There are about 10 basic rules that I feel you must use if you wish to succeed on unfamiliar waters. Keep it simple and work hard. Keeping it simple speaks for itself. Don't try all the latest lures or techniques that happen to be the rage. You can get caught up in things that cause you to forget you're there to catch bass.
Lures come and go and techniques change.
Use the lures and techniques you have used successfully in the past. Both lures and techniques that have been around for years have done so for a reason. As to working hard, do it. The bass are not going to jump into your boat. You're not going to find fish with your boat on the trailer.