Depending on where you are fishing, I've used Rooster tails down to 1/16" oz, all the way up to 1/4 oz. Same with Panther Martins and Mepps. As for swivels, I agree, go with the smaller sizes. You want the flash and action at the spinner, but you also want it to keep spinning without ending up with a lot of line twist, too. I've had trout, bass, pan fish, even in salt water, go after the swivel if it's too flashy. Colors and finishes - too many variables. Bright days, I tend to stick with brass and darker colors. Overcast days, I go with something with more flash or color. But there are times when it pays to watch what the fish are going after, too. Over in central Oregon, sometimes matching spinner body color with whatever bugs are landing on the water can produce big results. Stocker lakes - it's pretty much whatever they aren't getting bombarded with - or more of the same. Keep your tackle pretty siimple and light, too. Too heavy of line takes a lot out of the action of your offering and limits your casting distance. Any time now most of the stores will be running their trout specials, so stock up on spinners, dough baits, Pautzke eggs, etc. Mad River also puts out some styrofoam beeds that you can use to help float your baits, too. Hope this helps.
Slo