THE BASS COLLEGE

In a lake I fish (milford), I have been having trouble detecting bites. Partially because i am fishing rockpiles, and the smallmouth here are so subtle about biting that it makes me second-guess myself. Have any of you guys ran into a problem like this? And you got any tips that could help me figure these sneaky critters out?

Please dont suggest I buy a G-Loomis rod, because thats not going to happen lol. No $

Not a loomis but a st croix Sorry but thats the only thing ill use for smallies, a ML- with an XF tip 12lb power pro and 10 lb fluro leader, one of the most sensitive things I can find. Smallies are very good at mouthing baits, one of the best things you can do is keep a good eye on your line, if you are sure you had bottom contact then you see clack in your line a smallie or some other fish has just sucked your bait into its mouth but pulled it up instead of another direction so you didnt feel the vibration transfer, I could send you some of the confidence baits stuff when i mail you your S.W.A.G jigs since YOU WON since ive got a bunch of pro staff sample packs if your like.

I won? Sick! Ya ill inbox you my address. Thanks Alan, good tips as well.

In the river, I can sometimes see them just pick up the lure in their mouths and hold it there.  Sometimes they spit it back out, sometimes they just slowly swim away.  Not entirely sure, but maybe they're taste testing the lure or checking for hook hardware.