well,bass grow a pound for every 8 pounds of food eaten, the limit of 3-5 pound fish good signify a bad year or two where food was limited. If their main diet is small insects and crustaceans their growth could be very limited. As for bass hanging tight to the shore this is where the food/structure may be? I am not entirely sure but I hope this or someone else gives you some insight.
Tight Lines,
Tommy