Thanks for the feedback all, yours in particular MT, very informative and specific.  So a couple more questions.  I get what you're saying about keeping your finger on the line, MT, and I understand that this is one of those techniques where a spinning rig is really most appropriate.  However, in your opinion can it be executed effectively with a bait casting rig or is that just the wrong tool for the job and a recipe for frustration?  And I still have that other question: how do you do this action off the bottom when you're drifting in a canoe?  I'm not talking about being pushed along by a serious wind but even a lightish breeze and the line is dragging.  So how do I know where my jig is relative to the bottom as I'm drifting along (by feel?) and how to control the action while drifting - just give it a snap or two and let drop pretty much as you describe when the boat is still?