The front shank acts as a bumper: it hits the bottom before the body does and helps lift the belly hook upon contact. It prevents some snags without turning the lure into a weed-resistant rig.
Retrieve it steadily to maintain a continuous pulsing action, or add a twitch to make it dart aside. Near the bottom, opt for brief contacts rather than a prolonged drag. This small size also allows you to use smaller prey imitations without sacrificing the 14 g casting weight.