Try this only if you plan on keeping the fish...

When they just nibble or short strike, drop the tip towards the fish quickly (giving some quick slack), then see if you feel him again. If he's still there, give a good solid hook set.

Just imagine a trout trying to keep up with your bait - mouth open trying to taste and smell it. Then it decides to take a little nibble. Suddenly the bait stops, but he is still moving forward. He now has a choice - open wide and swallow that tasty morsal, or duck! Most of the time, they elect to eat the thing.

This is also how a natural meal would react. When a fish hits his prey - they are often trying to stun it so it kind of curls up in shock. Then they eat it.

I like to say if they are being picky - you have to cram it down their throats. You will notice deeper hook sets - so plan on keeping these guys.

Works with other applications as well, like trolling flies, flat fish, rapalas, etc.

Well, maybe this is a bunch of BS, but give it a try next time and see what you think...