As far as I am concirned, its not easy if it was everyone would do it, right. Look at it this way, you got good casting practice and a little more confidance, AND you did catch a fish, right. I have a hard time throwing the Slammers, they just don't bring the fish in for me. I do still use them but as a second or last resort. Did you have any other followers that you could see? How about a little scent(I don't think scent is the problem)? Maybe you need to change spots or tactics. Where did you catch your fish? (pocket, point,ramp, structure) What type of retrieve did it hit? (slow roll, stop and go, twitch) You may want to try a catfish type rig with the lure, add a swivel and a 3/4 to 1 oz. egg sinker on the line about 1-2 feet before the lure and count the bait down a little deeper or drag it on the bottem. But I believe you are right, the Bar did not seem to drop much. I really wanted to go out, but couldn't. You may have a better chance when the bar drops but that is not the only time fish can be had. Go out to the lake when it is fairly flat and find the spots where you have followers. just my .02