No, there really isn't any set in stone rules about fall rate ... too many variables (current, wind, line type, line diameter, jig mass/size/weight, jig falling on freeline or swinging back on taut line, etc).Originally Posted by FisherMike
I cast & retrieve, on most occasions ... swimming the jig back, with a very slow retrieve. A 1/16oz weedless jighead/plastic tube on 4lb test mono, seems to sink at about that rate you quoted ... 1ft/sec. ... but, I usually cast well beyond my intended target, and allow the jig to slowly arch down and back up on the retrieve, rather than count it down to a specific depth range and then bring it back in. I usually achieve a depth of 8-10ft at the bottom of my arch, on a normal cast's distance ... and can pause my retrieve, along the way, if I want to probe deeper. Since I rarely use the casting method for water depths (or fish suspension depths) greater than 15ft ... I really don't think much about the fall rate. If I want it to be, or think it should be, slower ... I downsize my jighead weight. I fancast a likely area, and make multiple casts with varying rates of retrieve ... trying to cover the area and the water column as completely as possible. Fish that are deeper than 15ft are not likely to see my jig, when I'm casting ... but, if I know, or have good reason to believe that they are there and deeper than 15ft ... then I'll Vertical Cast to them if I can. I like to keep the jig moving, even if it is painstakingly slow ... and the Crappie seem to like it moving, too :p
... luck2ya ... cp