How to maintain a vertical fall

[Micropterus salmoides]

Today I was casting and pitching my Sweet Beaver into pockets that formed among dense vegetation that nearly mats on the surface. I was trying to maintain a vertical fall so that the lure fell directly into the hole. What's the best way to achieve this? Stripping line by hand immediately after the lure hits the water? Or letting the lure free fall allowing the weight of the lure peel line off? Thanks.

[JayInGrapevine]

Put a little arch on your pitch so it's heading down as it hits. In matted stuff like that, you can make a splash and not spook fish as badly. I actually think it gets their attention in those conditions. Anyway, put arch on it so it has some slack to start down with, then start stripping right away, at least one or two swings worth.

[iangler]

easiest solution would be to flip instead of pitch.
If you must pitch for distance, just manually let out line with your fingers once the bait hits the water. It's not a perfect solution, but it works.

[Fbass]

make sure when you finish the pitching motion to end up with your rod tip as high as you can. Once the lure hits the water lower your rod tip quickly.
If you need more line you can feed line from the reel.

[GAMEOVER]

I have been getting my Fat Ikas pounded by Bass this season so far but for the life of me they wont take my Beavers. I dont know whats going on.. I agree with the side cast though it seems like they fall slower the lower the line is to the water on the cast, but you want them to land on the belly when it touches the water for the most hang-time. This is what ive noticed.

[dragon1]

Best option is an oversized spinning reel. Otherwise, I just hand strip...make sure to watch out the the unexpected hit on the fall though.

[TOPWATER]

I have been getting my Fat Ikas pounded by Bass this season so far but for the life of me they wont take my Beavers.
.

Well the bass out in st.clair are eating the beavers up.

[dragon1]

I had a Smallie Beaver California 420 next to a crayfish in one of the local ponds this past Sunday...and the color between the two were VERY SIMILAR!!

BTW...the California Smallie Beaver on a 3/16oz Owner Ultrahead Bullet Weight is killer for cruisers here in our clearer water ponds.