When the fish are relating to the cypress trees and stumps, Ford said, the No. 1 choice of most fishermen is the spinnerbait, "But really anything will do," he observed. "Fish on the trees hit anything, but mostly I use jigs. I just like a jig. If I can get a jig in front of a big bass' face, he can't help it; he has to eat it.

"Spinnerbaits and even shallow crankbaits are good because they cover more water more quickly, but I still like the jig."

When the fish are under piers, Ford uses something he can skip or throw as far as possible under the structure. Obviously, a jig works for that, too.

"But when fish are actively feeding, they come out from under the pier to hit a spinnerbait or a crankbait that is thrown and retrieved parallel to the pier," Ford added.

As for fish on the banks, it doesn't really matter. Ford suggested throwing the lure you have the most confidence in. Lizards or other soft plastics, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits or shallow crankbaits all work.

Choosing his five favorite non-connected lakes, Ford pointed to Lake Washington near Glen Alan in southern Washington County as easily No. 1. It was once a part of the Mississippi River. "It is a shallow-water fisherman's heaven," he said. "I don't care what month it is -- bass are always shallow. I've never caught a bass there over 3 feet deep, at least not in consistent numbers. The best pattern has always been shallow."

The rest of his list in order has three Ohio River system oxbows; Bee, Wolf and Little Eagle, all just north of Yazoo City. At No. 5 on the list is another Mississippi River oxbow: Eagle Lake, just north of Vicksburg.

Find more about Mississippi fishing and hunting at: MississippiGameandFish.com