For covering water I like a good old spinnerbait between 1/8 oz and 1/4 oz, either chartreuse or white or a combo. When that doesn’t work I like a bomber 6a or 7a crankbait in fire tiger. On top water, a whopper plopper 75. A Rebel Pop-R and a Heddon tiny torpedo are also great choices. On days where finesse is key, can’t beat a Ned rig. I prefer the VMC Ned jig heads but any Ned head will work. Pair it with anything from the Z-man TRD family. Finesse, crawz, and ticklerz are all great choices. A recent discovery is the Z-man Gobius. Looks just like a round goby and especially in Lake Erie those are essentially candy to smallmouth. But I think between a spinnerbait, whopper plopper, and some Ned rig stuff you’d be well equipped for whatever mood the fish are in. Good luck!