I'm probably split on which is better. You ALWAYS should have both. Usually when they're eating metal they'll eat a topwater, but sometimes when they're eating topwaters they won't necessarily eat metal.
I think it's the noise and visibility of topwaters that makes them work so well. Bone Jumpin Minnows and Yozuri Hydro pencils are my favorites. You have to change the hooks though. For metal various
Pt. Jude tins as well as the
Deadly Dick. Although they're tougher to cast Yozuri Crystal Minnows can be very effective as well.
I like single hooks on everything. They're stronger and safer for you and the fish.
Gamakatsu Live Baits are perfect, just size them accordingly. 4/0, 5/0 or even bigger. It makes for a much easier release and probably a higher landing percentage. Most importantly it doesn't hurt the fish as much. A face full of trebles sometimes just makes them explode when you bring them onboard.