7 hours ago, J Francho said:

I don't think I've ever put any thought into having a "go to" weight.  I just fish.

I'm with JF.  I use everything from weightless senkos to 1/32 Ned rigs to 4.3" Keitech Swing Impact Fats on a 1/2 oz VMC Swinging Rugby Head.  And all catch fish from the same spot. 

Lighter is often fine if the water is calm and fishing close to shore.  Heavier works to keep baits pinned and crawling slow along the bottom.

Topwater from shore it’s my 5/8 oz bps Topnocker. It’s the farthest lure I can cast. Usually 2” crankbaits, 1/8 oz, 3/16oz, 1/4 oz in-line spinners and spinnerbaits. Jigs are 3/8 oz. My Carolina rig is 1/8oz. From shore I keep it light. My rules do change with inline spinners like mepps Angelia. I go from a #3 to a #4  or #5 depending on conditions.

3/8oz on calm days is a good baseline to start, going heavier based on the conditions and contour of the lake.  

From shore, I routinely use finesse tactics. In fact, I don't know why I even use casting gear anymore. My baits range from 1/16oz flick shakes to Ned rigs with 1/16, weightless trick worms, all on 12lb Nanofil and a light fluoro leader.