Hi, new here. How is everyone? So recently I’ve been doing some fishing with my boys in some local lakes. They are really interested in learning how to fish. So I took them the other day, and they caught a few bass. I have 2 questions. 
 

1. They are using a “OWNER #1 size hook” with a bob, no split shots. Not sure about line. They are baiting with live shiners. Is that the best way, or should I get some lures and let them try that?

 

2. What kind of bass are they catching? Pictures below. Thx guys. 

Welcome to the Forum! Largemouth Bass and what I believe is a Tilapia. There are hundreds of ways to catch Bass. More info would be useful. Where you live, Fish, tackle etc. Live bait fishing is only 1 technique. Hundreds of videos to watch and get started, ENJOY.

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos

They are doing fine although lures can also be effective and less hassle maintaining. Would suggest the instruction videos Glenn does on bass resource as a good hands on learning tool. Have fun fishing and learning with them........a great way to bond and have quality time together. I speak from experience and my best fishing partner is my Son ?

Dr. google agrees that is a tilapia. 

I’d say the first pic is a nice bass! 

Last pic is a nice-sized Mayan Cichlid. I'm guessing you're located in south Florida?

Shiners are great live bait for bass and the best for peacocks from what I'm told. Some people enjoy chunking and winding artificials. It's really up to you to decide if you want to go down that rabbit hole. Once you start it gets addictive and you can never buy enough tackle.

i ain’t caught a bass that big in a couple years ?

1 hour ago, the reel ess said:

Once you start it gets addictive and you can never buy enough tackle.

 

I told myself when I started out bass fishing that I would only buy what I need as I need it. Turns out, "need" is a pretty flexible term in this hobby....?

33 minutes ago, Aaron_H said:

 

I told myself when I started out bass fishing that I would only buy what I need as I need it. Turns out, "need" is a pretty flexible term in this hobby....?

Just do yourself a favor and don't add up the receipts whatever you do, you'll probably stroke out on us.

1 hour ago, Aaron_H said:

 

I told myself when I started out bass fishing that I would only buy what I need as I need it. Turns out, "need" is a pretty flexible term in this hobby....?

I justify it by not having an expensive boat.

Remember   The best lures always catch the fisherman first.    ?