When they’re busting up on a school of baitfish they will hit absolutely anything so when it happens throw whatever is in your hand at the time.  The key is to get the bait there ASAP.   
 

If they’re busting up all around me then I use a spoon on a spinning rod.  I like a spoon because I can throw it fast and far.  I like a spinning rod because I can keep it over my shoulder ready to make a quick throw.  If I made this type of cast with a baitcaster it would cause the mother of all backlashes.  

1 minute ago, livemusic said:

 

Do you have a favorite color? Do you countdown and how do you know how deep to aim for? I remember from using one decades ago that, yep, you can bomb a spoon, and I do want something that can cast a long ways.

 

Do you use a swivel?

Favorite color is nickel, no I don’t use a swivel. I don’t count down, if it hits bottom you can see the line stop sinking. Also the bottom is a great place to work them. If the line stops sinking before it hits bottom set the hook. If it never stops sinking set the hook. Set the hook right after it hits bottom anyway just to be safe, why not? 

Nickel and blue Little Cleo or a rattle trap

Kvd 1.5 in gizzard shad

I do a lot of bank fishing from an earthen dam with a lot of rip rap. On occasion the bass will congregate like a wolf pack and attack shad at a distance I can reach. 

 

I use: 

 

Good Fishing ...

Either a crankbait, lipless crankbait, or a spinnerbait.