I have noticed that when I actually catch fish, it feels the same as a snag and i don't know it's a fish until i reel down and it continues to move lol. No doubt I have missed some, namely on single blade lures like worms or spinnerbaits because I don't set the hook either in time or at all. Either that, or I set the hook every time I feel anything which screws up the retrieve I'm sure.

I've hear a lot about quality rods and their sensitivity, but is it that much better? I suppose it could also be that I'm not catching very good size fish. Heck, the first fish I caught this summer was a monster, but I didn't know it was a fish until i got it to the boat (and it subsequently shook loose before I landed it).

Or is it something that comes with experience. Admittedly, I am not that experienced at the actual catching part of fishing yet haha.

experince... longer u do it the more u can differiant between the bottom and a bite. but also better tackle makes a huge difference.

Experience plays a good part. A good rod helps of course. Even with mono, I can differentiate (at least I believe so) between mud, grass, wood, rocks and bass. I fish a wide spectrum of rods too. $275 GGRs (phenix blanks I think, pretty much a top of the line rod anyway), $170 Powells, down to $100 Okumas and Shimano Compres. The difference between the rods are in the crispness- for lack of a better word- of detecting the cover/structure/bite. Almost always, I have a finger on the blank too.

P.S. I had a memorable bite two weeks back. I casted out a little 3/16 oz jig on 30 lb braid, and I let it sink on slack line (I watch the line, and prefer the bait to fall straight down vertically). I didn't even have a finger on the blank since I had just casted it out. I FELT a tick (braid has very little sensitivity on slack line), reeled up, and set the hook on a 6" (inch) bass.

The rod was a Powell Max 733 spinning.

Experience plays an important role. In conjuction with that, a quality rod and the right fishing line will go long way. Always keep your eye on the line. Regardless of the line you use.

I would suggest working you plastic worms in a swimming pool so that you can see exactly how they react. You will be surprised. Throw some poolside or lawn furniture in there and work your bait thru it. Keep you rod tip at 10 o'clock and feel your slip sinker/worm as it crawls across the bottom. Keep line slack to a minimum and be a line watcher.

When you are actually fishing you will be able to visualize in the mind what your lure looks like and is doing down there. That will increase you concentration and sensitivity. It will also assist in picking brand(s) of worms that just don't lay there but actually float and have action.

The best way I learned was to cast where you want it, then close your eyes as you retrieve it. Feel with your hands, and see with your hands. A good rod helps too, but even a $50 Lightning rod is great sensitivity, so dont worry about $100+ rods.