Fisheromen:

I use about a three foot lead to a swivel and weight, which is about 1/4 oz sliding weight on the main line. I seldom snag bottom and I start retrieving when it hits the water.

Gottagofishin:

I have to disagree with you about the fish being snagged in the mouth - but the reality is how could an angler possibly know if the fish hit the lure or got flossed? The only gauge that I can use is that 95% of the fish I catch are hooked in the mouth. I find it hard to believe that those fish are all getting snagged on the inside corners of their mouths. Also, I've had days where I couldn't buy a fish with my setups (which is darn frustrating with all those fish around). So the open mouth theory I can't buy (but I will conceed that some may be sagged that way).
I will agree with you that when you fish there you have to have the right attitude and take it for what it's worth. It's a fun time but hardly serious fishing. I look forward to it and am not ashamed of enjoying it.