Actually, that's what I did to finally hookup the other day. 

If you feel a "tap-tap", that could be the bass sucking it in, then spitting it out.  Other than that, it's gotta be a bluegill.

 

Also, I'm not saying that your hooks are dull, but when I made the switch to Trokar hooks, my hookup rate jumped dramatically.  The days of reeling down and swinging for the fences are over for me.  Most of the time, unless its a really thick plastic, I only need to give a good flick of the wrist to get them pinned.  I do use braid all the time, though.  With mono, that changes the scenario.