use an attractant..I use crappie nibbles and dry them out just a little so they stay on good,and sometimes I use spray too. Yum shad works pretty good for me and if the old Bait mate is okay...some days one is better than another. I always try to at least catch some bluegill when I start fishing for anything...I want that fish smell on the lure..my hands...the pole..
I like braid for the sliders so I can feel a take better and drive the hook through...I trim the guards off if they extend way beyond the hook.
A lot of people don't know how often a fish inhales their bait and blows it right back out. I learned that fish clear streams as a kid...I could see fish do that hanging over them from a bluff or tree...you can't believe how good they can do that sometimes... you will never see the line move or feel anything if they do it real fast.
With good scent on the lure they like they will swallow the dang thing if you don't set the hook fast enough sometimes...catch a lot more fish deep hooked
If you don't understand the role scent plays in fishing,trapping and hunting your behind the game in the outdoors