NewCrappie15...I use 4lb test on mine and you can feel even the smallest of strikes. I don't usually use a bobber when I am fishing with a jig, but when I do, I slowly reel it back in (mainly using the bobber as a weight to get the cast a further distance, particularly if it is windy out). If you reel it in and stop every few feet, it allows the jig to sink, but you don't have to worry about it getting snagged on something on the bottom. It's also fun seeing the bobber get pulled under if its a particularly larger fish.

Using the light at night is something I've wanted to do for a while, but like you, just haven't handed over the money for. I saw an episode of Outdoor Oklahoma where they did that at Eufala though and did pretty well. You can still watch that segment on youtube if you search for it.