Forgive the intro, but I think it will help in answering. I live on a private 150 +/- acre lake in Central Texas. The lake is managed properly with surveys, water quality tests and until recently, strictly catch & release. Recent surveys and club tournament history resulted in culling most of the small fish except during the spawning months. Stocking has been consistent with recent changes of forage only - crayfish & bluegills. I am now seeing more 5 pound plus fish in club tournaments.
The lake has produced verified 9 lb plus bass with reliable reports of several double digit catches. The lake has very little grass except some pond weed types on the shorelines. The lake is mostly smooth bottom (Old gravel pit), relatively shallow except one small area with some 20-25 foot water. The majority of the fish caught are by pounding the shorelines & various boat docks. Surprisingly (I know), most of the big fish come from areas very close to the deep water area. I am convinced that the big girls are so conditioned to the shallow water tactics that maybe trying a bigger bait in the deep area could work. Recently a 5 pounder washed up to my dock with a huge crappie stuck in his throat, giving me the idea. Plus, nobody else is doing it.
I look forward to your comments or additional ideas.