I think you CAN fish them TOO slow .... if you aren't reeling them in fast enough to make the blade spin !! For most all of the 30+ years, that I've been throwing RR's, a straight cast and retrieve method has worked for me.Originally Posted by kyron4
You can fish them too fast, though ... and it's easy to tell, when you do. The RR will come in laying on its side, or nearly so, especially with the smaller versions (1/32oz).
If the RR is upright, and the blade is spinning, then you're reeling it at the right speed IMHO. There's a small window of retrieve speed, between too slow and fast enough to make them turn on their side. Your reel's retrieve speed ratio, and how fast you crank the handle, determine how fast they will go. Best you can do, to determine if your RR is "upright and blade is spinning", is to cast out a short distance - in water clear enough to see the RR - and then just experiment
Will you catch fish on a RR, that's being reeled in too slow to make the blade spin ... probably. But, then you're really just fishing with a "jig" (that just happens to have a blade tucked under its body) :p I think you'll do much better with one, if you determine the retrieve speed that makes the RR's blade spin, but doesn't turn on its side.
I don't add any "jiggles or jerks", when RR slinging .... with, maybe the exception of a quick little jerk once the RR starts sinking in the water. And, the only reason I do this, is to shake the blade loose and start it spinning. Occasionally, the blade may get tangled or tucked into the RR body (from the cast, splashdown, or when sinking). That little jerk usually frees the blade.
I've "always" got a RR on at least one rod I have with me. I can't even tell you the number of Crappie I've caught on them. And I've also caught many other species on them, too. I like 'em in 1/32 & 1/16oz ... solid pink, solid chartreuse, and Peacock (teal body/char tail) ... marabou type.
--note: Peacock has been discontinued (per Blakemore) - solid pink isn't offered any longer, either ... or, at least, I can't find them. I got Oregon Slabman to make me some up .... and he did a great job, too !!
......... luck2ya ... cp