How about it,

So far out of 15 bass only one has been over 14 inches. Is this normal to expect out of public fishing areas or is there a bigger bass lurking? The place has been fished hard but numerous small bass are about. I reckon the chances of catching one over 14' inches is low because that is what the limit length of the lake is.

Have a good one,

LWD

Talk to your DNR. They will have the details on forage base, cover type, bass size potential and most importantly, depth contours. Focus on finding out what the forage base is and what kind of structure and cover that forage prefers. The bass will follow.

The DNR may also be able to tell you if this lake is inhabited with only stunted bass. The state can also direct you to shocking studies of the lake as well. Local tackle shops should also be a resource you need to speak with.

I only fish public access sites from the bank and I'm always catching decent fish for NYS standards this year has been a little slower but with that I'm still getting decent fish. Where as last year id catch 5 dinks for every 3-7lber and id catch 50 in a day total. I'm still few dinks for every good bass this years biggest is 6lb mark with a few 4s and 5s. My total is about 100 bass this year to 500+ last year. Its just slow this year. But public waters can be some of the most over looked spots. There's 1 pond I fish called wal mart pond because its at the end of there parkinglot. I see ppl there everyday always panfish fishing for dinner. I get asked almost everytime I'm there " are there really bass in here?" Because obviously I'm not bluegill fishing with a revo and veritas. But I pull sevreal 5+ bass out of there it just takes extra work and really realy long casts lol. As a matter of fact this years PB came from there in april right after ice out.