I mostly fish the salt too and I find that sometimes both are the case.

I have come across many times where I have had inspections of my offering and had it refused by a bass that I could see was actively feeding even after I dropped my fly or lure on their face. Sometimes I was was able to get a strike after changing patterns and sometimes not. Other times it didn't matter what I threw at them and I was able to hook up.

Many times I have observed that you get one shot, even in salt water. If a fish refuses you first pass chances are you aren't going to get another one.

Its remarkable how all fish are similar in their behaviors no matter where they are from or what they are.