I usually go with little cork poppers (6/8). Ditto on the floating line. If the pond is mossy, you can lay it right down on top of the moss patch, and put the bug in clear water on the other side.
In the Great Lakes area, I’d recommend a small “hair” mouse dropped in the pads very loudly (as if a hawk dropped her kill).
Shake the stick to set up vibrations every 5 minutes or so. Be very, very, very patient. Cruising big-mouths will reward you.
I’ve had a 7-pounder in Michigan using this approach. 7-pound big mouth in Michigan...I’ll let that sink in...