I have a Boone Needlefish. It was a big waste of money if you ask me. The hooks are inferiour looking, and the thing looks like it could snap if a fish grabbed it. Maybe it is wired through, I don't know. For being so light, it casts pretty well. I can't tell you how to work them because I don't know. I was told to reel it in slowly at night when sandeels are around.
If I were to buy one, I would buy a Hab's or a Gibbs. I think Gibbs makes a needlefish. Those lures look bulkier and stronger. I know Gibbs does the through wiring thing too. That's a big selling point for me at least.
As for weights, I don't know as well as color.
One more thing. I saw it mentioned on another site but they said that Needlefish make good plugs for eelskin rigs. I don't know if it is true or not, just passing the information along.
Patrick