feeling the hit can take years to figure out. I would sugesst using hardware or bait from time to time so you dont get too discouraged. its much easier to tell a it with bait on driftgear. I would also suggest that you choose only one or two "go to" colors that work much of the time... (ex: pink pearl/white yarn... for steelies) and stick to them most of the time. I think not worrying about color will let you focus on the drift. Use sliding weights when you can, and focus on the bottom half of the drift. And keep at it! It'll get better.