SLAUNCHVILLE: Remote Panhandle fishery J.B. Thomas quietly cranking out the big ones like no other

Another little West Texas lake is quietly gaining the attention of big bass junkies across the state and beyond.

J.B. Thomas is the name. Fishing guide Christian Gladfelter thinks “Slaunchville” might be a more befitting title for the tiny Panhandle Reservoir 12 miles southwest of Snyder. “Slaunch” is a term coined several years ago by Bassmaster commentator, Mark Zona. It’s a catchy expression popularized in Zona’s colorful descriptions of thick shouldered bass with serious weight problems.

The analogy found a permanent spot in Gladfelter’s vocabulary. He calls his business slaunchedguideservice. com. “It’s the land of the giants out here — a double- digit factory, for sure,” said Gladfelter. “I’m glad I found it.”