I use them year round. During open water season I tight line a hali on a 8' bgjp spinning rod and open faced spinning reel with 4lb fire line. Drop it to the bottom, reel up a foot or two and give it a twitch. Usually bait it with a wax worn or red worm. During hard water I use a 4' ice blue rod to tight line. My buddies fish them under bobbers with good success.