What size weight works best? I have very little experience using these rigs. Thanks in advance for the tips.

I use the smallest I can get away with. Basically the same size u would use for a shakey head. 1/8-1/4 depending on wind and depth. But then I'm comfortable enough with my manhood to use spinning gear.

Just get different sizes of the lead basscasting sinkers in the catfish section. The ones with the brass eye loops. Work just as good as the other high dollar ones. That way when you loose one your not out a lot of money. The weight will be dependent on how deep and how light of line and how clear your lake is. Start out with 1/8 and work up. I typically use 3/16 but I am fishing Rayburn and am using 10-12 lb test.

I seen a drop-shot rig Ike was using one time on the Hudson River in NY and it was a trip...there was like four 1/4 maybe 3/8oz tear drop sinkers tied together and then about 8 to 9 inches above that was his bait...didn't talk to him about it but I imagine he could make a ruckus on the bottom with that...so best advice to you is experiment and see what works best for you...

12 lbs. line = 3/16 oz.
10 lbs. or less = 1/8 oz.

Good rule of thumb to go by.

Thanks for the tips. I was wondering about using the casting sinkers with the brass eyes. Sure would hate to break off a nice tungsten weight.

All I use is 1/4, I prefer the Picasso Tungsten weights for added sensitivity