Coveman, sounds like we have the same disease . . . one speed: "High."
I struggle mightily with finesse patterns, and my attempts to change speed, depth, retrieve are fights against habits learned fishing up north (same as you: crank baits); and spoons, spinners, big profile stuff, and trolling).
I've done myself a favor by switching to more jerkbaits. I still "crank" but the twitch and stop technique triggers more bites, and I can better overcome my habit of just reeling. I'm also getting better with swim baits that don't need a lot of speed to get action on the "boot." Play a lot with weighted hooks or bare. Gonna also start tying on more tubes; killer for Lake Erie smallmouth, and time I got back on that effort.
I'm not lighting the world on fire with limits, but I'm starting to avoid the polecat more often than not.
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