If you haven't heard about the new version of the old umbrella rig (The Alabama Rig) you should check it out.  The internet has been buzzing with stories (including three major confirmed tournament wins) on this new  rig the last 3-4 weeks, and people have been paying outrageous prices for them on a certain internet auction site.  It appears to be the real deal although we have yet to make a cast with it. 

Suspended bass have always been difficult to catch.  This rig appears to fool them into biting when nothing else will. Check out this article on Wired2Fish with a less sophisticated (but apparently equally effective) version of the castable umbrella rig.  A massive amout of hardware and they still bite.  Not exactly a finesse presentation, but I guess the multiple baits creates an illusion of a bait ball the fish just can't resist.  Give them an easy meal that they have to eat or let go by and they often bite.  Look for an Amistad version of the castable umbrella rig in the near future.