I have been in a scenario where i was fishing 17-25 Ft bluffs on a clear water lake(30degrees and sunny). I was throwing a 4-6 ft suspending jerkbait. I could see smallmouth (nice ones) taking swipes at it but never connecting. I would throw a deeper running bait and nothing. It was hard to watch it happen, but I couldnt seem to find anything that would trigger a healthier successful strike. Any Ideas to what I could have done to connect?

go to a smaller bait

Speed up your retrieve. Don't give them a chance to to look the bait over before they decide to strike it.

The only time the fish would go for it is while it was suspending between jerks. I also tried different retrieval methods and different size baits. I guess i didnt have just exactly what they were looking for. Usually i can fiqure out and adjust.

a flutter spoon should work well

try a double fluke rig, or a float n fly. it's worked for me when they wouldn't touch a hard bait.

I've been there and sometimes have gotten them(and LMB) to take a fluke or a Senko. If they wouldn't take the slower in your face stuff I'd try to get a reaction from a topwater or maybe even a chatterbait. Frustrating to see it.

Same retrieval method as the jerkbait?

Might try a drop shot.

Bet you havent tried a pink JerkBait. Damn I need to stop giving away secrets!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not to worry as I have many more HAHAHA

you dont have to hold secrets to be a successful fisherman...From what I have seen. Just seasoned in the area of where you are fishing. You do have to be a good Decision maker though!

Throwing a bright bait for smallies and spots is far from a secret on our lakes anyway.

On a jerkbait, speeding it up and using sharp hooks are crucial if they are just swiping at it. That goes for any bait, the less time they have to look at it, the harder they will hit it. If you are using a "ghost pattern" jerkbait, paint a white or chartruese spot on the side of the bait near the front hook. That will help.

Fluke Jr.,Tiny Fluke -Baitfish, Smokin'Shad-Dip the tail Chartruse-#2 dropshot hook-Nose hooked, 3/0 offset weedless- Killed em' on Lake Ouachita(Arkansas) 3 winters ago....

Well, thats the only thing I didnt try was altering my jerkbait a little. I actually went to a different color pattern and nothing...so, thanks.

Don't over-do it. Look at the japanese shad color pattern to get an idea of what im talking about. Really though, if you have sharp hooks and you work it erratically enough, you'll hook the fish swiping at your bait. If they are just following it and not swiping, you need to find some dingier water or some wind.