Snook, seatrout, redfish, tarpon and jacks have all fallen victim to the Straw Boss. Because of its swaying motion, most strikes occur on the initial fall, and when stripped, the bullet-shaped head pushes water just as a finger mullet might.
The straw boss had the job of leading the field, and all choppers or "hoe'ers," as some were called, were expected to maintain a steady gait and not lag behind.