Yes, as Andrew said, a slow steady retrieve on the red fin. Fast enough to make a "V" wake but not so fast that the lure dives below the surface. The retrieve I spoke of was for the Sliver. Do not try to target the blasts, you will be like a dog chasing his tail all night long. If you find a good spot, where fish are blowing up regularly and it is calm, STOP and SIT. Cast to the same spot that has had several blow ups over and over. Get close to the bank and cast Par to it. Have a bucktail or fluke rigged and ready. If a Striper blows your bait up without a hookup, continue but have a buddy follow in right behind you with one of these baits. If you are alone, and you continue a few cranks without a followup, stop and cast the fluke or bucktail yourself.
Many times Stripers surface hit to stun more than devour. They will stun bait and wait for it to fall, where it is easier to eat. Following with a "stunned" type bait will get a soft bite, but hopefully a bite just the same. The bait is already stunned so there is no need to slam it again. The fish will simply swallow it.

As for the head lamp, leave it off until you hook a tree bass, need to retie, your work on your reel.