What To Do When Bass Hit But Dont Eat The Lures

[CAbasser]

I was fishing with my friend and we both would see and feel the bass hit our lures but they wouldn't eat them and they weren't spawning either do you guys have any suggestions on what to do ?

[fishballer06]

Change color

Change size

Slow down

Speed up

Change hooks (if using trebles, current one's could be dull or too small)

Do something that's just enough to make those fish want to eat whatever it is you're throwing

[papajoe222]

Are you sure they were bass? Many times bluegill or crappie will hit your bass offerings.

If you're sure they are bass, then the bad news is you're doing something wrong. The good news is you're doing something right. Something isn't just right and the fish aren't committing you your offering. It could be the offering, in which case FB06 has good suggestions. It could also be something else. Are you sure they weren't spawning? How clear is the water (your line could be a deterrent )? Can the fish see you ( standing and/or bright clothing make you more visible)? What about scent, yours?

Try the simple things first, then look elsewhere.

[Senko lover]

Megastrike!!

[retiredbosn]

You have received solid advice, if it is bass then something isn't exactly right. Could be color, size, cadence etc. Just start experimenting with your offering, first try a different retrieve, add scent, etc. Good news is you're on the right track.

[bigbill]

One shot of a scent and they will hold on long enough to set the hook.

I wash my lures and tackle box to remove foul oders.

I wash my hands before going fishing.

[scaleface]

Last week the bass were slapping at a floating minnow I was throwing but not committing. I changed to a buzzbait and caught bunches of them . So keep changing until you get it right .

[aprilbass101]

Set the hook!!!!

[Josh Smith]

Use a stinger.

[TX18_E90]

I think this happens more than any of us realize.

Things I 've had success with.

Down size bait

Slow down

Down size rod and line size

Put on lighter weights

Then if that doesn't work I do the exact opposite.

Up size bait

Speed bait up

Use larger line so bait stays more buoyant.

Put in a heavier or denser weight.

Think of it like fishing a jerk bait which retrieve, how many pauses, and how long of pauses is the right combo. You have to try each one til you get a hook up.

[F14A-B]

It happens, sometimes a work around is following up w a different bait, example: you see them swiping at your Trigged trick worm.. Throw a pop r at them.. Were these fish protecting beds?

It's a part of fishing..

[uncustered]

I usually see that with soft plastics by having too small of a hook. Tourney last weekend, was catching on t-rig senko. I broke off and noticed that the water was clearing up. I went to a 1/0 instead of the 4/0 hook I had been using. Missed 3 straight. Went back to 4/0 and boated the rest of my strikes...

[the reel ess]

If they're swiping at a lure you can see on the retrieve, especially if it's a buzzbait or popper, throw a weightless Senko back to the same spot and let it sink. Twitch-twitch. Sometimes, they'll take that. Sometimes, they don't want to bite it, but want it to leave. Or throw a smaller version of the same lure.

[Uncle Leo]

Megastrike!!

This also works for me. Sometimes that want a bit of spice, seems they hold on longer.