Bean sinkers are popular for running sinker rigs, where the main line is threaded through the sinker and left unattached, so it can move more freely. Bean sinkers are often preferred over ball sinkers because of the twin attributes of being a good casting shape but with better bottom-holding characteristics than the ball sinker, due to the bean's flat sides. They are often positioned either running directly to the hook, or restricted to running along the main line above a swivel connection.