I've found that when it's really hot, and I mean 90 or above, the big boys don't get too active until around dusk and then into the night. Best chances during the day are when it's cloudy, and even better right after the sun dips behind the clouds for awhile. But, a consistent evening/nighttime offering is the good 'ol white/grey tiger-striped jitterbug made by Arbogast. (black stripes) It's got a rattle and makes a real ruckus with it's butterfly type wings that are concave torwards the head of the lure. Let it settle, then a short 2 or 3 second retrieve and pause for about 5 seconds or so, then repeat the process. Usually around the second or third progression and WHAM! Fish on! After 4 or 5 progressions it's best to reel and try again.
I agree with the previous posters about the bass cruising the shallows at night. Ducklings, birds, frogs can be easy prey...While pond fishing in Stillwater, OK. in the early evening i've seen a 2 to 3 lb bass go airborne 2' into the air to snag a small sparrow on an overhanging branch. he didn't get the bird , but it was certainly amazing to watch him try!