I carry them in my kayak at all times,Ive never fished them under a cork,I always do well using a thin wire long shank hook.My favorite way is to slip the kayak into range,and anchor off,I like telescoping rods up to 14' long,with equal amount of line,A simple flip,swing,or overhand toss puts the cricket where it needs be.
Once cast,I let the lure slowly sink,giving it a subtle twitch every foot or so it drops.Same thing on the retrieve,works very well for me.