Mike it sounds like you are on your way you just need to stick with it. Your fishing the correct things you just now need to learn how to target the fish and where they are in the water colum. do you use any electronics ? Dont forget they will spend minimal amounts of energy to feed at this time of year so you must find'em and hit them on the nose. I to like to fish early for bass but its kinda like steelheading can be real slow between fish but when you do coax one to bite he just may be a fish of your dreams. P.s. My largest bass are caught in the colder months. Mabey even try lighter jigs.