looking for the big boy

Hi folks, Guided from the canoe last night on a quiet lake with the fly rods.  Water temperature was 77 degrees and with a slight north breeze.   We fished shady shorelines and found the lee from the wind.  Lots of action on the #8 rubber legged chartreuse popper last night.  Just no large smallmouth bass.  We must have had 20 bass from 5" to 11" come to the fly.  We could not drum a big fish.  Even changing the fly and putting on bigger popper with a deeper concave face did not make a difference.  Pretty much caught all of our fish on rock face shelfs that plunged into deep water.  Fallen trees in these spots definitely held a bass.  My guess is the bigger fish were holding tight to the bottom and just did not want to move to eat off the surface.  Well, off to do it agian this morning from the boat.  Looks like afternoon thunderstorms.  We need rain.  Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home.  have Fun, Willy