You can use the weighted head or nail weight one end of your worm/stick bait. Its a finesse application that can be used at any time. I have limited success mostly during post spawn into early summer.

Experiment and see what works best for you. Try different combinations of hook size, wieght size and plastic. I use light line like 6-8 pound FC on a casting rod. I mostly use 5" Senko's without the o-ring. I just pin it through the plastic using a drop shot style hook (like an Owner Mosquito) or a weedless hook.