Spinnerbait. If I am fishing a lake completely new to me, a bait that covers alot of water quickly is my choice (aka search bait). A spinnerbait works well, and does this job nicely. When I find the hotspots in the lake, I can come back later and work the spots with a slower presentation such as a jig or soft plastic. I am not too concerned about catching fish when I am covering the lake with my spinnerbait, I am more concerned about finding what spots are holding the fish, so I know where I should be spending most of my time with the slower presentations. Though at times, they go crazy for the spinnerbait/faster presentations, and the slower presentations just don't work as well. All in all, I'd searchbait the place out, and then come back and refish it with a jig or t-rigged plastic.

The question was about fishing a pond. I don't think you really need a search bait. There's only so many places a fish can go in a pond.

Yup, I'm with the other boys that said big worms will do the job, as long as they're black or motor-oil...   Oh ya, I love those 10 inch long and fairly fat floaters that I'd add a split shot or two up the line a few inches, if I need to sink that puppy much.  

Rampaging big mouths just slaughter these snake-like plastics and have even been known to frighten grown men, with their viciousness, when hog Bass are in attack mode, in close quarters.  

Top quality 5 or 6/0 wide gap hook, Texas rigged all the way...

cheers,

I would say a worm or jig from the choices but some valid choices were left out....I.E. Swimbait, Crankbait, Crappie Jig

Culprit Pumpkin speed worm any size.

I fish a pond close to my house where me and a friend have each pulled a 9 pounder out of.

Both were caught on a T-Rig with a 1/16 oz. Red Shad 7.5 inch worm. So I would have to say that is my pick.

Jig

i am pretty new to bass fishing, but since i have gotten serious about fishing t rigs, that would be my choice.  everytime i have used em this year, i have atleast gotten some hits, my hookset timing needs work, but the t rigged plastic worm has ALWAYS done its job.