>>193118Doh, left out technique didn't I?
So, right after you cast, it's probably best to let the worm sit for a few seconds. I usually give it a good 10 Mississippi before starting the retrieve. The reason for this is that even if you get a very subtle cast, if you drop right on top of a fish, they will almost always retreat some distance. On the other hand, some of the more daring fish will damn near catch your lure as soon as it hits the water. These guys are usually underfed and will put up a decent fight if they're that voracious. In most cases, however, you'll want to let the worm sit for a few.
When retrieving, keep your rod tip low and the rod aligned with your line. When a bass hits, you'll feel it. Don't reel in line, tip your rod upward slowly, I prefer a slight bounce. You want to move inches, not feet. When you have your rod upright, reel in the slack and repeat. You'll feel the weight dragging along the bottom, analyze what you're feeling in the rod to determine what the substrate of the water body looks like. Slight drag? Probably just sand and gravel. Lots of "dinks?" probably a bunch of rocks or submerged logs - careful for snags! Heavy drag? Probably weedy as all hell.
The hit!
When the fish hits, make sure he's got the lure in his mouth, You need to give them a full 2 seconds to get the lure in their mouth without resistance. If you try to set your hook too soon, you'll rip it right back out and the fish will be disgusted with your Indian-giving and take his business elsewhere.
When setting the hook, you want to pull your rod to the side. Often, you'll get a bite at the end of your retrieve, so pulling your rod up is not going to give you a very secure hook set. Get in the habit of yanking your rod to the extreme right or left of whatever hand you're holding the rod in. Make sure you don't have your drag locked up too tight, or you will lose that lucky big fish!
>cont. 
