It took me some time, but I think I got it now...

You need to use "langsames Schleppen" and a "Blinker" (Spinner) that is not red! Then you can catch big "Barsch" (Bass) for up 160XP each.

I want you to know, I'm going through all your threads and taking notes. :D
I have pulled some MONSTER catfish out of Powell and a couple of ginormous striped bass, but the only small mouth and large mouth I'm getting are little more than bait.

And of course the Steam fish guide helps.

It's interesting you keep giving the XP. I'm ignoring that and looking at weight. More weight, more money, better gear, better fish, THEN you start pulling in the XP.

Sure, I am not just after XP. But chose this as a measure.
I used a new 6 hook at Powell Lake yesterday and caught some big ones.

There is also the thing about all the different equipment you can use. I didn't even start with the "third" fishing technique fly fishing (Fliegenfischen)?

Lot more to do :)

6 or 0/6
And are you fishing off the dock or a boat.
Is there a better or worse place for large/small mouth. The striped are EVERYWHERE!

And I learned something again about hook sizes :D
6/0

But with that size, you don't catch many. Best was ~4 and if you come from the docks, to the right of the buoy.
https://youtu.be/aEwmNHsw4SM?t=6412

Okay, this makes sense. We are catching the same thing but I didn't realize it because the terms are different. :P

That pic is a striped bass in my game, and I have been catching a lot of huge ones lately.