I have used worms, slug-O's, wacky worms, creature baits, along with other long and slinky baits and have become very comfortable with them but have noticed I have not been using jigs or tubes much at all any more. I want to become a better jig/tube fisherman. When do you use long and slinky vs. short and stubby?

If the bite is good Ill use a longer bait because the fish will get it down enough but if its a slow day you will be less likely to get short strikes with a short bait, jig, tube, etc

I use short, fat, compact lures when I'm flipping and pitching timber, rocks, or structure.  When I'm working grass or really snaggy areas, I'll go with more slender baits.  I don't count soft plastic jerkbaits as being comparible because they are worked differently.

Sometimes you'll just have to play with it to see if short and fat or long and skinny is the game of the day.  Completely different profiles and actions in the water and all.

This sounds more like a question for the ladies  

Just do it & let the bass tell you what they want  

some days they wants one

some days they wants the other.

Many times I have thought, man they'er either biting or they'er not.  And many times I have beem proven wrong.  Me and my partner were fishing in a tourament one day,  we typically fish large worms on structure and were catching the day before.  We weren't getting bit so my partner tied on a jig.  Three fish latter I decided I had betterd tie on a jig if I was going to contribute to the team.  We wound up culling and winning the tournament.  What a learning experience, sometimes you got to change up!  Even if it means laying down your confidence bait.

some days they wants one

some days they wants the other.

and some days they leave you on the couch all by yourself