Alrightee.Tis the season.

Water temps getting into the high 60s, lower 70s.  If you were doing the show Day on the Lake, how would you approach a general body of water?

I'm kinda scatter brained, I'll try flats, drop offs, deep banks with a popper or other topwater in the morning til about 8.  Crankbait on and around flats after that for a few.  Then throw the whole arsenal all over the lake for the rest of the day.  Mid running crankbaits seem to be working best.  Tx Rigged Worms, not so much.  Shakey head is always good for a couple o small ones.  Tried some swim/paddle tail baits with no luck this season.  

I need some ideas on tactics, structure, early am bite, etc.  Join in...

Buzzbaits and spinnerbaits are KILLER in the fall. All day long.

I would begin by eliminating unproductive water. Around here the milfoil is starting to die, and you won't find a lot of bass in dying grass. However, there are areas where the bulrush and milfoil is still green and productive.

When the temps are high 60's you can find fish almost anywhere, I like positioning the boat in deep(ish) water and making long casts to the shallows and drop offs.  

If skies are clear I'll go with jigs and soft plastics around rocks and tight to cover. If I've got wind, I'll tie on a shallow crank and, and if I have clouds I'll try a buzzbait.

It's a great time of year to fish if you can avoid those post frontal bluebird skies and bitter cold.