So let me get this straight. Dead sticking is simply putting as many "ghost" rods in holders as possible, typically rigged with slabs/bucktails/jigs/suspended cranks/ect, then holding onto a rod by the fisherman, down at the depth you think the fish are, and drifting, as slow as possible, either with drift anchor or even against the wind with trolling motor, and then waiting for the subtle bites from cold fish?

And then you can also bang the bottom of the boat with a net or oar in a rhythmic pattern to attract the fish?

Is this correct?

find fish, thump, bang, drop lure according to what depth theyre at. FISH ON! ??

Pretty close to it. I like to use 5" inch flukes on about a 1oz jig head depending on wind and depth. I recently started using texas tackle factory trout killer rat tail soft plastics. They are very durable.You want to stay straight below the boat as possible, makes it easier to detect the soft bite

I have found the Fluke style baits to work the best, all colors, standard sizes or smaller. Your best bet is to hold one rod and forget about "ghost" rods until you get the hang of it. It takes Ninja reflexes to Deadstick. You only get once quick chance at setting the hook. As for drifting,it better be mighty slow. Best results are totally vertical line in the water. Seeing the fish on the finder and placing the baits at or near that depth is also key.

great tips, thanks. So maybe lighter winds would help also. Is there a certain water temp to try as a rule of thumb?

I have a megaboom blue tooth speaker to play music while I'm running. If I play some hip hop song with a lot of bass, will that attract the fish? LOL. Seriously, has anyone tried that?

Some claim deep bass songs work but not nearly so well as thumping with a rod pole or my thumpers. Lol practice with one rod in hand first. It is usually like a baby crappie tap until you get a good Hookset. Hold on tight. The 32 � striper at pk today nearly took the rod out of my buddies hands. I usually spot lock with the trolling motor. After you get used to the light tap you can put a rod or two in holders but watch them all close. You will miss most bites on them.

That's a Timmychanga question

As he jokes, "They like Thriller this time of year"

It is exactly like vertical jigging for crappie...kinda

This. Having the extra rods in the holders just isn't very productive for this type of fishing. Now I've had times where I'll deadstick with a rod in each hand, but that can get interesting when both get hookups at the same time.

It's perfect time to go practice everything you read on TFF with water temp in the mid 50s. You either gonna love it or hate it. And bring a swear jar or two

Regarding the ghost rod, it depends on the lake. Certain lakes my ghost rod cat caught as much as my hand held. But for lake like Texoma, your rod will bent but not hook up. The Texoma big fish got sissy super quick bites. My twin brother John Varner is great at DS on Texoma than anyone I know. You gotta be ninja jedi quick! Lol

I'm not too keen on having a ghost rod. I prefer to have everyone holding a rod since the bite is so quick and light. Ron hit it on the head with the ninja skills comment. It seems like we rarely ever hook them on the ghost rod. We just get frustrated watching it get hit. By the time we get to the rod holder the fish has already swam off. Dead sticking and thumping go hand in hand. I hate thumping because it looks ridiculous, but at the end of the day it's highly effective. try using a tandem set up. i like the amount of weight you can send down since your really targeting deeper fish. Often times we are using a tandem stripaholic jig head with a pearl fluke, and either another fluke or slab underneath it. good luck to all.

Underneath? Do you have a photo of this rigging you can share? I'd love to learn something new on fishing tactics.

here you are my friend. hang the second bait from the bottom eye.

https://www.ecwid.com/store/rsrlures/#!/Stripaholic-Jig-heads/p/18675367/category=11243214

Very cool, thank you! Now I have a new toy to add to my tackle trays!