Don't stop buying minnows just yet. Artificials work yes, but a live minnow still will get a fish's attention. A minnow, small split shot and a slip bobber with a stop are still hard to beat in my opinion, but I've always prefered natural bait to artificials. (Just don't remind me I said this come Striper season and there is nothing but plastics in my boat.)
Try something new but go with what you know and have confidence in. At least if you get shut out you can blame it on the fish!!
Good Fishing.

Mark