If you want big numbers and the occasional 5 lb. smallie get up here in September and allow enough days for the weather to allow us to get on the big water.
Many midwestern bass fishermen treat September as one of the worst months. Before 1997, I did too.
Then I woke up. Stop texas rigging in 10 ft. or less like you did in May and June.
Find the baitfish and you are on your way.
I won or placed high in many Indiana tournaments with all my fish coming out of 28 ft.
Prior to 1997, I plugged away for the few fish that had moved shallow.
Apply that to my current situation and you are consistently catching over 100 per day with several days exceeding 200. All small fish? No.
Yesterday in the first hour, 44 smallies up to 4.2 lbs. The majority were 13″ to 16″ fish.