Parachute makes a lot of sense.. I can get a better read on the booms when bouncing the bottom and it doesn't fray like wire will from the trolling snap. There's other "benies" like grabing the line...

I use the cast iron weights in rocky areas (Gig Harbor area) where I don't have to fish too deep (no more than 120'). All other areas I stick to the standard lead ball..
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"If you are not scratchin bottom, you ain't fishing deep enough!" -DR

Puget Sound Anglers, Gig Harbor Chapter