There are a few things to unpack with fall baits….
Water temperature and flow and clarity are key factors. There is a huge difference between now and Thanksgiving.
A HJ14 is a great example of why. Right now, when water is in the 50’s a SR7 is great. Standard retrieve and contact with bottom are a winner. However, when we get below 45-degree water this no longer be a thing. There are reasons some people do not have luck with HJ’s.
45 degrees and below is when HJ14’s shine. Mainly because of the action of the bait when retrieved and that it suspends. I don’t care if you are tossing a #12, 14 or any style stick bait. It has to SUSPEND! And if you’re not allowing that bait to pause motionless on the retrieve then you’re missing out. This is no joke. Most guys don’t have the patience to allow that bait to sit there. I have made people put the rod in the rod holder after 1/3 retrieve and just stop touching the rod. Every one of them were surprised what happens!! I have to do this myself every year as a reminder to slow down!
Also, it is crucial that you tune your stick baits. Make sure they suspend flat and run straight. Tuning is necessary with any crank bait. Stick baits especially. You can bend and tweak the nose of that bait up or down to get a different wobble/depth/action out of it.