Are there any experienced breeders here?

Is there a tendency for females to pass on certain traits, eg plant structure, taste, smell, potency, etc.. and vice versa with males? Or is it all completely random? Someone told me males are more likely to pass on smell/flavor and females structure.

as a rule of thumb you would be right, but its still pretty random. females traits can be passed on as well, and not that uncommon either.

really what this gets into is "what is an optimal male to breed with?" and that comes down to many factors and there are quite a few conditions a male can meet that would make me want to breed with it. recessive traits, unusual traits, dominant traits. and what fits in those category requirements can be tough but with this said for every 10 males theres probably 1 worth messing with but really, if your looking for the best of the best .01 out of 10 would be more realistic. also realize both ratios are based on single strain sample.

You gotta study Mendel.

http://anthro.palomar.edu/mendel/mendel_1.htm

It is not as easy as Mendel s theories. Some females will pass on some things some males will simply dominate in hybrids. Really depends on the individual. Honestly the only real way to know is by testing progeny sired from different fathers. You need to really know the plants you making hybrids with...sometimes. haha other times its obvious. 7/ 10 females exhibit the same as mother /father. You get the picture.
Hope that helps

Peace