There's nothing wrong with live bait, but you have been missing out if you have not tried jigs. IMO, the jig is the greatest artificial lure ever created.
For gills, the trout magnet is a great bait, but any small jig will catch them.
Here is a great article on jig fishing. It's about sliders, but it applies to any jig. Focus on the "how to", not the bait.
Charlie Brewer's Slider Company - Weedless Crappie Slider "Why&How"