These threads are like finding the perfect jerkbait set up, no concensus. For me... and I Carolina Rig 8 months a year on Champlain and the St Lawrence, a LONG rod for moving a ton of line on the hook set and easier casting long leaders. Main line I go with Fluoro, less stretch than mono and waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more durable than braid being dragged over mussel covered bottoms. Weights the Phenix Finesse or Rockcrawler weights depending on the bottom the slender profile truly comes through cover better.  Leader, mono to a worm hook (Not EWG).  I pre-tie hook to leader to swivel and put them on wraps.  Then keep spare parts inside the wrap.

Personal set up:

NFC HM 807 spiral wrapped.

Tatula HD 

20lb Seguar Abrazx

Spro swivel, bead and Phenix Weight

12-17lb mono leader.

 

Good for 1/2 - 1 oz weighted rigs in 1-50' 

 

 

 

 

16 hours ago, Catt said:

Don't shy away from lighter weights & shallow water. Down here we throw 3/8 or 1/2 oz weights in water less than 15' during pre-spawn. We still throw lizards, baby brush hogs, & French Fries.

Last summer I did well on Carolina rig in Michigan and never went heavier than 3/8.  I’m 3/8 tungsten 3/8 worm sinker, braid to bead, swivel,

to 14 lbs mono, and either 3/0 or 4/0 hook 
 

I had tried to use it before but, heavier 3/4-1oz weights and all I did was just dredge up a gob of weeds.  Seems like all the stuff that I would read on the internet keeps saying use the heavier weight.