Good post Flatzie
Mate I use the same tactics as you mentioned on your post and they definately work. I catch heaps of fish mainly by hopping the lures off the bottom as as you mention.
I mainly use the 3" Berkley Powerbait range in Pumpkinseed, as I find it an allround SP lure that catches everything.
The only thing I can add to your post is that I seem to catch better fish 2 hours before and after LOW Tide and drift all the time casting the lure to the shallower water where weed banks or sand banks exist.
I also try to fish the low tides that have little run eg smaller variation between high and low tide, if you know what I mean.
Cheers & Merry Xmas