Sometimes I'll throw my jitterbug out and it'll not crawl side to side, rather, it seems to just skim the surface and not do anything. This happens most of the time on a long cast when the line is lying on the water. As soon as the line picks up off the water from between the rod tip and the lure, it starts crawling and having the correct action.

 

Also, sometimes during the retrieve it will appear to glide across the surface of the water for a foot or two, then start crawling again.

 

I have the 2" version.

 

What causes this? My gut tells me it has something to do with the line tie in the blade. Is there any tricks to tuning it?

@Bazoo  I have the same experience.  I've tried fooling with the line tie and the blade but haven't found a solution.  Also, Lunkerhunt makes a Yappa Bug soft bodied frog with a Jitterbug blade.  It is a smaller bait that I use in the weedy lakes I fish.  It does the same thing you describe!

Maybe it has something to do with the speed of the retrieve, too slow or too fast messes it up.

Jiggerbugs, ploppers, buzzbaits and wake baits/wakecranks all need a high rod tip and the line off the water.  On top of that, jitterbugs need a slower retrieve.  The smaller the jitterbug the slower the retrieve to keep it working.  If the line tie is binding up (it will get stuck at an angle) you can put a split ring on it or use a loop knot and that will minimize the effect.