I prefer, as some of the TOP Pro Anglers do, floating Jerk Baits. Depending on how you work them, they can catch bass anywhere from 0 to 4 feet in depth.
I prefer the double jerk effect, starting the jerk just before it comes to the surface so polarized glasses are a must (serious bass fishermnan should never go fishing without polarized glasses). This method will get you bit if the fish are active. Then there is the let it sit and one strong jerk method (which is what i recently slammed the smallies on at Lake Almanor), if the fish are not as active or a little sketchy this method will get them going. Either method is awesome and its one of the most fun baits to catch bass, i never go bass fishing without throwing an F-13, never!!