Although many people might think of them as a bed bait,I have used them successfully in several different presentations. You can use them very effectively like a crank bait (I heard the older versions used to roll if you tried to burn them, but I have never had a problem at any speed with the ones I own)...I also rip them like a jerk bait...they can be slow rolled over vegation in deep water like a large spinner-bait...and I have fished them in 20+ feet of water much like I would a jig with a subtle lift and fall action. Try it in shallow clear water and you will be amazed at the action. When I fish them in and/or near dense cover I do not use a treble on the belly ring...otherwise I do. I have caught some nice fish pitching them into holes in thick cover. I use the same technique with Matt's BabyBass and I really like the way it spirals down.
I started fishing the bluegills extensively after post spawn (prior to that I was using them as a bed bait) last spring and since then I have caught hundreds of bass on them. Last July alone I caught 74 bass over four pounds on the bluegill baits. I started fishing the BabyBass late this summer and I have been very successful with those baits also.
I NEVER go on the water without each one tied on. There are days when they are the only baits I use.