I have several methods that I will employ depending upon my mood, the fishes' mood and the gear or particular plug I am using. My go-to action is similar to many above, frenzied side to side thrashing, while having it move forward as slow as possible.
But I will say my favorite pencil popper over the past year has become the AfterHours pencil popper, especially the 3.5 ounce pencil he makes, as it works pretty easily and effortlessly and the fish go crazy over it. At times I will switch out to the 2 ounce version, as it works well too, still gets decent size fish, but pretty much will always revert back to the AH 3.5.
Bob, I know you use the Habs pencils, they too work effortlessly and well, but I have only used it once or twice. The Surf Asylum works well too, but I have to get that action working better ...
