What the heck are you fishing for legally in grenadier pond that's in season? Pan fish lures won't catch you that large mouth.
Was just using a 2" small plastic lure. Was casting toward the center of the pond, about 10-15ft north of that tiny deck on the east side of the pond. There were about 10-12 other people fishing as well, some using jigs, plastic crickets, and spinners.
I was under the impression that this was reliable for panfish, it's what my friends had taught me to do a few years back. Again, it wasn't intentional, I didn't realize it was a bass until i pulled it out and my friend pointed out what it even was - it's the first time I've ever fished in Ontario.
For what it's worth, I did read regulations (and bought my licence), and at the point of realizing it was in fact a bass, unhooked and released it. Again, it's literally my first time catching a fish by myself, so I don't see the reason for why there is so much finger pointing. Not the way I learned to effectively correct people if they were for whatever reason misinformed. I'm sure you all can imagine since it was my very first time, there was a degree of excitement and adrenaline involved, yet despite that I immediately unhooked it and made sure it went on it's way, I didn't stop and pose for a photo with it, or carelessly beach it for an extended period of time. 15-20 seconds max. The photo was taken by someone else in the time it took me to simply set down the rod and hook so I could hold the fish in the water for it to go back. If you guys want to hall monitor, then great, you got me - not like I didn't already acknowledge and take responsibility for the catch when I posted the topic to begin with, but whatever makes you feel validated is fine with me.
Kind of lame to join a forum and you are met with a raised nose for simply being new or asking questions. At least I am asking questions and called myself out on what happened, I'm sure there a ton of people out there who know very well what they are doing and exploit or poach regardless. Guess that's what I get for making my experience visible for others to critique; lesson learned, lol. Wow. Great way to start a pastime.