I am a novice bass fisherman w a cottage on clear cold water Maine lake. Good small mouth population and texas rig is very popular here. I have read about using carolina rig w floating tubes or worms with a whitish color. Has anyone had success w this approach and can you recommend a vendor for carlina rigs and floating baits.

Regardless of what plastic you use- I wouldn't buy pre made carolina rigs.  They are much less effective, hang more stuff and are just not worth it. (not to mention overpriced)  Just pre tie your leaders at the house... hook, leader and swivel.  Then when on the water, you never have more than a single knot to tie.  Also- as you learn the technique, a shorter leader (14"-18") is much easier to cast, control and set hook with. 

 

For plastics, I have had best success with small craw imitations in natural colors.  I only use floating plastic if there is a problem with algae or weeds caking on your bait or if using a baitfish imitation. (your mention of whitish baits applies here)