It's common to have four or five rods rigged with the types of presentations mentioned here. You may start out grinding the weeds with a spinnerbait when you come upon a laydown tree that extends out from the bank. Pick up the jig rod and pitch a skirted jig or tube next to it. With the sun hitting the water, it's possible some bass are suspended high in the water column, feeding on minnows that rise up to the narrow band of warmth close to the surface. Grab the jerkbait rod and find out.

What separates so-so days from outstanding outings is usually no more than an open mind and a willingness to experiment.

There's no doubt that your tackle box is already bulging with old and new lures -- just give some of them a try when your favorite "old reliable" fails to produce.