I actually have a lot of luck casting them, following them to the bottom on a slack line and ripping them as soon as they hit the bottom, repeat all the way to the boat and then hop them several times directly under the boat to give any followers a chance to commit. Some of my biggest smallmouth every year are caught doing that along with some stout white bass and walleyes and an occasional monster crappie.

 

Give the Sworming Hornet/ LFT Live Magic Shad a try. This specific retrieve is critical: Allow the lure to fall on slack line.

When it hits the bottom reel up quickly, but DO NOT lift your rod. Repeat the free-fall and reel up quickly. The strike will

occur on the fall 100% of the time.

Give the Sworming Hornet/ LFT Live Magic Shad a try. This specific retrieve is critical: Allow the lure to fall on slack line.

When it hits the bottom reel up quickly, but DO NOT lift your rod. Repeat the free-fall and reel up quickly. The strike will

occur on the fall 100% of the time.

What rod/reel/line combo do you fish that on? I've tried that rig and have had less than spectacular results. I feel I might be fishing it on the wrong (to heavy) gear though. 

Fish it on the rig that you fish weighted plastics. Mine is a BCR893/ Curado 50E/ Yo-Zuri #12.