I've never tried a weighted float. I would guess the bubble float is preferred because it is clear and the fish's attention is drawn to the bright colored straw instead of the float. The weight of the bubble float is also adjustable, depending on how much water you put in it. I have also seen colored bubble floats, but I always use clear because I would think you would get a lot of cutoffs due to fish hitting the float instead of the straw. I normally catch more spanish with a fast steady retrieve, but have also seen people using popping corks do well too.