Summer time had always been tough for "big bass" for me also until last year at Pablo. Talk about getting spoiled ! Of course I thought to myself..."Even if next year is not quite as good....." But heck, not quite as good ??? Turns out that the Summer bite at Pablo this year, at least so far, has been just flat "non-existent" ! (big frown)

So buddy, I know you were looking more for a good technique or lure..... but personally, I think the real key is finding a place with a better "big bass bite" ! I'm going to try a night trip to Rancho very soon. I think Chabot might be a good shot too, but I won't personally fish that place because I refuse to "jump through hoops" for those people, and I refuse to pay them big $$$ to be be able to do that.
I know you won't fish crawlers, but I think I could stick a pig or three on live worms in Chabot. The later in the year that it is, and the more hookings and close calls that a big bass has had on artificials, the more those crawlers shine (smile)

A Castaic trout to find them, and a crawler to stick them... A one-two punch that's hard to beat !

Peace,
Fish