Bassin' a Small Local Pond

[Simp]

My girlfriend and I have been breaking from catfishing to try bass fishing. We caught bass on cane poles, trotlines, so we decided to try a bass rig. Well, we're pretty much goin blind here. One of my coworkers has given me several good tips, since he fishes, but I'd like some suggestions from other sources as well. Is there a certain way I need to present the worm on the hook? we have it rigged Texas style, with a 4/0 straight offset hook and a small pinch sinker about 6-8 inches above the hook. The worms are hooked weedless style, and we get a few hits here and there, but we rarely get one good enough to set the hook on. Presentation? Color?

Also, I've tried using some lures like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and specifically a black jitterbug. I'm not exactly sure how I should fish these. Insight?

Thanks in advance to all those who put their 2 cents in.

...Put your 2 cents in, get a penny's worth...either way someone's making a penny. And it's not me...