In fishing, success often hinges not just on what you cast—but how you retrieve it. While lure choice, colour, and bait all play their part, seasoned anglers know that the real magic lies in presentation. Whether you’re fishing Australian waters or lakes across the U.S., mastering your retrieve can be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

Having a variety of retrieve techniques in your arsenal allows you to adapt to changing conditions and fish behaviour. Let’s explore four proven retrieves that consistently deliver results. Each one brings a different rhythm to the lure, triggering strikes from fish that are feeding—or even just reacting.

1. The Slow Roll: A Tried-and-True Method

When it comes to versatility, the slow roll is hard to beat. It’s a staple for spoons, blades, soft plastics, and spinnerbaits alike. In fact, this is the number one technique used across both freshwater and saltwater species, particularly bass.

To execute a slow roll, begin by allowing the lure to fully sink to the bottom. Then, give it a quick twitch—a small but important motion that gets the lure moving in a natural, erratic way. Once it’s “in gear,” begin a very slow, steady retrieve, crawling the lure along the bottom.

If you notice the lure lifting too high in the water column, simply open the bail and let it sink back down before continuing. The goal is to keep the bait moving naturally close to the bottom, where many predatory fish feed.

2. The Burn: Triggering Reaction Strikes

Sometimes, fish just aren’t biting. Maybe the conditions are off, or the fish are lethargic. That’s when you turn to the burn.

This fast-paced retrieve is designed to provoke reaction strikes from fish that wouldn’t otherwise engage. After letting your lure hit the bottom, lift it sharply and immediately begin rapid winding—about 10 turns of the reel. Then, open the bail, let the lure sink again, and repeat.

The key to the burn is speed and urgency. You’re not giving the fish time to think. The sudden movement and fast retrieve play on instinct, often triggering explosive bites from hesitant predators.

3. The Mid-Pace Twitch: Subtle But Deadly

Somewhere between the slow roll and the burn is a highly effective technique that combines steadiness with subtle flair.

Start by letting the lure reach bottom. Then, begin a medium-paced retrieve—not too fast, not too slow. While reeling, incorporate short, sharp twitches of the rod tip. Crucially, don’t stop winding during these twitches. This keeps the lure in motion while adding a lifelike, erratic action that mimics injured bait.

This method has proven successful time and time again, particularly in pressured waters where fish are wary of standard retrieves.

4. The Hop: Lift, Pause, and Fall

The hop is another highly effective retrieve, particularly when fishing near structure or in deeper water. It’s a rhythmic, vertical motion that gives your bait a foraging look.

Let the lure sink to the bottom. Once there, lift the rod tip upward to create a “hop,” then pause briefly at the top to let the lure flutter back down. Repeat this motion to create a bouncing effect that mimics natural prey behavior.

This technique works well with a variety of lures and is especially useful when targeting species that hold tight to the bottom.

Perhaps the most important tip of all? Don’t get stuck using just one retrieve. The most successful anglers adapt their techniques throughout the day, responding to how fish are behaving and where they’re holding.

Whether you’re crawling your lure slowly along the bottom, burning it past stubborn fish, or adding lifelike twitches mid-retrieve, your presentation is what ultimately convinces a fish to strike.

So the next time you hit the water, experiment. Mix it up. Try a slow roll, throw in a burn, add a twitch or a hop—and watch your catch rate climb.