I guess Im confused with your question. Are you interested in just catching bass, or do you want to target primarilly large bass?

If you want to start learning how to throw swimbaits, I do not reccommend that you start with a mission fish. It can be very difficult to hook fish with that bait. But, if your chosen locations are completely weed choked, and youre hell bent on throwing big baits, then the mission fish might be your only option.

Personally, if you want to start down the road to swimbaiting success, I suggest you start with the slammer. Throw it out, wake it back slowly on the surface, and wait for a fish to slam it. Its that simple. And your son could use it as well, as long as he can cast it. Pick your choice of sizes. Plus, that bait really shines at night. Mix it up with the mission fish just for variety. Once you feel comfortable with those baits, then you can start exploring with other baits, and start fine tuning bait selection to conditions.

Same thing with your gear. Your gear, Im sure, will work for throwing the big baits. But once you start getting in to it you likely will want gear a little more geared towards swimbaiting for largemouth.

Good luck, and be patient with yourself when learning to swimbait.