UPDATE:

 

THE SEARCH IS OVER (cue the Survivor song)

 

I finally caught something on a Trig. Zoom 5” superfluke that I was swimming along just cause I caught a good size striper on a little Creme swim bait from Walmart. So I figured I’d be open minded and try something unusual for me. 
 

Funny thing: I was casting into the wind and had a minor backlash. When I worked it out and started reeling something was pulling back. A 1.5lb Largemouth...but finally. Success. 

On 2/14/2021 at 12:05 PM, DitchPanda said:

I'd say 90% of my bottom bait fish have been caught on a slow methodical approach.

So there you go...try some smaller baits and SLOW DOWN!

 

I think this is the key you are looking for. Golden rule when I was taught to Texas rig is "If you think you are going too slow, go slower." 

On 2/14/2021 at 9:22 AM, roadwarrior said:

#1 is fishing too fast.

 #2 is allowing slack in your line. It's called staying in contact with your lure. Slack line hits are difficult to detect. That brings us to.........

#3 Become a line watcher. Watch where your line enters the water. If it jumps, goes slack, or starts moving in any direction other than the one you're moving it, SET THE HOOK

I'll add one more observation I see frequently with beginning anglers, They don't keep their rod tip high. If your rod tip is below the 10:00 position, you'll miss a lot of pick-ups because you've taken most, or all of the rod's sensitivity out of your presentation.

I use T-rigs a lot. I have caught fish on the fall, swimming the bait, dredging the bottom and hopping. In my opinion, it's about #1- getting it in front of fish. #2- Creating slight action with your rod tip. If you're catching fish on jigs, you can catch them with a T-rig. Just use the same technics. You'll get it!