Jig. Followed closely by a spinnerbait.

^^^ This

A lure that will fish from top to bottom , relatively snagless and work year round . Spinnerbait . If need be  I can rig one snagless .

hands down on a squarbill

 I will say the plastic worm/soft stick bait.  Because you can fish it so many ways, Texas rigged, split-shot, weedless, big sizes, medium sizes and small sizes, wacky rigged, etc...  I guess if I had to pick a specific stycle it would be the senko/soft stick bait.  

Chrome / blue back lipless crankbait.

Another vote for the lipless crankbait!  

Jig... Nothing it can't do.

spinnerbait

Slow sinking swimbait: a nice bait like this is the 

Moreau Baits Floating or Slow Sinking 10in" Trout.

You can let it sink to desired depth then slow role it, or immediately reel and fish it close to the surface.

Lipless crank

Yep, Lipless Crank. Not only versatile, but also a great multi species lure. I'm up to 12 different species of fish caught on a lipless crank. Includes saltwater, so a good crossover bait.

 

I'm still learning how to fish a spoon and I'm finding that they share the same characteristics of a lipless crank. 

Nevermind

Swimjig. Swim it, pitch it, skip it, work it on top matted veggies.

Hands down....jig! But i would have to say chatterbaits and lipless cranks are very versatile also, all three can be fished with numerous presentations. And to be clear i mean a round leadhead with a grub for a jig...

Just goes to show how well people read and comprehend hard bait...

The most versatile hard lure would be a spoon, catches all kinds of game fish everywhere.

Tom

floating crankbaits.  they dive to a certain depth depending on which one you have but since it floats it can be twitched topwater.

 

propbaits,  spooks, top props, inline spinners, spinnerbaits,  , minnowbaits (rapala)  are good too.

 

going to the bottom  into there hiding places its jigs, Carolina rigs ect.

 

Its not just one bait. We need to be flexable,  more educated on all the different baits, patterns and presentations we become more rounded knowledgeable fisherman.

Apologize for my speed craw comment. The answer as far as hardball goes is a rattlin floating rogue. I've lost so many cause of the things I do.

Just goes to show how well people read and comprehend hard bait...

The most versatile hard lure would be a spoon, catches all kinds of game fish everywhere.

Tom

 

 

I'm with you on the comprehension deal, but to answer the question I have to say trick worms.