So being stranded on the shore as an angler I target small ponds, creeks, small coves of larger lakes etc. I carry 2 rods normally, one with a crank or some type of fast moving bait and the other (my new absolute favorite method) a split shot on a spinning rod. My question to you guys is this:

When I come upon a new stretch of water I'm never sure if I should start combing the area with a crank or fast moving bait first and then switch to a slow finesse tactic or the other way around?

I've heard both sides of the story such as if you come in with a fast moving bait first you may spook some fish as opposed as to going in slow then hitting them with a faster presentation.

The other question I had is I can't seem to find any rage tail eeliminators anywhere? My favorite soft bait I had bought about 10 packs and now that I'm out I wonder if I missed a discontinuation or something?

Thanks in advance!

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, its slow to fast; Monday and Saturday, its fast to slow; Friday its anything goes and Sunday is breakfast at Denny's

 

On a more serious note, its usually fast bait, slow bait.  The crankbait and most moving baits are for finding fish.  The slow moving plastics and vertical baits like jigs are for when you have found the fish and need to get them to bite.

Since you are fishing from shore without electronics I would use cranks or spinners as search baits to cover water quickly then use a plastics once you've found them.

I like to start my search with a lipless crank. I can explore every depth with a single bait and experiment with different retrieves to trigger a strike. Once I locate the fish, ill switch to something different to hook up consistantly with such as a swim jig or a square bill if they are located directly tight to cover.

 

Now when I fish the river, I do it different. I basically just throw jigs and tubs most of the time at and around cover with much success

Fishing from the shore, I always start out fast, and end up slow. Spinnerbaits and swim jigs, t-rigs and jigs, and then senko style baits. 

Depends on water temp , weather patterns etc available visual cover all play a roll  . If its a gravel bottom or around riprap jigs , crankbaits , around wooded cover , spinner baits , chatterbaits possibly drop shot .  I usually start slow and evaluate the situation and change out as necessary . When you get bit or starting getting bites you then narrow down quickly what they are looking for . 

I always start out a new spot with a faster moving bait to cover water but mostly to see if there are actively feeding fish. If so, I'll catch as many of the active ones as I can, then when the bite slows or stops I'll switch to a worm or jig and pick off a few more. I get confused when I hear people say that when they catch a fish on a crank, searching, that they go to a worm or jig???? Why wouldn't you continue using that bait that caught the fish in the first place until it no longer works in that area; then go a more finesse tactic.

Texas Rigs & Jigs do not have to be fished slow!

Cranks & Spinner baits do not have to be fished fast!

When faced with bank fishing thorough is more important than covering water quickly.