Another retrieve question

[Bass n Bows]

I went out today and all I caught was a cold! But my cousin however, caught 2 nice fish one went about 3 1/2lbs.  He was fishing a chatterbait very slow and he caught both fish when he was just messing around. For example he cast out and just sat there talking for a while, I would say about a minute and then he lifted his rod and got a hit right away.  So my question is what are the bass doing in a situation like mine?  Are they following the bait to the bottom and just waiting for it to move?  I just don't know how to catch these fish.  I was fishing a small football jig with a Paca Chunk and had one slam it, but when I set the hook the fish was gone.  Should I let them hold on to it for a while? A little advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Catt]

Q: Are they following the bait to the bottom and just waiting for it to move?  

A: From your description I would say yes

Q: Should I let them hold on to it for a while?

A: Do bass have hands? No they are holding the bait in their mouths, so set the hook already

[Marty]

I agree with Catt's comments. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that what your cousin was doing was superior to what you were doing, because there weren't enough fish caught to suggest a difference. He caught two, you none. But you had one slam it, so that's a fish you attracted and a caught fish if the fish had hit it in a way to get hooked. Differences like 2-1 might mean something, but until you have more evidence, it can be attributed to random distribution.

[HesterIsGod]

Put a little megastrike on your lures to make them hold on to it longer