Using the same food here and had a hard time getting Bluegill to go for it too at first. When they did, they'd spit it out.
Try moistening it a bit then walk around tossing out by hand till they get the idea these stick-like things are food.
To moisten it, put food in a container with very little water for 20 min, toss it around every 5 min. Should get a little spongy.
