Ship, you should try using a waggler float (Thill or otherwise.) They're much better than the Thill center slider you're using.

Center sliders were designed for fishing vertically, as in ice fishing. I know a lot of people use them as slip floats for casting jigs, but that's not their intended purpose. Wagglers are better any time you're casting.

You make a good point, though. Nothing a bluegill eats moves fast.