Try working the bait within sight, watching the action when you RIP, and immiediately give it slack. The action SHOULD NOT look like the steady wobble of a crankbait.

At this time of year, I usually start off working the bait quickly, with pauses around 1 - 2 seconds. If there is no activity, I'll slow down the overall cadence with pauses between around 3 - 5 seconds. Sometimes I'll let it sit for up to 30 seconds on really good spots... like next to a good weed bed, a piece of wood, a really good ledge or point, etc. Longer pauses work well in cold water.

Good luck,

Mike F