Steve,how do you know if you have a stable pop. of large bass? We have a big bass pond that seems to have very few 8 in.-15in. bass. Where does the next generation come from? The big ones are getting more hook-shy each year and we find a few big dead ones with big stomachs that did not starve.
There are a couple of ways to determine if you have a stable population of large bass. 1) electroshock survey. 2) catch reports.
My guess is that your larger bass are canabilizing your younger bass. Having larger forage, like tilapia or gizzard shad might be ideal for your lake.
If your fish are hook shy it could be too much fishing pressure or you may have removed most of the more vunerable (easier to catch) fish over the years. Since vunerability is a genetic trait being passed down; adding new genetics may be of benefit. Not sure if your fish are primarily F cross's, Florida's, or native bass, but adding more native genetics will help with your catch rates, but you are giving up size potential. Don't you hate tradeoffs?
