Similarly, I'll opt for a white or shad color and a chartreuse or chartreuse and blue colored spinnerbaits. Crankbaits can be limited to a couple of baitfish patterns as well as my jerkbaits and topwater lures. However, if I know for a fact that I am going to be fishing some stained or dirty water, I will include some chartreuse, firetiger or black and gold crankbait and jerkbaits in my mix. I also try to push my students to downsize their bait selections. Not only are the smaller baits easier to pack, they are more subtle on the water and ultimately catch more fish.
Some waters experience a hot bluegill pattern bite during the spawning season.
Others may have lots of shad eating bugs on the surface and bass feeding on these shad. Here in Japan, for example, we have lakes that contain these small., brownish-green, fresh water shrimp. The main rule here is if the area you are fishing has a localized condition that may provide you an angling opportunity, carry some baits with you that will allow you to capitalize on these conditions. Man explores space and the ocean depths, cows walk the fence lines in their pastures and bass tend to orient themselves to the outer limits of their world - the shoreline. Most bank anglers waltz right down to the edge of the shoreline and make the farthest cast they can.