I've fished them a few times, but I just can't seem to get bit. I know they're supposed to be effective, but for some reason, I'm not getting any bites—and I’m not seeing many fish on the scope either. I’m wondering if it’s just something you check every time you’re out, or if there’s something else I’m missing?

 

Guess I should mention mainly creek channel swing banks is my issue

@GoneFishingLTN The deeper ones can be good when the water is below 50 degrees.  As the water warms in the spring they are still good but you have to move to the shallower ones.  Keep in mind there are swings that you have to find with a depthfinder, not all butt up to the bank.  Also the ends of the swings are not to be overlooked, and the same with the drop or flat that is opposite the steep bank.  Depending on the seasonal pattern it may be that the swings are not gonna be the best area to fish.  Many times if you are fishing the steep bank of the swing there may be more fish behind you.  If you have fished several swings and not caught much you gotta do something different.  Bass are fairly easy to catch but sometimes difficult to locate.

Wood is important for me, especially on channel swings.  If it has wood, I will hit it all year long. As @Lottabass said, the ends are key, also (see @Glenn's video on transitions).  

  Keeping your lure tight to the slope as it falls is always important.  Sometimes that means skipping under brush and getting right to the bank.  That first drop can be 10 feet, just inches out from waters edge.  Casting from wide angles can also help your drop.  

  I like a heavy swinghead, because it manages ledge wood so well.

Not all channel swings are going to be great. How does it fit into the surrounding structure? What cover is available? Do you have educated guesses on how different fish might use it throughout the seasons?

 

Channel swings are overall my favorite structure to fish. I don’t want to give too much away, but you have to understand how the channel swing fits into everything else. Is there perhaps something else that the channel swing ties into?