Quote Originally Posted by gpnfish
Some people cut pieces of lead wire off and tie them on top of the shank, as opposed to wrapping the shank. This sort-of keel-weights the fly and causes it to ride hook-up, as the extra weight on top flips the fly over on its back. Like I said, I have never done this but I have heard about it.
I have done this and it does work. Its just another method for positioning weight. Positioning the weight at various points on the hook shank does make a difference in fly action and how much weight is put on the hook for sink rates.