I went fishing a couple days ago and and I threw everything but the kitchen sink and nothing.  However I noticed while throwing a white double willow with white trailer, that I find smaller fish following / running along side my lure like safety in numbers.   I've never caught anything on a wht spinner but I always see fish schooling along side.     Am I doing something wrong..?  If so what could I change to cause a strike instead of being a swimming buddy for other fish..?

I can't say what you were seeing but I have had shad school up around a spinnerbait up here and stay with it all the way to the boat.

 

If your seeing these shad follow your spinner, your probably fishing in a good area. The bass will be close by. Try a slower bait of a different style.