Before we begin, let me say this: You don't stop playing games because you get old. You get old because you stop playing games.* What you’re reading here is in my opinion and experience. Take it as that or follow your own experience. The most important thing is to HAVE FUN!
* Although I'd like to take credit for coming up with this I saw it on a forum and it stuck with me.
For the purpose of this discussion it is a shaped, painted chunk of lead with a hook on one end. It may also have "a jerk on one end waiting for a jerk on the other end." (Credit goes to Mark Twain for coming up with this one.)
Check this out on the Tips & Tricks page.
We could do that but the cost of the slabs would be higher to pay for the boxes...do you want a cool box or a less expensive slab? Besides, I usually toss the box after I open it, don't you?
The more you use it the more this will happen. All slabs will loose paint and/or become discolored with use. Just like jig heads, crankbaits, etc. Some fish are harder on slabs than others like Walleye. I've seen slabs used well after the original paint is completely worn off. (If you're lucky enough to keep one that long.) I'd suggest you keep using it or you could:
We are constantly looking at the quality, cost and source of the components currently available on the market used to build our slabs. We occasionally upgrade to a higher quality component if it meets our requirements: Made in the USA, doesn't significantly increase the cost and shows a noticeable improvement in the final product. You may notice slight improvements as we make them.
Bummer, guess you'll have to keep buying new ones. It's OK, I'll make more. Just kidding, check this out:
Yes, I mostly catch fish but have on a few occasions caught myself or a fishing buddy (most often by accident but not always). Say, did I tell you about the time one of my fishing buddies flipped a four pound Walleye in the boat and stuck the treble hook through my forearm..with the Walleye still on it? Or the time another fishing buddy tried to flip a Walleye in the boat? The Walleye came off in mid air and sent the slab's treble hook deep into his forearm. NOTE: Kids...these are professionals..don't try this at home.
Actually the old saying "match the hatch" is equally as important with slabs as it is with other lures. The Hillbilly or Injured Shad are my 'go-to' slabs if nothing else is working. I'd suggest starting aggressively in the size of your slab then toning down (smaller and more conventional colors) if it's not working.
I've seen Hybrids, Sand Bass, Crappie, Carp, Drum, Catfish and Walleye all caught on the Hillbilly and Injured Shads. At times the fish seem to favor lighter colors, the mixed white slabs work very well. Walleye seem to, at times, favor those with blue colors mixed with lighter colors.
Size and shape of the slab can be at least as important as colors. That’s why I carry a variety of sizes and shapes of slabs. Not only do I carry our slabs when fishing but I also carry other shapes and sizes. WHAT!? Yes it is true. If you were to look in my tackle box you’d find some Lead Babies and maybe even a couple of TNT slabs and certainly some Kastmasters. I’m just too curious not to try as many different shapes and sizes as I can find. Some days it’s a big joke with some of my fishing buddies. "Look, he caught a fish now he’ll change his slab." Bottom line is when the fishing is hot I’m using our slabs, when the bite is not so hot you’ll find me throwing all kinds of different and unusual things.
Strictly a matter of personal preference. Here are some thoughts on this:
Confused by all the mention of drag setting? Don’t be. Just remember to check it occasionally and keep it set where you’re comfortable. I have lost and seen others loose nice fish because of trying to ‘fiddle’ with the drag while playing a large fish. To check my drag I grab hold of the line just above the spool and slowly increase pulling line out till the drag gives line out. If the line breaks then the drag is too tight or something is wrong with the line or your reel.
Whatever you're comfortable with. I first started using a spincast then a spinning reel then went to a baitcast. I know a lot of people who use spincast reels. I prefer the baitcast because I feel I have better control of the drop speed and like to see the line as I feed line out and work different depths. This is very important when slabbing along riprap and in rocks for Crappie, Walleye and Catfish.
You may find it easier to use a spinning reel or a spincast when letting the slab free fall in deeper water. When using a baitcast I will occasionally ‘thumb’ the spool to prevent birdnesting due to the ‘flutter’ of the slab as it falls. With any of these reels you need to be prepared for a quick hook set as a lot of times you'll get a strike on the free fall. Another reason I prefer the baitcast reel.