At that depth I'd go 2 or 3oz jighead with a 7inch or even 9inch Mcarthy plastic. Dont use any additional weights. If the wind is up and drift is too quick for that weight jighead then most people will probably go to a jig. Easiest way to figure it all out is advertise a deckie spot for a day and mention you want to learn about using artificials.
Alot of blokes on this forum really know their stuff, im still learning myself!

So much easier cleaning the boat at the end of the day too!

 In 45m I would prefer to use jigs, unless there's no drift at all.

More to it than just depth, what's the drift like? what pe line do you run? what strength leader & how long? 

I always try with plastics & jigs to fish as light as the terrain + drift allows, on occasion got plastics down to 60 but generally 45 is the limit with the average of conditions & ground in SW

 It's worth a try if you want to get hooked on fishing artificials :) it's no secret that they work well. Definately worth fishing at 45m, just depends on how fast your drift is as to what jig or plastic you can use. I would be trying 80-150gram jigs, 2-3oz jig heads for the plastics. The Nitro Elevator jig heads work great in the deeper depths.

Thanks all for the tips, you pretty much have answered all of the questions I have had regarding jigs and plastics, just wondering if there are any colours that are proven and work better?

I like white, both in mcarthy and zman. Pretty sure the zman white is a glow too. And white for sambos in that depth aswell.

Sorry guys, but can I ask what hook size you guys are going for with the larger jig heads? And what size would you recommend for around 25metres?

Steve

 5/0 or 6/0 but they come in all different sizes, just make sure the shank of the hook matches the size baits you intend on using. Otherwise you may need to cut a fraction off so they swim properly. Im usually around 25-30m and start with 1/2 ounce then change depending conditions. Just remember the more natural the bait looks the better chance you have 

Thanks for that. Think my main problem is lack of time on the water!!

Ok, there is days when bait catches more.

But there has been to many times when 'fresh' bait was in the water on 3 rods = 6 baits and the plastic has caught all the fish.

I put this down to the fish arent eating but they smash lures out of aggressiveness over the movement