I've had good luck on the AC, mostly the 9", don't count it out just because it isn't grabbing all the headlines these days. As others stated, a large swimbait like a Fish Trap or Big Hammer is inexpensive and deadly on large bass. Don't forget about the 21 pounder caught on the old Renowsky Shad (simple swimbait) out of Castaic in the early 90's, I think that fish has the current state record!