Can't Seem To Catch The Big One

[acajun2]

I live in a neighborhood with a spring fed lake. The lake is 6 acres and about 12 years old. I fish every day, sometimes 2-3 times a day. The lake is stocked with bass, brem and cat fish. I can catch 1/2 lb to 2 lb bass all day and I usually put them back but the big ones elude me. I have caught one 6 lb'er last August. I've tried everything: top water, spinner, plastic, you name it. The only thing I can catch bass on in this lake is plastic worms, plastic crawfish or just about anything plastic. The lake is only 8-10' deep at its deepest point. I have a little jon boat and have fished all over the lake and on the bank. I know there are some nice ones in there I just can't find the key. Any suggestions?

[Marty]

I don't think it's a matter of lures, because I have caught big fish on most of the common lure types. The key is fishing where the big ones are. Unfortunately, I can't help out in that department, but I think it's a bigger factor than lure choice.

[Fishmaster10]

I'm not sure how the weather in Florida has been lately, but if it's anything like it's been here the bass are probably already acting like it's July because the temperatures have been abnormally warm. Assuming that this situation is applicable to you, look for any part of the shoreline that starts out shallow and then drops off into deeper water. Also look for any type of structure that may be in deeper water, and if you can't see any move your bait along the bottom until you find some, and then make repeated casts to it. I suggest fishing this pattern during the warmer part of the day, in the morning the fish should still be shallow and I would suggest fishing with a swim jig.

[Hyrule Bass]

try live bait =]

[jeremysayshi]

I have a couple lakes very similar to that size very close by that I've been fishing daily. I'm AR and it's around 80+ degrees right now. I've had a lot of luck with top waters for the past 2 weeks. Caught several really nice fish using white buzz baits and plastic frogs. I've been particularly pulling them out of lily pads, throwing directly inside lily patches as well as bumping around the edges. The lily pads I fish are in about 6 fow and are pretty much islands in their own right with plenty of open water around them.

[Simp]

I'd say there is a VERY good chance your lake doesn't have very many big fish in it. My suggestion is if you can catch small ones all day long like u said. Well then start easting them ASAP! I'm not kidding find your local biologist ask about the last time he surveyed the lake if he has. Relate to him the problem your having and see about trying to form a lake management plan. That 6 pounder proably was able to get to that size because it's one of the early fish that was stocked there and more like it would help. A fish that size could easly eat some of the smaller bass but if you dont have enough of them the small ones take over and get stunted.

Now if you don't have a overpopulation of little ones and are just having problems finding big ones. Well then I'd find that spring!!! We don't have huge springs like you guys do in FL but if you can find one here in summer. Well man the bass love that cooler water! Try some swim baits that have a little size to them if the waters clear. Something like a Sebile Magic Swimmer might be your ticket. On the other hand if you have some grass mats go buy a spro frog and some braided line and learn to frog wish. It's my favorite style of fishing.