I bought a fishfinder to help me locate schools of sandbass instead of blindly trolling around or watching for surface activity. This past weekend on Ray Roberts, I saw some scattered surface action in a cove and caught a few sandbass on a small spoon using a fast retrieve. The problem was, I could see tons of fish on the graph but getting them to bite was another story. I tried jigging the spoon, slow retrieve, switching to a Roadrunner, etc. but the fish didn't seem interested.

Is it normal for sandbass to be schooled up but not actively feeding? What can I do to get them fired up or is it just a waiting game? This was just after noon on a mostly sunny day if that helps.

First impression is that looks like a big bait ball rather than schooled sandbass or hybrids. Gamefish typically appear as arches.

Looks like shad . Not sandbass. But the answer to your question is no.
Johnny

I have found good schools of fish on Hubbard lately that will not bite. One thing I have found if they are not biting hard on the first 1-2 fish I hook I let them run around in the school trying to get the school excited. Sometimes that helps the bite to turn on.
The top picture you might want to turn the contrast down just a little. It will give you a clearer picture.

Thanks everyone for all the input. I like playing with the settings on the sonar so I'll try that out. I have found that the images in shallower water aren't as clear as the ones in deeper water. Always learning...

They look like bait man. When you on a school of white. They will bite none stop this time of year.

Just like these http://www.fishinaddictionguideservice.com/video.html

Its one after another when you on them.

Maybe you should consider booking a trip. It best money you ever spend. I didnt believe it before until i book few trips.

That video was me Saturday afternoon. Wife an my daughter's keeped me busy. The birds flying and the fish are schooling. Fish on every cast. ]texas fishing forum[/url]