I would also avoid adding any jigging/popping motions with your rod tip during the retrieve, especially on a minnow imitation jig. The extra action might work well for trout, but I've caught more nice size bass just slowly reeling those minnow imitations back, like a Ned rig. The hair imparts all the action you'll need. The bigger bass usually slowly swim up behind the jig at a slightly faster speed, and simply open their mouths and over take it. This is why you sometimes never feel the tap. The rod just loads up.