I think the rattle is condition dependent. If the fish are skittish or the water is gin clear, then I throw a jig w/o the rattle. If they are aggressive, the water is stained, or you have low light conditions I believe the rattle serves the purpose of attracting fish from a further distance. It would give them one more sense to use to key in on the bait. I also use a scented trailer most of the time. Uncle Josh made some plastic/pork leeches that I really liked but I can't find them anymore. I had to switch to the Powerbait leech that doesn't seem to have as much action, but it does have plenty of scent.