker maybe 1 ft above that and top the hook with any assortment of baits, and let-er-fly.

For the smaller mt lakes and the streams I have an Ultralight Shakespear UgliStik with a Shakespear spinning reel and 4lb Berkley Trilene XT.

For shorfishing most other lakes or ponds, and trolling, I have a Medium light Shakespear UgliStik with a Zebco Quantom Spinning reel with 10 lb Berkley Trilene XT. I also use this reel on a smaller no name brand rod for icefishing.

red sox...Since you mentioned using a fly, here's a good alternative. I am a fly fisherman and fish almost exclusively for trout. My fly collection varies but I have used something a little different that works very well. Instead of using a fly, use a small daredevil and troll with your flyrod. The color can vary (I use red/white and black.white) but the size is very small. Probably the smallest made. It's only about the size of your thumb nail. Troll with that, letting out enougn line until you begin to see your backing. All trout like it and I have caught rainbows/brook/ brown and especially tiger trout on it.

Go luck and oh yea....GO SOX!

My favorite other than natural bait is a little Mepps spinner I have with the artificial minnow trailer.Have caught browns and rainbows from as small as 7 inches up to 15 inches.(15 inches is nice in my area).Good luck and let us know what you use and how it works in your area.