The day is off to a slow start and your crank bait is not working. Your fishing partner has not had a bite on the usually dependable worm rig. Is it time to go home or keep casting with no results? Are the fish trying to tell you something and are you listening?

Tournament anglers have reputations about being exceptional with certain baits. David Fritts is a cranker. Zell Rowland is a top water man. Tommy Biffle is a flipper. But what happens if their favorites don't work. Three years ago, David Fritts won a tournament on a Carolina rig in two feet of water. Zell Roland had to fish with a grub to make the Bass Master Top 150 trail last year. Tommy Biffle finished in a recent tournament in the top five casting a spinner bait. So what do we learn from the worlds greatest anglers. Learn to use as many lures as possible.

Tournament anglers are allowed seven rods and reels in competition. And most of these anglers pre fish the lakes and may carry as many 15 pre rigged rods and reels. And each rod and reel has something different tied on. These anglers have learned to use all the tools available to catch bass.

When the fish are biting your favorite baits, resist the temptation to stay with the same lure. Now is the time to experiment. Rig up a split shot on light line and cast a small plastic crawfish or noodle worm. Run a spinner bait through the same fish. Change colors and sizes of crank baits and find out what the fish will strike. Not only change lures, but speed can make a world of difference. Cast a Carolina rig on the bank so it will not splash in the water. Then swim it fast, swim it slowly, and even hop it. Take a buzz bait and throw it on open water points. Rig up a crank bait so it runs left or right and run it under docks. Experiment with colors and start out with plain colors. Then rig up a bright orange spinner bait and cast it into the fish that have been located. Use large baits and then use tiny baits.

There are no rules on the books about what fish will bite. But here are three colors that are famous all over the country for bass, green, pumpkinseed, and red shad. Rig them up any way you want and experiment for more bass.