Using a soft plastic the thump is nuts. It tightens up when a firm plastic is used. Since the plastic likes to be neutrally bouyant, I started testing this bait using a 1/4 ounce head, but 3/8 does better by it. I haven't hung this one vertically so I can't go there. I plan to soak this extensively in Lake Superior next month and will let ya'll know how cold water affects things. I'm assuming not much.