Zombie

I'm wandering does hook size, and bait size matter for bigger fish? I was only fishing for catfish, cause up until 2 weeks ago. I never could catch a bass. SO now at age 25 I caught my first bass, while catfishing with chicken liver on a tri hook. So now I've become hooked on bass fishing. Bass just always seemed like alot of trouble till I found a great spot. Not sure what the deal is, but everytime i cast out Stripers were tearing it up, I cant even reach in my pocket without getting a bite. Biggest I caught out of the 12 was around 11 to 12 inches. Now i read around, and hear stories of people catching these monsters from anywhere from 15 to 63 pounds in my lake. My question is how big of hooks are the using for these fish with the softball size mouths, and bait? Seems larger bait would equal a larger fish right?