i use 1/8'' heat shrink tubeing about 3/8'' long w/ a 45 deg.angle on the top end.i put a thin line of super glue on shank before shrinking.as for technique each day is different especially in the summer and if its a lake where they pull water.most times they hit it on the fall,one would be surprised how many fish they miss by not detecting the bite on the fall.many times it fills like a tick on the way down.once it reaches the bottom i will shake it a couple times,then a couple yo-yo's then bring it up and bang it on the mat a time or two. once you get bit you can tell how they want it and eliminate a step or two to save time.the presentation is a rythem deal,its something that has to be developed to the fishes liking.only time flippin perfects this and after awhile becomes second nature.