I used a small split shot 12" above the hook for years until the drop shot. As small as you can cast. Sometimes the bite is on the fall and a big gill cant stand a slow falling bait! High vis line helps detect the falling bites. The drop shot is very effective around docks and structure as you can pitch it very accurately. It also sets the table for the fish a few inches off the bottom.
Hope that helps. Just experiment till you find what they want that day. It will change.