They'll only grab a big bait if they're just so hyped-up and aggressive and hungry they'll grab anything. But when they're not in the active mode and they're neutral, a small bait will often get them to bite. OK, so tiny gear is big. That's a great start. Go ahead and just ask a fishermen where's a decent lake where you live.
Docks are very good year-around.
They hold a number of species of fish like bass and bluegill and crappie almost all of the time. Maybe you're completely new to fishing and don't own a rod or a bit of tackle. Don't laugh, but a simple cane pole can be amazingly efficient. And don't be embarrassed. Dig yourself up some worms.