Using a Pencil Popper
 

There are different methods for using a pencil popper. One is to use a flexible rod and with little or no retrieve whipping the lure into a frothy, frenzy. Another is to use it as any other popper with simultaneous retrieve and popping action. Which is the preferred method for calling up the cows?

slowest possible retrieve with constant whipping motion of the rod and stopping and letting it rest is what i prefer. sometimes changing the speed of the retrieve will cause a fish to strike.

For me it's neither of those mentioned. I like to "walk the dog" which works best using cotton cordell pencils.

I sort of point the rod down and to the side and "sweep" 2 -3 times to the left, then the same on the right side.

Works great if you are standing on a dock, rock, etc.

Good Luck

In the Canal, you kind of "doodle" it. You bounce the rod tip to give it a little up and down or side to side movement, and let the current do the rest ;)

There is no simple answer.while both of ur descriptions seem very similar.I understand the difference.One lets the lure stay in one place longer the other is to use a fast retrieve to entice the fish.
I use em both.Along with stopping even letting heavier models sink after a missed hit.I Let the fish decide.
One thing i did notice in NJ after many days of blitzing striper's this yr.Is that Some jetty's had hot spots.Within the broad spectrum that fan casting will cover. I have learned there are spots in the spectrum that produced better fish more consistently.Some where not Ur standard go to area's.This is something to remember if u can apply it to a specific area u like to fish.Fish Ur hot spot hard first then fan off of it.A pencil is a great Big Fish, lure been throwing them for yrs.They will entice large bass to hit whether blitzing or not.

Almost everything we toss into the suds is supposed to look like something for those lazi-feeding cows to eat. They are opportunistic hunters, awaiting for something injured to meander within their reach.
Slow, and twitching usually works the best. However, do not take that for gospel, we are talking stripers now. Use whatever they prefer for the moment.

Not sure they always hit a pencil thinkin it is food.I think sometimes u will get a reaction strike out of em.Thats is why working it fast gets some reps.It sneaks up on em an freaks em out.
I used to do alot of tournament LMB fishing we one lot of early tourneys using a buzz bait in 43 degree muddy water only few ft deep.I was convinced they where not looking for food.Rather spooked into reaction.