So my buddy and I were fishing this pond over by me and we were getting bites all day and the fish would start running with our baits, but when we'd go to set the hook they would spit them right back up.

I know it could be possible that maybe the fish were to small for our baits but i was using a 1/4 oz. jig and a t-rigged Zoom finesse worm and my friend was also using the t-rigged finesse worm.

but with what fish we did catch we both caught 2 or 3 keeper sized LMB and a few 12 and 13-inchers.

So my question is, what do you guys usually do when the fish are spitting your bait back up?

Set the hook.

:

In most of the lakes I fish we have large bluegill/panfish populations.  They are notorious for grabbing a senko/finesse worm and running 3 feet with it.  It happens probably 40 times each time I go out.  It gets frustrating, but I still set the hook on every one of them because you never know when it will be a big bass.  

If the hits are not from panfish then: Pay attention to your line, you may see it moving beofre you feel the hit, then point your rod's  tip at the water in the direction to where your line enters the water. Then reel in the resulting slack, and sweep upwards and back with a sharp snap and SET THE HOOK.

Like others said, its probably a bream/sunfish/another small fish running off with it.  I run into it constantly.  Most of the time when I get a big jerk and a quick run while fishing senkos, its a bream.  I still try to set the hook just in case.  In my experience bass almost inhale the bait, often producing little to no jerk on the rod.  Watching my line is usually the best indicator.

hey, thanks guys.

ill just keep settin that hook and hopefully its somethin big lol