James, I am of similar age and I fish near the Hurricane deck Bridge, up the Osage from the four corners. I really don't bass fish, but last summer I caught a 6lb fish while going after crappie. If you are interested in crappie, just use a 1/8 oz bright colored jighead. Hook a medium sized minnow through the eyes, drop down to 12-20ft (don't bother if the bottom isn't at least 10), and start moving it up and down. The only thing I am yet to catch this way is a walleye, but I'm hoping to do that this summer. Remember, the fish like the shade more than you do, and light line (4lb) helps.
Rob