I do not use the bait much any more because Mickey at 3:16 made some custom baits that retrieve similar, sink horizontal, and use his sliding system that keeps the bait away from the fish when fighting it.

In the past I have had great success with the Optimum Suspender, use it very slow and it is a fish getter in stained water. I had the same experience as you; the bait does not work well with anything but a slow retreve.

It needs a trap hook under the chin, the factory hook is to far back. Do not use the trap hook on top, the bait will retrieve on its side. When using a trap hook the factory weight is not needed. The bait will sink at about 20 seconds per 8’ so I let it sink about one minute. I fish it in 20’-30’of water and retrieve it very, very slow with pauses. I never timed it but I’m sure it takes about 3+ minutes to retrieve. If you are not patient this method is not for you. Most people, when they first start using large baits, are not conditioned to throw them all day. This method will allow a person to rest in periods of fatigue.

If the bait does not swim well make sure the trap is dead center. The bait can be sensitive, so always keep the tail straight when storing so it does not get kinked.

Hope I helped.

Henry