I see this as the problem. Your focusing to much on the "Atleast a "keeper" in tournament standards" fish. From reading your posts it sounds like you have lost the enjoyment in it. It might be the smaller fish, the heat, maybe something else. You need to get the enjoyment back into the fishing then the bigger fish will come.
Relax and have fun its the only way to fish. I see to many people or posts who put to much focus on this "NEW" tournement push. In some it sucks the fun right out of fishing. Me being a prime example. Couple years ago I made the desicion to fish maybe one or two small tourneys a year but mostly focus of fishing to relax and have a good time with family or friends. I have to admit the last 2 years have been the best fishing years I have ever had. Wish you the best and it I hope you catch that lunker soon.