When you cast it, depending on what time of yr,and weather, you might start reeling a steady retrieve AS SOON AS IT HITS THE WATER! KEEP ROD TIP POINTED DOWNWARD TOWARDS THE SURFACE. Biggest mistake i see people make is to keep the rod tip pointed towards the sun and the stars! You cannot get full spin action from that inline if you do that!
A big, no, huge. factor of the rooster's effectiveness is the flash in weather with sun! Second is the vibration in creates as it moves. Big attention getters in the fish community! Rod tip down, level wind critical.
Another HUGE factor is to have the rod at a slight angle. This creates a "bow" ever so slightly in the rod, and that enhances the spin on the blade. You get to develop such a feel on the line and the action of the lure as it moves in the water, that if a fish even hiccups near the lure, you can feel it!
Giant mistake i also see is the guy or gal casting out, and start reeling in the lure with the rod pointing straight to where he/she cast it. No tension,no proper spin, less chance of attracting your target towards the lure!
You can experiment with the depths you run it till you find the fish. The other day i was at Rowlett, and not doing well at all, yet a guy next to me was using a Blue Fox(same lure different manufacturer) and catching. Finally i asked him what the secret was, and he said cast out and give it a "4" count, then reel.
VIOLA! FISH!! Sometimes it's just that damn simple!
If you are fishing a stream with a current, two suggestions:
(1) Cast DOWNSTREAM WITH THE CURRENT! As you bring it back to you the current will enhance the spin on the blade, increase the "feel" you have of the lure's in water action, and you will attract more strikes and miss less hits!
(2)Fish CROSSCURRENT! Cast across creek slightly downstream from your position, and bring it back towards you moving across the creek rather than up, and hang on! Rod tip down towards surface AT ALL TIMES!
Try these suggestions and you too might some day strike the famous "T-FLY" POSE FOR THE TFF!
Good luck, and GO GETCHA SOME!!
Rudy