I still can't catch bass on soft baits

[vaindioux]

Hi

I am an eternal skunked fisherman when it comes to catch bass on soft baits.
Today on my local lake I tried a trigger X salamander in smoke red flakes color on a shakey head.
I dragged it, shaked it, stopped it motionless, made it swim to no avail no bites, so I switched to one of my to go baits which is a rebel popper and on my second cast I catch a bass.
Last year I spent 5 hours fishing various soft baits to no avail. I do watch my line closely for signs of bites (Especially when the bait hits the water) and keep it fairly tight.
I do know how to fish I do catch bass but not on soft baits.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Patrick