I usually fish for red drum with paddle-tail plastic baits. When I put them on jig heads though, the baits can drag through the weeds. Rigging on worm hooks keeps the weeds off, but I lose the weight needed for casting and working the baits in current. To add weight when needed, I bring a small assortment of nails on board and slide one or more into the head of the plastic bait. I may also slide a small nail into the bait's tail, which creates more action and keeps the bait from nose-diving.

Mark Essick
Melbourne, Florida