>>597256My friends and I do this, we all use a different lure, that being said. this thing has never failed on me. Rebel Tennessee Shad. I have caught every freshwater fish under the sun with this fucking thing. It's always my first go-to.
Also I think perfecting retrieval makes you LOSE fish, there is a truth to beginners luck, you almost always catch more fish when you aren't confident, as the confidence can be translated by your lure.
Another thing to remember, when its hot outside, retrieve fast! when it's cold try a slow retrieve.
A great technique which I use involves cranking your lure really fast for 5 seconds AS SOON AS IT HITS THE WATER, the splash makes it look like the fish was chased, and narrowly escaped. After the initial fast crank, retrieve at a medium speed, stop for a second or two, then retrieve quickly, then slowly without stopping. It's like the fish is hurt from a predators attempt at a meal. I always try to watch new fishers casting lures, as they never really ever use the same retrieve speed the entire time for each cast, this can translate into a scared, hurt, fish which is trying to escape a predator.
Fish are also more apt to make random movements, so try changing retrieve direction mid retrieve if fish aren't biting, and when jigging always change your jig pace, and intervals.
Predators won't be interested if the lure is doing the same thing over and over and over again.
Think like a fish. Fish like a novice.