I must be really old? I remember when nail weights were actually nails! or small screws. Senkos work, as does the wacky rig, just a different presentation of a plastic worm? I think the salt content of some of those soft plastics makes them prone to rearing up easily, and sticking a hook in the middle without an O ring or strap just makes it worse?
Search ebay for VIENNA NASAL SPECULUM and you can find a strap tool (Stainless steel medical grade) 3 of them for less than the plastic strap tool.