If you want to catch largemouth bass i've found that Berkley Gulp Works best. http://www.berkley-fishing.com/prod.php?k=96388&sk=95677&p=PURGJS5-ARK%20(1123754) Get the 4 inch black Jerk Shad. It works wonders. All you need to do is put a hook on(a relatively big one) and hook the gulp right on like a jig. Then cast any area where you know bass patrol. Maybe about 15 feet out and then slowly reel in while occasionally jerking the rod (this makes the bait look like a wounded minnow). The Gulp releases a smell that will take the bass out of hideing. I guarantee you'll catch bass on it. I often fish a small lake near where i live and consistently catch 5 pound bass with Gulp. I usually get bites every 4 or 5 casts. Anyway hope that helps.