GonFishin,
Always keep it simple with your tackle. Most lures are marketed to catch fisherman mostly. If you want to do it right, like stated before, get in a backseat with somebody knowledgeable on your body of water. Better yet, hire a guide and take notes. I know they are not cheap, but it would save you years of time on the water. There is no short cut to success on the water, but hiring a good guide will get you going in the right direction real fast.
Fish a local club as well. You don't need to be in the FLW circuit. We have a small club here in Arizona and these guys are great. You fish in a different boat each month if you wanted to. take notes.
I keep a journal after every trip on the water; what worked and what didn't. Weather, water clarity, time of day, and baits used. Even dock talk is noted as well. I don't put too much stock in dock talk though...LOL
Tightlines!
