Slabfest Feb 28th...

Once again the Central Fla chapter of Crappie.com has come through with yet another successful get together.
As with the last tournament on lake Monroe, this day started out with a dawn launch full of anticipation, exhilaration and excitement.
Slowly the daylight crept upon us all, all within our respective positions, previously analyzed, researched and contemplated upon as to where the mother load would be found today.
Surely I/we, would be the one/ones, to pull the rabbit out of the hat and by some chance of fate or skill, arrive at the top to claim the famed prize and be hailed by our peers as the ultimate true professional and champion among us.
Hours later, the toll would be telling, immense pressure, anxiety and apprehension pervade the minds of those that fear they are falling behind, as the ones that feel the sweet taste of success building as they continue to wrest yet another unwilling fish from the great creator's bosom.
In the end, it came down to only one that could stand erect, proud, tall and sure, and his name just happens to be "Shu" (Shuroc)
http://danny.belcher.com/Shu01.jpg
Shuroc pulled it out of the hat, not once, but twice, capturing "Big Fish" at 13.5in, and "Heaviest seven" at 5-lb 1-0z.
Second place "Big Fish" split between Centerdriver & Chuckautin with twin 13in'rs
Bringing up third place was Speck/tater with a "Big Fish" of 12.75in and second place with 4-lb 4-oz "Heaviest seven".
I have Nick and Charlie with "Big Fish" at 11.25in and heaviest seven at 4-lb 3-oz for third place.
Special recognition has to go to Nick and Charlie for having captured "Most Fish" with a total of 27 caught and boated.
Speck/tater came in second in "most" category with 14 put in the boat.
Shu only had his 7.
Centerdriver had 4.
Chuckautin had 2.
And I have no info on the rest of us.
We had new guests, Paula, John and Carl, who caught 12 but did not participate in the weigh-in.
Total present was 14 folks
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Shu
Speck/tater
Nickp & Charlie
Centerdriver
Chuckautin
EJL
Chunky (Don & Trudy)
Flycaster
Paula, John & Carl
Phantom309
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Well, it wasn't a runaway but we sure had a pretty good time.
Below are some pictures of the festivities.
Special "Get Well" to Sherry (He cried all day cause you weren't here)
Have a nice day everybody...
Danny
http://danny.belcher.com/Shu Fish02.jpg
http://danny.belcher.com/Big Fish.jpg
http://danny.belcher.com/Fishing Dock.jpg
http://danny.belcher.com/Flycaster Dusty.jpg
http://danny.belcher.com/Nick Shu.jpg
http://danny.belcher.com/Picnic Area.jpg
http://danny.belcher.com/Specktater.jpg
http://danny.belcher.com/Group01.jpg
http://danny.belcher.com/Group.jpg

And a good time was had by all, good website, good place for 'slabfest', good food, good fellowship. Thanks for all that worked to bring about another 'slabfest', the fishing was tough and can only get better.--shu

Danny- That was quite an intro!! What Church do you pastor? How many books have you written?? How come you didn't mention your three(3) fish caught? Your picture taking was very insightful, do you instruct/mentor? I know, too many questions...Very nice facility with a nice crowd/result. Special kudos to Flycaster, Centerdriver for making this event extra enjoyable. Congrats to the top finishers as well!!:)

had a great time everybody...i vote for monroe/ st. johns or harris chain again!!

Phantom309, this was an excellent post. The best ever and the photos were fantastic. Your write up and photos say it all. Even though I've never been to a slabfest, I will certainly be at the next one wherever it is. Your post shows fellowship in its highest form and makes me feel welcome to join you. Thank you very much and I'll see all of you at the next one.

It just goes to show ya. When you get some good people together, each with like intrest, your gonna have a good time. My thanks to all who helped get this fest off the ground. Still making a list of "Dang I forgot to bring" items, so I think by the 3rd or 4th fest, things should really fall in place.
Once again, thanks everyone for everything you did to make this a good time together.
Dusty
p.s. Now batten down the hatches boys, we got a blow a commin on.

What a great time. If you missed it, plan on making the next one. You will meet a great bunch of people. It amazes me on how freindly, imformative people at slabfest can be. I found this website a year ago, what information. My crappie catches have done nothing but increase. My personal goal is nothing under 11" unless gut hooked and 10"+.

Guess what, this information is FREE.

Doug, where's the receipe's? I am going to cook for some people in Indiana on the 10th, and would like to share. Thought about those fish (instant potatoes) and hush puppies. My mouth still waters.

Chuck

Congrats to all! Sounds like a whole lotta fun. Wish I could of been there! I am actually still in town but had plans yesterday. Wanted to fish today but looked outside and decided against it.
Chad

Wow,looks like you guys had a great time and good weather,very nice. I hope to make it to one to meet you guys,gals and join in on the fun one day.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chuckauten

What a great time. If you missed it, plan on making the next one. You will meet a great bunch of people. It amazes me on how freindly, imformative people at slabfest can be. I found this website a year ago, what information. My crappie catches have done nothing but increase. My personal goal is nothing under 11" unless gut hooked and 10"+.

Guess what, this information is FREE.

Doug, where's the receipe's? I am going to cook for some people in Indiana on the 10th, and would like to share. Thought about those fish (instant potatoes) and hush puppies. My mouth still waters.

Chuck

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OK guys and gals- Betty Crocker Instant mashed potatoes...ANY flavor is GREAT!! Simply add water-moistened filets(strips work best) to the potato mix and deep fry at 360 degrees til they float only 3 or 4 minutes. The Sweet potato flavor is a real diverse, not too sweet, addition to other flavor that you happen to choose for the get together. To summarize- make the main flavor of choice then make up a smaller amount of the sweet-potato strips that will accentuate the meal because of their diversity.
Next on the menu is the CORN PUFFS(Never to be confused with HUSH PUPPIES...however Chuck, if you get more fond of 'em, if that's possible, you can call 'em HUSH CHUCKIES lol:):)
Mix following ingredients well-together
1 C CAKE Flour
1/3 C Yellow Corn Meal
1 T Baking POWDER
1 T Salt
1 T Black Pepper
Now mix
1 15 oz. can of Cream of Corn
2 extra large eggs
2 T White Sugar
Then fold together all of the above, mixture should be medium thick
Using a large table spoon load up the spoon and release it into the 360 degree oil by using another spoon to aid in the "unload". Turn the puffs while cooking, some will turn on their own. Cook only for 3 or 4 minutes til golden brown. Dust with white powdered sugar and ENJOY!! Make sure to avoid eating too soon...really hot!!:eek::eek:

That crowd looks about as questionable as whom we have at our slabfest,:eek::eek:

As slabfesters with little to no luck, Trudy and I had a great day - we did catch one, but he was so little back he went to be caught another day. Oh well, we keep practicing!
Danny, we appreciate your work on the decals, and like Dusty, encourage everyone to get their decals and proudly display them.
It was a great day meeting old and new friends.

Don and Trudy

my big decal is on the back of my truck already!!! looks great!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Speck/tater

Danny- That was quite an intro!! What Church do you pastor? How many books have you written?? Your picture taking was very insightful, do you instruct/mentor?

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I received intensive training in all these areas back when I did all those years in prison !

Recap on Fest-->
The funny part was when we had almost all things cooked and John says " ya'll can eat now", then we looked and had no paper plates ! They had been overlooked on the "Things to bring list " HA ! !
But, Paula quickly ran and procured some.
On my way home, just west of Sanford I was nodding real bad (drinking the day before, stayin up late, finally it was catching up and wasn't waiting any longer. I had to pull off the side of the road, locked the door and was OUT ! Woke up bout 30-60 min later, felt fine and made it on home.
Woke up today around 11:30am, feel better now.
OK, where we goin for the next one ? I'm kinda Favoring Kissimmie area just outta curiosity, never been there cept for East Lake a couple times.

John ! ! We forgot to put the table back ! ! ! !

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shuorc

And a good time was had by all, good website, good place for 'slabfest', good food, good fellowship. Thanks for all that worked to bring about another 'slabfest', the fishing was tough and can only get better.--shu

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shu, I can't say it any better. Thanks to all, it was a great time. Fish was so good, I would like some right now. I doub't I will be able to make next "slabfest" as I will be heading back to IL the end of the month.

If I get back next year, hope to see you all and we get to cook some fish. Thanks to all.
EJL

Well guys it looks like you had a great day on the water and at the table. Kev-Man and I are jealous, but more pressing things had to be done this last weekend. I drove from Sanford to Memphis,Tn on Sunday. 13 1/2 hours with a blinding snow storm from Perry,Ga on 75 to Taladaga, Al on 20. It snowed so bad in Atlanta, I almost had to pull over. Couldn't see 50 feet in front of the motorhome. After Birmingham it was nice and clear, roads where dry, clear sailing on in.

The pics where great Phantom, looks like a great time was had by all. That looks like a wonderful park and boat ramp for get-to-gathers.
Looking forward to next season in Florida. After being back here for just one day (18 degrees) I know why I love Florida.
Next season Kev-Man is going to be 13 and will have more fishing skills to put us older guys to shame. Hope to see each and every one of you next season!!
Phantom good luck in the job market!!!!!!