Variety is not only the spice of life, it's the way to approach retrieves with any given lure. Vary them until something works and if nothing does, switch baits and start over. And the best retrieve on a given day may not be the way the bait was intended to be fished.

When throwing a spinnerbait to a log resist the temptation to throw across it. Instead, wait until you can parallel the log with your retrieve before casting. And, try the shady side first if there is one.

If you've been spooking bass with casts close to a clear bank don't take a chance with a splash. Cast up onto the bank and ease your bait into the water without a splash and see what happens.

Shallow water of one or two feet isn't just for surface or spinner baits. Try crawling shallow-running crankbaits through cover. It can make the added concern of hanging up a little more often worth the trouble.

When tipping a spinnerbait with a trailer, be it plastic or pork, use a contrasting color. Try a white trailer with a chartreuse skirt or chartreuse trailer with white skirt and you'll get more hits.