Another important thing I coach many on when I fish with them:
When the fish aren’t very agressive, make sure the bait is easy to eat. I make it a point to always stop the bait above with fish (close bail with rod tip up), and then use the rod to lower the bait to the fish.
I see hots of guys let the jig drop through a school, then reel it back up. Then start bouncing it around, sometimes giving it a good hop just as the fish gets to it. Do too much of that and the fish just lose interest.
I’ve seen a whole active school go cold from too much of this. Relatively consistent movements, whether it be pounding, or gently swimming, is often the key to getting (letting) a neutral mood fish to eat. Making them chase it up is often good, just make sure it’s consistent and they are able to catch up to it.
Sometimes a couple good hops get get a fish’s attention and get them moving, but then make sure they are able to get the thing in their mouth.
Tucker