If given the situation.

[Zel]

Since the goal is to catch one bass over 1 lb, and I didn't see restrictions on bait... specifically artificals.  

For this situation, I don't give much significance to brands. I would go with a 6'6 medium premium spinning rod, a long cast premium reel, 10 lb premium test line. And although I only use artificials for bass fishing, for this situation I would go with a 2-3 live shiner as they will catch bass in any water temperature, and almost any situation, whereas an artificial might not.

[GeneinTX]

MY choice would be a Mitchell or Shimano Spinning reel and medium action rod and a Rapala silver floating minnow in the 2 1/2" size. You could use it in any water conditions.

[Greg Harris]

I'd go with a 1/2oz. All Terrain Tackle Rattling A.T. jig in black/blue with a Zoom Big Daddy Craw in blueberry as a trailer. I would use a Grandt Rods XLH70 7'6'' H, a Shimano Curado with the 7:1 gear ratio, and I would use 20# Triple Fish Camo-Escent line. I would use this because a jig is my confidence lure and can go anywhere.

[Captain Cali]

With all due respect to all the fine suggestions

But you guys are crazy  

You need to catch ONE bass over ONE pound.  That's it.

A 5" 194 senko will do that 90% of the time in 90% of the water in 90 minutes or less.

Avid has spoken  

With all due respect to everyone else...I agree with Avid!!  

[goldenmonkey]

my go to bait is a t-rigged baby brushhog in watermelon red.  so Id have to stick with that.  

7' medium action rod

[roadwarrior]

Although I certainly agree that the 5" Senko might be the best option, there is more than one way to skin a cat.

[dink]

6" black worm TX rigged with a 1/8th oz bullet and 3/0 offset on 12 lb. clear mono tied to a St. Croix Legend Tournament 6'6" MF/ Pfleuger Trion NLP combo.

[Guest avid]

Reading all the different answers, I think Greg Harris kinda hit the nail on the head.

Use your confidence bait.  

Personally I rarely fish senko's much anymore, but I always have a bunch in different colors with me.

When things get tough and I NEED to catch one, I rig up a senko and rarely strike out.  

It is a confidence bait.

[Hawgin]

5" watermelon/gold flake senko t-rigged weightless on a 7' fenwick techna av rod,  a pfluegger echelon reel, and 12 lb suffix elite.