What about the ol' Slap BASS????
Slap bass will bring out the Tonal Quality of a bass alot better than picking or using your fingers. Hitting with the thumb will give you a nice boom sound, while popping will bring out the crispness of the tone. Choosing? Wouldn't it depend on what kind of sound you want. I would learn all the techniques just like you do on guitar!
"My whole life is a dark room...ONE BIG DARK ROOM" - a.f.i.