I reel up my slack, keep my rod down and pointed not at the bait, but about 20 degrees off. You will feel a tick or a tug and you are set to sweep the rod paralel to the water around you. It is best with as long of rod as you can manage - I use a 7'6". I catch at least 50% of my fish on Ky lake on a c-rig - but I fish it half the time.