Learning to "Keep Slack" in the line while chopping. Tips?

[ThemBones]

There is a guy that lives not far from me that has gotten me into swimbaits
He likes the FMTC jaycat so i figured I would try one. It does not sink much at all so it has been a little harder for me to keep the slack to make it chop without just going to one side.
 

Do you guys have any tips?
it seems like I am either reeling to fast or too "hard" if that makes sense

[Jim137a]

1 hour ago, ThemBones said:

There is a guy that lives not far from me that has gotten me into swimbaits
He likes the FMTC jaycat so i figured I would try one. It does not sink much at all so it has been a little harder for me to keep the slack to make it chop without just going to one side.
 

Do you guys have any tips?
it seems like I am either reeling to fast or too "hard" if that makes sense

Reach out to Chris @Fmtcbaits2.0 on Instagram - he’s a solid person and will get straightened out  

[5-20]

Short reel handle turns. Just got to figure out what works with your reel. 1/4 or 1/2 turns usually do it. You can twitch some baits like a spook too. 

[ThemBones]

2 hours ago, Jim137a said:

Reach out to Chris @Fmtcbaits2.0 on Instagram - he’s a solid person and will get straightened out  

 

Do you use the FMTC stuff?

[ThemBones]

5 minutes ago, 5-20 said:

Short reel handle turns. Just got to figure out what works with your reel. 1/4 or 1/2 turns usually do it. You can twitch some baits like a spook too. 

 

That is what I am trying but maybe I am doing it too aggressively 

[Jdondunay209]

2 hours ago, Jim137a said:

Reach out to Chris @Fmtcbaits2.0 on Instagram - he’s a solid person and will get straightened out  

Yes reach out to Chris he will answer all your questions with no hesitation..and that jaycat is nice just gotta keep putting time on it you’ll figure it out in no time!

[5-20]

47 minutes ago, ThemBones said:

 

That is what I am trying but maybe I am doing it too aggressively 

Are you doing it in clear water where you can see exactly what your bait is doing? Start with short casts or pitches until you can figure out a good cadence. 

It’s possible you’re doing it too aggressively, yeah. Some baits really only need a short reel turn.

A small possibility is maybe it’s just not the best bait for working choppy. I’m not familiar with the bait you’re using but there’s a lot of variations between identical baits with some bait makers. 

I have a 8” glide I really like for working choppy. I liked it so much I decided to get a second one as a back up. Go figure, I couldn’t work that one choppy at all. 

You’ll figure it out. Good luck man. 
 

[Jim137a]

12 hours ago, ThemBones said:

 

Do you use the FMTC stuff?

I do and have known Chris for a few years - he’s always responsive on IG and willing to help ppl dial in his baits.

i started out with the Snitch kits and just added the Bone Crusher Trout 

[ThemBones]

On 9/1/2023 at 9:35 AM, Jim137a said:

I do and have known Chris for a few years - he’s always responsive on IG and willing to help ppl dial in his baits.

i started out with the Snitch kits and just added the Bone Crusher Trout 

sounds good, thank you!