Canal Stick Shadd helped needed

[PaulS]

I think I do ok at the canal. I think I catch more fish than the person next to me on bucktails and pencils. However, if I put a stick shadd on I'm lost and have no confidence. I cast uptide and basically let it drift down. I try to fish it almost like i would drift a fly if I fly fished. I try to keep a tiny bit of resistance on the line while freespooling it. I have different size sinkers and floaters.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Paul