We have always done well with minnow baits in the area as well, it makes a nice break from jigging all the time. Either casting or trolling will get you eyes. My favs in that area are basic colours like silver/black, gold/black, maybe a couple green/silver Rapala Taildancers and Rapala X Raps are my favorites.
As far as the bugs, all good advice here, guess I'm lucky because I get used to them after a couple of days.