Or is it necessary to have the weights with the hole all the way through? I want a little wire on each side of the weight since it looks like it may get hit, so I will have to crimp the wire on each end of the weight if I go with the weights in the link above. Obviously the thru-hole weights would be better and less crimping, but would these weights work as well or am I missing something?
Most tackle shops, including West Marine, sell actual trolling weights with cable running through them. You can get them up to 48 and 64 ounces. Most people will slide a big skirt or squid over the weight and then make their loops/crimps/connections. They will definitely get hit at some point.
Get up with Jeremy at Atlantic Game and Tackle or Robert over at West Ashley Haddrell’s and they can give you the abc’s. Lots of options, just Google it. Patrick at Leadbandit.com has some weights as well as Captain Harry’s, Pinnacle Marine, and others on Ebay. The ones with the wire running through work better, but what you are showing will work, just not the best option in my opinion.
They may work fine. They may not. I prefer the cable going all the way through the weight rather than molded in eyes. If one of those eyes pulls out or breaks, how much did you save?
High speeding is tough on tackle and your wallet. Try to eliminate any weak links you can.
As far as budget lures, we have caught them on 20$ wahoo Wackers.
Cowbells, mr big, islanders on squid skirts work great. There are a ton of lures out there that will work.