they get big where I fish, but 1 lb. 12 oz. is about my biggest. as far as fishing your lake, with gunk on the bottom. you could use bobbers up shallow, and slip corks in deeper water, just remember, you want to be fairly close to the bottom. If you have caught some in the 2 pound range, I would say keep doing what you are doing, but if the weeds are getting to you, try a dropshot type rig, or use a floating jighead by northern bait co. I would say try the floating jighead, as someone I know has a cousin in florida, that uses them for redears. I saw one and it had at least a size 4 hook, maybe a size 2, and the head was painted yellow, orange, white, I think. put red wigglers on that thing or small crawlers.