Hardened Rider

So I'm trying to understand exactly whats happening or not with my front brakes. Not sure if you could call them spongey. Basically when I pull the brake lever it will move in a couple of centimeters before brakes grip, then I'll pull harder and it will move maybe another centimeter before gripping harder. It's not a smooth pull of the brake lever then smooth on with the brakes, more like a stop start feeling. Whatever it is it doesn't feel good. Checked the front reservoir, all good for level. Read a ton on brake bleeding but want to make sure I need to do this first.

Thanks.

And it's not pads as I had them changed only a few months ago.