Which do you guys have more success with? It seems like I can only get bites if I never stop moving the bait

My best success usually happens on the initial splash down. However, i tend to walk it a few times then let it sit, the bass will usually hit it right when you pause. It all depends on the day though. Sometimes they will want it nonstop retrieve and other days you have to use a stop and go

Which do you guys have more success with? It seems like I can only get bites if I never stop moving the bait

First couple of years only got bites on the initial splashdown. Now getting on both. I also find I only get bites on steady walk the dog. However, I did have a northern smash if, I set the hook, didn't get it, I let it sit there in the water and after a few seconds gave it a twitch and it smashed it again and I caught it.

IF they are schooling, working it as fast and erratic as possible. If I'm just fishing a flat or shoreline then I almost always have my best luck with this retrieve. 

 

Left, right, left

3 second pause

right left

3 second pause

right, left, right

3 second pause

etc 

 

If I get one to strike and miss then I do two-three quick jerks and a pause (doesnt have to walk), then walk it once trying to make it spin all the way around (chances are the fish is staring at the bait). They usually take it then. 

I'm different than the other responses, as Iv had very few hit mine on the initial drop. I do however catch the vast majority of mind on a steady walking retrieve.

Depends what the fish want i seen um just want it twitched to really fast or used like a popper

The retrieve depends on the mood of the fish

No one answer here

Sometime the aggressive fish will take the initial splashdown.. no retrieve needed

Ive caught them on initial splash, steady, pause, and crazy erratic.. depends on mood and conditions

The retrieve depends on the mood of the fish

No one answer here

Sometime the aggressive fish will take the initial splashdown.. no retrieve needed

Ive caught them on initial splash, steady, pause, and crazy erratic.. depends on mood and conditions

I didn't ask what retrieve to use, I simply asked what retrieve you have the most success with because I was curious... So there can be one answer haha

All of the above along with changing speed and cadence. If the fish seem to show a preference for a steady or stop and go, that's what I'll continue to use until it stops producing.  One thing I ALWAYS do is pause when my Spook reaches cover as I cast past my intended target whenever possible. 

The one thing I see many anglers do is work a Spook too fast.  Unlike a PopR, you'll get more blow ups and better hook ups with a moderate to slow retrieve.

for freshwater stop n go. for saltwater never stop.

I never stop moving a spook, I do vary the speed greatly though. Sometimes I fish it so slow it almost stops, but not quite. 

I didn't ask what retrieve to use, I simply asked what retrieve you have the most success with because I was curious... So there can be one answer haha

No Answer

Equally successful cause the fish mood changes.. I cover alot of water this time of year with wtd and lots of times they hit it right after splashdown

I never stop moving a spook, I do vary the speed greatly though. Sometimes I fish it so slow it almost stops, but not quite.

X2

One very exciting and successful cadence for any topwater bait can be to work the bait with a walking action, and then stop the bait and let it soak, maybe 30-45 seconds, get a drink of Gator Aid out of the cooler.  Some times as soon as you make the first movement of the bait to restart its walking action you will get a violent explosion that will darn near scare you.   Good times.......

For schooling bass chasing shad I will work it fast with few if any pauses. If they are feeding on bluegill and other panfish, lots of pauses.

What papajoe said, I always pause it at anything that might be holding a fish.  I throw a sammy and not a spook.