Pond Fishing Advice?

FLCoyote

Due to age and slightly declining health I decided to sell my Center Console and stay out of the Gulf. My plan is to return to inland fresh water fishing. My question is this: There is an area near me (Panhandle) that is absolutely pristine with numerous small 50 to 200 acre ponds. They are loaded with Big Bream and Crappie or so I'm told and I've seen some pictures and word of mouth about how great the fishing is: So about three weeks ago I got all geared up with light tackle and Crickets and worms and proceeded to one of these lakes where I went to some beautiful spots and didn't even see a water bug for three hours, no birds, no fish breaking, not even insects. Then caught seven bream in 45 minutes then everything shut off again. Went again last Sunday morning, again well prepared tackle and bait wise and didn't see any sign of life for four hours. These are landlocked ponds, full of cypress trees and depth ranges from 3 to 14 feet. I'm a little frustrated as I've got a lot of fresh water fishing experience, but not in small lakes. I tried fishing in the trees and jigging the deep water. My current theory is that with the heat of summer (water temp is around 90) that the fish are only feeding at night. I would appreciate any advice on tactics for fishing these lakes/ponds. I know there are fish in them and that there is a lot of wildlife in surrounding woods that also seems to be non-existent during the two trips I made. Maybe I just have to wait for cooler weather, or try fishing late afternoon? The area I'm fishing in requires check in/out and closes at 8PM so night fishing is out. I've seen some pictures of dinner plate size bream and crappie and want to be taking those pictures with me in them. Been fishing since I was 3 and I'm 70 now and I just want to figure these lakes out.

FLCoyote

mikenav

Maybe try early morning before things get too hot and push the fish down/under stuff/into a lethargic mood? Or late afternoon? If it's too hot, they'll just hang out in shadows or wherever they can get some relief. If the ponds are that shallow, the water is probably pretty warm. Also, maybe switch up the bait? Try minnows for crappie or bread balls for the bream?

Just a couple thoughts...