Catching a lot of small fish could be your lake. It's just full of small fish. My home lake 5 years ago was like that. Lots of smallmouth in the 10" to 14" size. Seldom a fish over the 15" limit. DNR started managing the lake different. Changed the limit from 5 fish over 15" to 3 fish and only 1 fish over 12". The other 2 must be under 12". The smallmouth were just over populated for the food source. Now catch good numbers of fish over 15" and a few up to 17". I have to say I miss all the fish in the 12 to 14 inch size. Lots of action. That size smallmouth is still a good fight and there was a lot of them. Fewer fish now but the average size is much better.

You may need to try a different lake or different part of the lake.