I too fish a small lake from the bank. I used to try lots of different types of baits with not much luck.
Then I read about the spilt shot rig. I tried it and I am cathching more fish. I use 4" soft plastics, I work them parallel to the bank really slow. Green lizards and worms seem to work best, but a green 5" Strike King Zero is slowly becoming my favorite.
This is my first post and I would like to say what a great bb this is. Tons of great info.