It makes sense every now and then to try something different.  Almost 90% of my fish come on spinner baits and T-rigs.  Last year I started learning to fish a jig, that would account for the other 10%.  This year I've decided to try the Carolina rig.  I've been reading as much as I can in the old forum logs, but had a couple of questions still.  One thing that popped up a lot was the hook set.  Everyone was saying to use a sweeping hook set as apposed to the over the head move.  Why is this?  Can someone please define the sweeping hook set to me?  Another question I had was is there any difference in the way a bite feels than from say a T-rig?  And last but not least, how to retrieve?  My best guess was more or less a stop go sweeping of the rod.  Thanks in advance for all the help.

Everyone was saying to use a sweeping hook set as apposed to the over the head move. Why is this? Can someone please define the sweeping hook set to me?

A sweeping hook set is just what it sounds like. You sweep the rod left to right or right to left. It's easier to hook the fish. If you were to set the hook by yanking the rod straight up, all you are doing is lifting the weight.

Another question I had was is there any difference in the way a bite feels than from say a T-rig?

Usually it feels like a steady tug.

And last but not least, how to retrieve?

I usually pull it about 3-4 feet, then stop. I keep repeating that.