My dad and I used to catch some huge rock bass in the Niagara river in the area called the "glen". Sitting on the huge rocks slinging in pieces of cut earthworm on number 4 hooks, and hauling in the "slabbers"! Brings back good memories of my dad.
Slab sized rock bass are delicious if scaled, head and guts removed. Wash, pat dry, then add butter, garlic salt inside and out, then some thin slices of yellow onion on the outside. Wrap in parchment paper and then aluminum foil, seal well, then grill packets on medium for about 20 minutes, turning after 10 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted reads 155 degrees. Remove from grill, place a packet on a plate, open and the meat will come right off the bones. Then wrap bones and throw away packet and all.
Then by all means! GET A GARMIN!!!!
Old Mitchell 300, probably the top freshwater reel made. Was made in France and just for your info, it spools backwards from current reels. You can also get bail springs on e-bay last I saw a couple months ago. Refurbish that one and you can pass that one on several more times. Wish I still had mine!!
I worked in Bass Pro fishing and marine for 2 years. Of all the fish finders we had I preferred the Garmin over all for quality, reliability, ease of use -especially for seniors (not all that patient). That's why I bought a Garmin 74cv for my pontoon boat. Very good machine and easy to use. Also have quick dismount without having to undo all the knows and cables, u like the other brands. Hope this helps!!
Should a bought a Garmin!!
When I worked for BUS in fishing, when spooling new reels or re-spooling older ones we would give the line a spray with line conditioner every 30 -40 seconds until done and then the outside of the line when finished. Never had a complaint from a customer, used to get quite a few compliments on how supple and memory free their mono was as compared to without the conditioner. Just food for thought!!
They might not "like" flies, but they sure attract a lot of flies after being out of the water for a while!!
Not sure where you live but, I worked for Bass Pro Shops in primarily freshwater area. We always gave good advice to newbies and sometimes even taught novice fishermen a thing or two. Go to the closest Bass Pro Shop and get some good advice from the guys that work there or some of the old timers shopping there or just killing time and swapping stories.
Where are you catching these slabs?? The ones around northwest Florida are nowhere near 14 inches.
Make sure the line is tight on the sool. Make sure you set the drag and spool speed for casting. And, practice, practice, practice!!
Nice catch. I'm not much for cats but, they give a decent fight.
Usually for crappie but, I have caught some smallmouth on them as well in weeded areas.
Quantum rod not sure, depending on the age of the reel, they retail now for about $59.00 new. President reels are good all around reel for fresh water fishing.
Yeah, let me take off my tinfoil hat and get my wallet!!