Prefishing time is at least as valuable as tournament time, do not squander it confirming something you already know. A good definition is two quick bites with one legal fish. A quick bite is two within about 15 minutes. If you already stuck the first fish and knew it was legal, then try to shake off the second bite. When a bass hits your jig or worm and immediately swims off, it is a good bet he is trying to get it away from another bass.
Confidence is the key.
Sometimes a bass will strike at a topwater several times without connecting. Remember, the harder you fight, the harder the fish fights. Once you pull him from the cover, let up and let the bass tire out before bringing him to the boat. Even a professional fisherman loses some fish. It is more curiosity than anything.