Line 6lb Yo Zuri Hybrid though I have used 10lb 100% Flourocarbon in the past-I'm sticking with the Y/Z
Hooks-Daiichi stand out hooks. These ALWAYS stand out. They are what I call a higher profile hook though. Some of the Elite guys use them.
I'm moving away from them and going with a Gamagatzu Octopus hook. Won't stand out as well as the stand out hook, but is a lower profile hook (Less wire)
Like baitcaster mentioned a palamar knot is required (any knot works with the standout hook).
Weight I have been using clip on drop shot weights from various sources. Whoever has them cheapest. I almost always go with a 3/8oz weight. It gets the lure down quick, and help maintain a solid feel with the bottom. Which is ultra important. You need to fee that connection between bottom, hook, and rod so that you KNOW what the lure is doing, when you impart action.
To reduce costs, and eliminate losing weights I'm considering crimp on split shots-IF I can get them in the right size.
I have been using strictly round weights. Pencil weight won't snag weeds as much, but it isn't a huge difference. And I think they eliminate some feel. You no longer have a direct connection to rod/lure/bottom, because that pencil sinker will fall over. You add a hinge point which I don't like.
Lure Experiment.....Any soft worm, that has action without much movement will be pretty decent.
I have my favorites, but don't generally share them with anyone except my brother. :LOL2:
For smallies-less movement, and move more water. That's my tidbit in code. :LOL2:
Other equipment. I only use Pflueger spinning reels, ALWAYS ADD A TINY SWIVEL and I haven't settled on my favorite drop shot rod....I'll probably just settle for now, and have a custom rod built and/or build one myself in a few years.