A buddy gave me one of these to try out for him, yet I can't get the lure to do anything.  If you use a fast retrieve, the whole lure "helicopters".  The only thing I can do is slow roll it along the bottom.  I tried several different plastics on the shank and the helicoptering continues.

Anyone use these and have any tips?

I use those a lot as drop bait along bluff and rip raps ( cast, let it sink til it hits, lift the rod and allow to fall again until it hits ) also I mid stroll them with small twitches while retrieving or jig off the bottom with them.

Maybe a swivel would help....just a guess. I've never used one of those.