You know it is bad when you are reduced to watching fishing shows on TV.
Show called " City Limits " was on and saw a neat idea that most likely will work in our waters. They were up north.
The boat was over bait and Rock ( Stripers up there ) but the Rock were not biting. The guy put over a drop shot rig. Basically a single hook bottom rig. On the hook - he put a Gulp minnow type plastic. The fish hit this almost right away. It was a good way to get a lure down deep - right in the fish's face.
Years ago when the Rock size limit was 14 inches - we used a similar rig in Kent Narrows. Anchored up current of the draw bridge - we used a regular bottom rig with 3 to 4 ozs. White Mister Twister grubs in 2 or 3 inch size were put on long shank #2 hooks. The rig was lowered to bottom - then walked back close to the bridge. Double headers were normal - now/then a big Perch would be caught.
I bet a 5 or 7 inch Bass Assasin would work just as well. Might be worth trying on a tough day when the Rock refuse regular tactics.