Paste can be used on rod and line, but for it to withstand the impact of hitting the water while being towed by a big lead it needs to be sticky.
This is easy to achieve, and there are several purpose-made paste mixes for this job. Follow the mixing instructions carefully with these baits, as the paste needs time to form strands of gluten that bind it together.
You can tell when the paste is ready to use as it will be almost stringy when you pull it apart.
A hair rig will also help you hook more fish when legering paste. Try moulding the bait around a paste cage, as this will keep it attached without impeding the hookpoint.