If I'm fishing stillwater I like a very slow hand-twist retrieve. Perhaps 1 to 2 inches per second. I also like to use a flourocarbon tippet to sink the fly. I've also found it effective to hang a soft hackle off a slider or cork popper. Often I'll have fish (especially bass) that will come to look at the bug and will suck in the soft hackle instead.

On flowing waters I like a down-and-across swing that is near a dead drift. I use a curve cast to place the fly downcurrent of the tippet and mend until the fly swings to a point where the line comes tight. Then I like the same hand twist retrieve.

I always fish them slow.

Joe C.