Very interesting post - some very sage advice...

Can't opine on other areas but SoCal - here we use jigs and ultra light gear. My biggest jigs are 1/24th - down to 1/00th, majority of our fishing is with 1/32nd and 1/48th with either #6 or #8 hooks (tyed Bellyspinner or Auto style). Big fan of the new Eagle Claw Lil' Nasty hooks. Master the countdown technique & retrieval variations.
When it gets cold - go slow - and use very small baits.
A big bluegill secret - follow bass guys - fish their structure with downsized lures.