ive grown up in a pan fishing family. ive looking to branch out and learn to bass fish the lake, i can bass fish in ponds, but ive learned that bass at the lake is a different ball game. if anyone could give me some advice such as what to look for when choosing a spot to fish at the lake, and what to throw in different water and weather conditions. Any advice would be helpful. 

Bass are bass. They need cover and food.  So look for areas that have ample cover with some structure and has some forage.   You say you came from a panfishing family, find the bluegills, you will likely find the bass just outside of them.