I use locking snap swivels.

I don't ask anybody what's hot today. I like to figure it out by my own tactics. I find my system of varying my lure colors and sizes works. Then it's my secret if I was a pro.

I don't ask anyone what's hot either, but when you've fished a particular lake several times you know what works on that body of water, and don't need to make all the changes you're making.

I follow the KISS method (keep it simple stupid) when selecting what lures I will use. I do a lot of preparation before getting to the water, so I am spending as much time with a line in the water instead of changing what's on the end of my line.

To each their own I suppose. If what you do works then good for you. It just sounds like you're working harder, and not smarter.

On a day I start out by varying my lures till I get action. It can happen sooner on some days  and tougher on others. My fishing time has been limited(disabled) so I need to figure out the pattern on what works quickly. Just because we know the place day to day it can change. I also notice in fishing the same smaller places what was a hot lure last year isn't that hot this year. I find knowing this I rotate my lures often to the dry dock for a while. I try to throw something old and mix it up with some newer different stuff.

 

I  also like testing lures to see if they catch fish or not. Being retired stinks sometimes. I break up the boredom by fishing. On a slow day I chuck lures checking them to see how they run and trying different presentations when I can see them.

 

The bottom line is bass fishing keeps me occupied and sane.

The op doesn't seem to go very much so I would suggest searching "how to catch fish" in the forum. A senko rigged Texas style works for sure. Just throw it in fan pattern let it sink to bottom raise your rod tip up real on slack and repeat.

To the OP I would suggest on getting;

Rebel POPR

SPOOK

Rapala f7 orginal floater in blue

Bomber redapplecraw, firecraw, browncraw.

Mepps Anglia #3 silver blade gray tail.

Joe's fly 1/4oz firetiger apache & blackgnat.

Mann's classic 1/4oz gold Colorado blade white spinner bait.

Manned classic 1/4oz gold Colorado blade chartreuse .

This will get you up and running. Or use what ever you have.

Senko or finesse worm on a mojo rig or shakey head.  Hard to beat those 2.