What is the best bait and best time of day to catch b?

Its been years since I have gone fishing. I have fallen back in love with the sport and I do it for relaxation. I have a retention pond behind my house that is stocked with plenty bluegil, sunfish, catfish, and which i didn't expect b. I can catch bluegil all day long. The b is my issue right now. I spent all day fishing I can see the b shoreline in the seaweed or in dark holes within the seaweed. What is the best time of day to catch b and the best bait / lure to use. It wasn't until 9 pm at night i caught a 16 inch b with a night crawler in open water. What would be my best bet to catch one of these bass during the day. I have never really been just a bass fisherman but I am thinking I would like to learn. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.