Bites can be subtle or savage. The plus is the angler is always in contact with the bottom. A downside, especially with longer leaders and the slipping egg sinker, is if there is slack in the line a fish may swim away with the worm and spit it out. It also can swallow the lure, embedding the hook in its throat. That's where practice and confidence plays a key role.
Some anglers use light-wire hooks.
Burying the hook, Texas-rig style, keeps the hook from snagging on vegetation. I don't know what it is about it, but it will catch the fool out of fish. Alan Clemons has been the Outdoors Editor for The Times since 1994. To submit a question or comment to Alan Clemons click here .