"After some heated discussion"
Obvious that you think bait provides an unfair advantage and shouldn't be allowed in the contest.
Why ask the question if you don't want to hear other opinions?
I kind of "garbage plated" it this year, peas, clover, turnips etc etc. In years past it was clover and mowed pretty tight to keep the grass down. This year Im going to let it go and see how it works out
until things set up you are in search mode. I would work north\south from 100-300 feet spreading rods at 10 foot intervals from 50-80 down. I would also run dipsys with spin Dr \ flys. Cover water.