i am float tubing at el cap lake and i was surrounded by bass at least 20 of large mouth. all were around 3-5 lbs. none of them were on beds or biting. i tried everything and they wouldnt take anything.

throw the dynamite

That means they are either very well fed or very used to people. I have had the same problem. They are like a super smart strain of bass or something! I tried every lure in my aresenal and not even a bite! They just swim by it with barely a look.

If you can see the fish the fish can see you.
Leave the area for a hour or so and then use your stelth mode to return.
Make long casts and try to keep a low profile.