These are a neat option to add to your tackle arsenal. A lot of weight can be added to a very slim profile and that profile can be laid atop a mat of weeds or can be jiggled to fall into the midst of them. I have to admit I didn't get to test them real world as the ice is still thick in these parts, but I have a 75gallon tank and it half that tank I have a 4inch mat of floating plants that are hard to penetrate. I threw the weight there and jiggle the line a little and it slipped down into the undergrowth were it was immediately hit upon by my mob of war-mouths. Since a war-mouth and a bass are very similar, I was impressed. No I didn't add a hook. I will be using these this spring and I expect good things. 2 things I have concerns about are: 1. The metal leader inside the weight system. It's a minor issue, but some of the ends weren't trimmed as good as they could be. Watch out for this, but it's an easy fix, snip snip and it's no longer an issue. 2. To change the weight of the salamander system you have tied on isn't as easy as it might seem, though I imagine it will get easier with use and familiarity. All in all a very nice product that I look forward to using a lot more. Not only do I think these will be great for finesse Caroline and texas rig, I think it will be great for crappie fishing and for big cats. Recommend you try them at least once. They have a January sale on the model 144 which is adjustable in the following range 0.70, 0.60, 0.45, and 0.35 ounces. and is 4 inches long. They also have free shipping for any orders over 25.00 and they have a package deal that contains 2 each of the 2 inch 4 inch and 6 inch models. The 2 inch model 1/4 oz all the way up to the 6 inch model which is adjustable up to 1 oz. Dug