Hi Kevin. I use Mudbugs and they work fine. They dive much deeper than a similar size Hot-n-Tot. I prefer the Hot-n-Tot because it doesn't rattle. When I pull diver and bait, I am not sure the rattle is needed or in some cases wanted. I use the medium size Hot-n-Tot more than the large size. Mudbugs also pull more on your rod than Hot-n-Tots, so they are probably better on a Salmon rod than a Steelhead rod. They pull in between a Hot-n-Tot and a #10 Jet Diver. I saw how they rigged them in STS magazine and have never tried it that way. I use the method Bob describes on his techniques area on this board.

As for the availabilty, they are much harder to find that Hot-n-Tots. They are manufactered by Arbogast, and from what I have heard, have been discountinued. Maybe the article will convince Arbogast to reconsider. I purchased mine from Fisherman's Marine in Portland way back. Hope this helps.