Dave, Sounds like you're off to a good start on Mille Lacs....a 19 1/2 incher is a great fish. As far as baits...yes I use alot of tubes and soft plastics. See my most recent fishing report on this forum. I concentrate my fishing efforts on the west, nortwest and southern end of the lake....Its not uncommon for me to trailer my righ to the calms side of the lake to do my fishing. Tip...get a Lakemaster Lake Map....there the best in my mind.
As far as my prefered fishing day....I love blue bird skys with full sun to fish smallmouth....makes it lots easier to spot structure and even fish. A early start to your fishing day will get you both low light,calm waters conditions. After the sun gets up after 9-10sh the rocks come alive. Of course my Ocean Waves sunglasses cut the glare in the water better than any sunglass that Ive worn....Ocean Waves sunglassess account for many fish put in the boat for me and my clients.
Hope this helps
good luck