RRocket

Sorry, man!

I'm a Free Rig fanatic. The fine wire eyes of "specialized" weights should slide more freely than thicker gauge due to friction. As mentioned, you'll want a bead or rubber stopper to protect the knot. There are also some specialized weights like the Decoy DS-9 that helps the weight move more smoothly and protects the knot. And finally, if you've really gone down the rabbit hole like me, I'll let you in on my personal secret rigging from Fuji...the company who make line guides. It's micro ceramic guide with an open snap (or ring or normal snap depending on model) and allows you to use any weight. And the weight seems to sink faster giving you better separation. This might be superior in some situations. As pointed out by others, your need rod tip down IMMEDIATELY after the bait hits the water (with open bail) or immediately after your lift technique. This allows for separation. See excellent under water video on the topic below. And the Dolive Beaver is the Gold Standard Free Rig bait. The Dolive Stick is also exceptional. https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxH3Uxd4A2B0w1B-INItqSe7st2gSMRG5i?feature=shared

Around here, you're more likely to have Gar, Bowfin or Carp busting the surface than Bass.

I'm not sure if my answer is helpful. But I recently started using the Raid Egu Chunk 3" on a Free Rig. The 3" is the smallest. Despite being a small bait, I can fell it buzz the rod tip on my lifts like a chatterbait. It's impressive. A small Dolive Beaver which I've also used plenty makes a great trailer.

One of my rods splits in the middle, the other at the handle. So I have both. As to what works best with a wacky? I'm of no help! Sorry! In lieu of a wacky, I throw poop baits. But you can be sure than any Expride rod is superb.

Not sure if it's a craw in the true sense... DoLive Beaver Raid Egu Chunk

Here are the hook sizes Keitech advises for optimum bait action. I'm sure other manufacturers have recommendations. 2.8" - 1/0 3.3" - 1/0 3.8" - 2/0 4.3" - 3/0 4.8" - 3/0 or 4/0 5.8" - 6/0 6.8" - 8/0 7.8" - 10/0 or 12/0

Indeed. I did an exhausting "world series" of rigging over the course of 3-4 years. And the Jika was so versatile and had so many benefits that are underappreciated. You can go as heavy (power, punching) or light (finesse) as you want. In addition, I think most aficionados of the Ned Rig would LOVE the Jika as I feel it's an improved Ned, too. This video has some underwater footage of it coming through sticks and cover. I really do appreciate underwater videos.

A Jika Rig comes through cover effortlessly.

I think any 8" would work for a hook TEKTON 8 Inch Bolt Cutter | 3386, Black https://a.co/d/6eUO1ie

If someone was mad I was using the same lure as them? Sounds more like their problem than my problem....

Right? Today was my first day of my stretch. Only 2 of my target species (bass). For roughly 6 hours work. What a grind! But I also caught the most beautifully colored Sheephead (Freshwater Drum) I've ever seen.

Would love to see a photo of your handiwork.

I should also point out that these weights allow you to "tune" the drop on the reel pause by either pushing the weight more forward or back.

Not sure if this is helpful for anyone, but Decoy makes weights that allow any hook to be made into a Flashy Swimmer; the weight has a place to attach spinners.