Hey,

Wondering what you guys do when you see a fish following or just sitting there looking at your bait / lure?

Had it happen several times using top waters, the fish would follow but once i got too close to me they would swim away

Also several times with senko style baits they would be face down just looking at it then swim away after a little while.

Not sure what to do for the topwaters, crank fast and hope for a strike before its too late? or just pause it?

And the senko, let it sit? or twitch it?

Just wondering what you guys do? Any tips?

Thanks.

this happens.  Swimbaits are famous for this, but it can happen to any bait.

I always start with the easiest solution, which is to change the retrieve.  The fact that the bass is showing interest means something is right, but the fact that he is not biting means something is wrong.

Speeding up the retrieve, pausing, jerking.  anything to change the retrieve is the easiest thing.

If that doesn't work try a similar bait but in a different color or size.

with topwaters there are signals that help me decide what to do.

For example if I throw a walking bait and the bass are swatting it when it's at rest, I will switch to a popper.

Sometimes changing up completely to reaction baits can be the trigger that pushes them to strike.

burn a buzzbait, or ratltrap.

Or go in the complete opposite direction.  Like dead sticking a soft plastic.  This is a deadly technique but I don't quite have the patience for it.

this happens. Swimbaits are famous for this, but it can happen to any bait.

I always start with the easiest solution, which is to change the retrieve. The fact that the bass is showing interest means something is right, but the fact that he is not biting means something is wrong.

Speeding up the retrieve, pausing, jerking. anything to change the retrieve is the easiest thing.

If that doesn't work try a similar bait but in a different color or size.

with topwaters there are signals that help me decide what to do.

For example if I throw a walking bait and the bass are swatting it when it's at rest, I will switch to a popper.

Sometimes changing up completely to reaction baits can be the trigger that pushes them to strike.

burn a buzzbait, or ratltrap.

Or go in the complete opposite direction. Like dead sticking a soft plastic. This is a deadly technique but I don't quite have the patience for it.

Avid said it all!