Fishingrulz -
Interesting you point out the fish will be there and not spook, but won't use their mouth. I've had a lot of bass eat up 4in Grubs and French Fries right in front of me. In fact, when the fishing gets tough, I walk around the pond looking for Bass armed with a plastic worm on a weightless plastic presentation. I dangle it in front of the fish and they often take it. Though not certain, I am convinced they are in fact biting, and not just being aggressive and banging up the lure as many times the hook is buried deep in the mouth.
Maybe I should get a couple of Mattlure's Bluegill swimbaits and see how the bass respond. Might be interesting.