Hello everyone, i'm new to this forum and pretty new at bass fishing altogether. I wanted to get some tips and some principles you guys go by. My question is how do I determine what type and size hooks and lures to use for different applications. Like what would you recommend using on a Med-hvy and hvy rods with around 15-20 lb test? So if you could just break down how you guys would do to determine what hook style and size with what size lure and reel. I know its a newbie question but I would like to learn as much as I can. If you need to know more just let me know. Thanks

 

That rod you described with 15' test is a pretty good all around rod. I'd use it for buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, rattletraps, squarebills, T-rigs, and smaller jigs. It isn't going to be the best option for all of them but it will work. The size hook will depend on what type of bait you're fishing. I use a 4/0 EWG hook for a vast majority of my T-rig baits but I have them down to 1/0 and up to 11/0.

Thanks for the fast reply, thats exactly what I was looking for. Yeah i just got me an Abu Garcia Revo 3S, and a veritas 7' Hvy rod. Not the most expensive but definitely something to get use too. Also got a few other setups but mainly bigger catfish poles. Another thing i have 15 lb test on the setup i mentioned, how would you personally rig up plastics like a green pumpkin finesse worm? I understand there are other factors to determining what to use but I just want something i can play around with until i get  use to using different setups.  

Finesse worms can be rigged a variety of ways. Personally I prefer them on spinning gear with a shakyhead but if a baitcaster is all you have to work with they can be very effective on a carolina rig also. You can also rig them on a light texas rig, drop shot, wacky rig, splitshot rig, or mojo rig. 

I went fishing yesterday before it stormed and the day before and has great success with a green pumpkin finesse worm on a texas rig. I sat out there for a few hours just trying to get my technique down. Thanks for the advice. Now its time for me to get my plano tackle boxes filled with some crankbaits and what not.

With a heavy rod, I would look at getting some baits like the Zoom Brush Hog, Rage Tail smokin Rooster, Rage Lobster, Rage anaconda. You could use a 4/O or 5/O hook with any of these.  If you are using smaller baits like a Baby Brush Hog, Lizard, rage craw, Zoom U-Tail worm, I would downgrade to a 2/o or 3/o hook.  Smaller baits will be tough to throw on the Heavy rod but you could go down to the 1/o.  If you throw a hook that is too big, it may hinder the action of the bait. 

Alright thanks man I've been having good success with a lil heavier baits with a 4/0 hook. I just bought me some crankbaits as well just some square bill and some lipless ones to get use to. I got sizes anywhere from 1/2 oz, 5/8 oz, 3/4 oz and even 1 oz. Do you think all these weights will perform good on a hvy rod or do you think the 1/2 oz will hurt my ability to get a hook set? Thanks.