I mostly use Roboworms or Zoom Trick worms. And I never use anything longer than 6"

ZZ lures 4" & 6" shakers... They are the bomb!!

what is the ideal hook size or does that depend type of rigging (Texas or nose hook)

Best Drop Shot worm out there for finicky or lethargic bass, IMO

Robo or chompers

The hook depends on the size of plastics you are using and the type of cover you are fishing.

I use a size 2 to a 1/O VMC spinshot nose hook most of the time.
If I am going to fish around brush or a larger worm I switch to the VMC spinshot widegap in 1/O to 3/O and TX rig the worm.

This is why this forum is awesome. A new fisherman can get on the water or go shopping with a better plan. This site allows us non pros to make a dollar last longer. Thanks for all the great info.

zoom magnum shakey head worm

Not sure what advice you have gotten but if your gonnna be casting the drop shot ratcher than vertical fishing. Dont waste your time with these spin shot hooks and the other small finesse style hooks. Get a size 1 or 1/0 Owner emg hook and texas righ your zoom finesse worm, e2 needle worm, or robo worm. Your hook up percentage will be allot better and this hook will actually stick in the big fish. I use this set up all over texas throwing 20lb braid with 10lb-15lb floro leader.

Finesse Worm

V&M Pork Pin in 6" or 8", V&M Shakey Shad, or a V&M Baby Crazy Craw.

Jackall Cross Tail Shad, Reaction Innovations Flirt.

The Zoom Z Drop has been good to me this year, but any finesse worm will work.

Someone said this already, but don't do the nose hook thing. Get a 1/0 hook and Texas Rig your bait. It is much more effective.