The stone is a tough nut to crack. Yes people do throw big baits and do very well when the bite is on. For that matter when the bite is on most fishermen does good there. I think the best time is during the spawn. I see some pretty large bass there. Some guys go there everyday until they hit the the big one. I dont have the patience. I know thats not a good way to fish but I got spoiled at Perris when it was good. It was common to catch 20 /30 fish a day. The hard thing was trying to catch keepers. But we were catching fish.
I live close to Puddingstone and only fish it 4 or 5 time a year. Keep trying I know it would pay off