Got to try out my first baitcaster today

[BassNewbie]

Sorry if there alot of typos. I'm posting this from my phone.

My abu Garcia black max came yesterday so I went out to a small lake to try it out today. I'm in love. I'm suprised how much more comforatablr and effecient this is compared to my spinning reel.

But I do got some questions.

1. According to the fish and game officer talked to last week, this lake had a late spawn. Matter of fact from shore you can see Alot of 3-4 inch bass fry still moving around in packs of 6-9. So even though it's late summer. This lake is acting like just post spawn. Any good ideas for tactics?

2. Everything I threw today came back to shore with a pound of salad. Cranks, jigs, spinners, and t-rig worms. In such a situation where there is just so much vegetation. Should I just stick to top waters or deal with hauling salad to shore all day.

3. All my catches today were on a blue/black jig with black craw trailer. I got a decent LM bass, a blue gill, and then a weird catch. I got a 5 inch bass fry, with the above jig, but the hook went in his side, right in the lateral line, through his body, and out the other lateral line. I was shocked as it snags him right as the jig hit the water. I felt bad but was pretty amazed too. Ofcourse didn't bring a camera.

Thanks for help guys. Man I love this forum.