Piking with Mice ?

Hi all,

I bought this little fella today.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/dwbrown/mouse.jpg
I quite often see pike and chub taking stuff from the surface of the weir
pools where we fish.
So, I'm after a bit of advice on how to use it and get it out there in the
middle - PS - Its bouyant and floats.
I'm kinda guessing a zeppler style float with a couple of swanshot a lá
deadbaiting with pike float.
Then slowly bring it back across an leave it close in to where the pike hang
out.
Any tips welcome, has anyone else used these with any success ?
I also notice there is some line tyed to the eye (or should that be nose)
whice is braided round on to the hook shank - see picture ?
Any idea what thats for ?

Cheerz - Brownz
http://fishing.brownz.org/