I know theres a lot of threads about this but no one ever answers how long should the line be from the swivel and the hook and what size weight is the ave. to use on it

Leader:

At least a foot; generally 18-24"; sometimes more!

Weight:

At least 1/4 oz; I prefer 1/2 oz egg or barrel

weight; lots of guys use an ounce or more!

This should help:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1120348381

8-)

thank you for the link it did help a lot but do you keep the bait on the bottom or is it used to just keep the bait lower in the water column or both and if so in what kind of situation do use each approach

For me the most important thing is to maintain bottom contact.

Seriously...DO NOT SWING YOUR ROD STRAIGHT OVERHEAD...

Cast either sidearm or at 2:00. The lure and weight should have a trajectory

OUTSIDE your right shoulder. Also, "cast" the weight, not the bait. Start with

the weight hanging down 6-8" below the rod tip. Cast using a smooth motion,

allowing your rod to load on the backswing.

Two more suggestions:

(1)  Use more weight than you think you need. I like 1/2 oz egg weights.

(2)  Move your bait with a horizontal sweep, not a vertical lift. The sweep

causes your bait to be lifted off the bottom. A vertical lift raises your sinker,

but only moves the bait forward, not up.

  8-)