What are the conditions that prompt bass to chase baits rather than prefer a slow presentation (i.e. crank/spinner vs. soft plastic/jig)?

Hunger!!

Man, if we knew that exact answer, the bass would be toast.

Hunger, anger, just for the heck of it, who knows.

Bass solely react IMO.  Whan that fast moving bait moves by, they have little time to think about it.  Eat it or miss out.

Brad  

I guess I was thinking more in terms of weather conditions -- are they more likely to chase when the weather is hot, like now or are they more prone to hit slow presentations.  I know that "chase baits" work well in the fall, but I have been having luck with cranks all week until today and they just seem to have shut down, but are starting to hit worms in the weeds.  The interesting thing is the weather hasn't changed here for a week or more.  Just trying to figure this thing out.

they seem to be more active on overcast days, wind, rain. rising water, morning, evening

nick_barr, it shouldnt be hard to find the right time to catch fish in your neck of the woods ;D

when the water surface is broken up its easier to catch bass on fast moving lures.  i like spinnerbaits and cranks at this time. dont go to fast though because if you go fast but not to fast it is easier for the fish to hit your lure