Glen Davis, another Asbury Club member. He's also a locksmith, been fooling around with fixing things and working on machinery his whole life, so plug building was a natural extension. 5 1/2 and 6 1/2" swimmers with bucktail, $20-25. Nice meetin ya again, man. :HappyWave:
The bass doesn't care if the plug cost 35.00 bucks. At least I don't think they do.:)
JZ,
only the high maintenence female bass do,you know how they are,,,
R-P
03-09-2009, 10:32 PM
Rip-Plugger
Quote:
Originally Posted by 7deadlyplugs
Pretty plugs catch fishermen, not the fish. But I sure do like looking at them. :drool: :heart:
7DP,
thats fishermans porn!
R-P
03-09-2009, 10:34 PM
Rip-Plugger
Quote:
Originally Posted by RI Popper
I hear big numbers thrown around a lot for wooden lures and I know that there are some that start in the $24. + but for me that's a lot of cash so I keep mine in the $15 to $20. range. And I guess I'm an old school kind of guy because I build them first to catch fish and then fishermen. I think most of the new styles out there are to catch fishermen first:scared:.
Armand
RI-popper,
thats well said,I am old school too!
R-P
03-09-2009, 11:15 PM
DarkSkies
4 Attachment(s)
Hook'R Lures
Hope I got the name straight guys, I was writing notes faster than I can talk at the end, and can't read my own handwriting. :D
2 guys, Larry and Ralph. Members of the Asbury club, been doing it since 2004. Plug prices from $15-20. Nice meeeting you both. :HappyWave:
T Bone tackle company, started by the other Steve about 3 years ago. Steve lists Gary Hull and Harvey plugs as his influences . Right now it seems he's focusing on one style of swimmer. It's a decent size, about 3 oz, good for stayin on top in fast water.
I never fished one, so I don't know how it swims. I like how the back underside is offset. Looks to me like that plug needs a little extra effort to come out as smooth as it looks, and that Steve has some decent building skills. :thumbsup:
Hey Kev, I don't think there was a dig at your stuff, I've seen your handcarved lures, it takes you a long time, and talent, just like some of the stuff Loki makes.
I think $15-25 is the psychological barrier for a lot of regular guys. If we're going to bash something up, it's a little irritating if something cost over $30 and it sails out to sea or gets swiped by a monster bluefish.
There are a lot of collectors around who pay $50-$150 on ebay for plugs, for me I think that's insanity. If they're paying that price for a plug just to lock it up in a case and never use it, that's their perogative.
That's not me, I fish everything I have, except for a custom "Darkskies special" Eric made for me. I can't bring myself to fish that plug, but that's just me.
02-20-2010, 08:49 PM
DarkSkies
Lemire's Plugworks
Met Alan from Lemire's plugworks. One of the newer builders on the market. First time I had heard of him. These newer builders and people on the fringes are usually the things that catch my eye because they seem to have interesting stories.
Some background:
This is one of the newer plug builders out there, Alan Lemire from Lemire's plugworks in RI.
He's been doing this for about 4 years now, and fishes heavily out of Block Island.
One of the things that impressed me about him is he claims he test swims all of his plugs before he packages them for sale.
I realize the big builders can't do that, but for a novice builder just starting out, it was refreshing to hear he has such a committment to quality control. Without getting into names, I have at times met builders who brag to me how they sell the plugs "that don't swim right" on E-bay. I don't understand that. If I was making plugs I wouldn't want a bad plug to be put in the hands of a fisherman. That would matter to me because I would want the guy to catch a fish, and toss the bad plugs away. Maybe that's just me. :don't know why:
I can't tell you anything else about the quality of Alan's plugs as I just met him for the first time today. However, I like his business philosophy, and wish him success in the years ahead. :thumbsup:
Nice meetin ya Alan. :HappyWave:
02-20-2010, 09:17 PM
DarkSkies
Northbar bottle darters/ Northbar tackle
This is a small company, run by Rob Koch and Larry Wellcome, that has enjoyed some great success this year and last. I believe last year was their first year selling plugs to tackle shops.
Before that, as I understand it. Larry Wellcome was making plugs for a few years in a shop in his basement. All made from wood. Years of trial and error to build the "extreme" plug that would stand up to brutal Montauk conditions, :viking: swim straight, dive just right, and catch fish in the blackness of night where good construction was important, and critical to a good outing.
Along comes Rob with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was friends with Larry. Out of that friendship developed a thought of a partnership.
Rob took their best producing wooden plug, and set out to copy it in plastic so it would consistently produce the same results for all fishermen.
A lot of fishermen are stuck on the "legacy of wood". I never imagined a plastic plug could gather so much interest, but it has.
I think it's safe to say that Rob and Larry's company is one of the better success stories in this terrible recession we're living through.
I really wanted to know the reason behind the success.
Was it all hype, or was there some good science behind it? :don't know why:
I think the interview today provides those answers. Take a look and make your own judgement.
Always a pleasure to run into Armand and his son Marcel. They're full of great stories, and top it off with good family values. :thumbsup: :HappyWave:
I ran into Armand from RI poppers and his son Marcel. They gave a nice interview not only on the business of plug-making and some of their background info, but on Armand's philosophy and his outlook on life.
It was nice to meet you two again, always a pleasure, Armand and Marcel.
Some of the hardwood plugs Armand is now putting out there: Attachment 10033
03-08-2010, 07:56 PM
DarkSkies
RV Plugs, Brick area, NJ
Met with Ralph & Jerry from RV plugs. The talk a little about what they do, show off some of their work, and Ralph (behind the table) talks about an awesome hand carve piece he did. Amazing detail. :clapping:
Next stops for these guys, Shorecatch seminars, and Asbury on the 14th.
03-08-2010, 08:03 PM
DarkSkies
Tony Spina and his friend Howell.
Tony has been around for a long time, used to partner in a few businesses with Charlie K, Driftwood Lures, and some others.
More about Tony Spina: http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...ead.php?t=2469
He was here at a table with his friend Howell. They were selling Tony's plugs, and some tackle and teasers.
I think Howell said Tony will be doing area flea markets for the next 4 weeks.
Next one might be Lacey Twp Elks in Forked River.
03-08-2010, 09:20 PM
DarkSkies
Fish on-8 Middlebury CT Rob with his sons Rob & Danny
You can next find Rob at the Asbury show on the 14th.
03-08-2010, 09:23 PM
DarkSkies
Loki Lures, SI, NY
Met Greg and his brother in law. Greg makes a particular style of plugs that require some extra time because of the way he shapes/shaves them.
He's famous for the "Loki Slider"
03-08-2010, 09:27 PM
DarkSkies
Bodega Bay Lure Co
Joe Riviera from Bodega Bay, he's also known as Sporty Guy.
Joe will be at Asbury on the 14th.
03-08-2010, 09:29 PM
DarkSkies
Big Ed's Lure Co
Carmine from Big Ed's Hamilton, NJ
They will be at Asbury on the 14th.
03-08-2010, 09:35 PM
DarkSkies
1 Attachment(s)
Kevin's Lures, Jackson, NJ
Kevin had an interesting story. This was the first time I ran into him. He started making plugs because he didn't have to money to keep throwing away on plugs that he might eventually lose on the rocks.
He has always been handy with tools, and a tinkerer. So he started making plugs to fill his fishing needs, saw that they worked well, and branched out from there.
Because he's making only a few at a time as a hobby, his prices are attractive, from $7-$15 per plug.
He even sells unfinished plug kits, for a beginner to try, or a Dad to get into plug building with his son. Very reasonable, I think each kit with everything included is around $5 :thumbsup:
Met with Gene and Mrs Gene Amato :HappyWave: Gene, VP of the Asbury Club, is one of the nicest guys you'd ever want to meet.
He makes Fish On Lures
Gene will be at Asbury on the 14th.
03-15-2010, 12:25 AM
DarkSkies
The Asbury plugmakers!
I managed to shoot most of them, but still missed a few, my bad. :don't know why:
Scotty from Lex Lures
Sharing a table with Scotty was Charlie K from Shark River fishing club. Charlie K is an old school surfcaster, and is well regarded by many in the fishing world. :thumbsup:
Last year Charlie had some rare Habs and Gary2s for sale. This year I think he had some more Habs and some others. You never know what Charlie will bring to the show, that's why it pays to stop by. :HappyWave:
This year his special was a tub of unfinished Pencils and Needles for $1/EA.
That's right folks, only $1 for a plug that could be the beginning of a DIY plug project, or a Father/Son project. Where else can you get a simple unfinished plug blank for $1? :bigeyes:
He had a huge tote filled with them.
By the end of the show he was almost sold out.
Nice seeing ya's again, Scotty and Charlie. :HappyWave:
03-15-2010, 12:28 AM
DarkSkies
T Bone Tackle Co, Point Pleasant
Run by Steve
03-15-2010, 12:33 AM
DarkSkies
Choopy Lures... Charlie from Neptune
03-15-2010, 12:41 AM
DarkSkies
Ron Muccie Glitter plugs and teasers
Talked with Ron, his friends Ellen and John as they talked about Ron's plugs...
and the fall run of 2009, where Ron and some of the other sharpies outfished many other guys on the beach that day using tin squids instead of Avas, tipped with Ron's custom tied teasers. :clapping:
Ron Muccie and the magic tins and teasers
Nice meetin ya again Ron! :HappyWave:
This guy's plugs and table caught my eye. He had a lot of interesting plugs and some fantastic prices.
There was a steady stream of traffic to his table. It was tough to get some time to interview him.
I originally shot 2 videos. In the first one a Dad and son are raving about what a good deal his plugs are. For some reason that video failed.
I'm posting the 2nd one where he describes his plugs, and some of the other "fishing merchandise" he's designed.
I'll say this for the guy, he's a clever marketer. :thumbsup:
He's smart enough to realize that he can't always sell a plug to a customer, but can ALWAYS interest them in another fishing related item.
:clapping::clapping: for James's entrepeneurial spirit.
03-15-2010, 01:18 AM
DarkSkies
Kevin of Kevin's Lures
I first met Kevin at the Berkeley show last week,
and here for the 2nd time.
03-15-2010, 01:25 AM
DarkSkies
Glen Davis of Davis Lures
Met up with Glen Davis and his family again...wife Bernadette and son Glen Jr. Glen is a long-time member of the Asbury Club.
A link to some of Glen Davis's Plugs. Basically he makes 2 different sizes, selling for $20 or $25. He has a wide range of colors available, and will also make you a custom color if you want to get a few from him. How's that for service? :thumbsup: http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=78
This video is a little confusing at first, because the (in)famous troublemaker and prankster Scotty from Lex Lures came by and was busting them about a plug they were donating to the SSFFF. For the record, they DID donate the plug, Scotty just likes to bust balls and stir things up a bit. ;) :laugh: :HappyWave:
03-15-2010, 01:39 AM
DarkSkies
Gene Amato of Fish On plugs
I first met Gene and Mrs Gene Amato at the Berkeley show last week. Gene is VP of the Asbury Club as well.
The general consensus was that all the guys and girls from the Asbury fishing club did a fantastic job once again. The show ran smoothly for the most part, and a lot of that was due to the hard work and proper planning of guys like Gene and others in the club.
:clapping::clapping: for once again making that show one of the best on the East Coast.
Here's a little bit about Gene and his plugs...
03-15-2010, 01:44 AM
DarkSkies
Billy McFadden of MC Plugs
Billy McFadden has been around for many years, and building plugs for about 40. He's got a great rep in the fishing community, and shared some of his thoughts with us today.
03-14-2011, 11:39 AM
DarkSkies
Glen Davis and family, Davis Lures Nice to meet the family again, Glen! :HappyWave:
Interview with Big Gene Amato of Fish-On Custom Plugs, and his family. Billy McFadden was sitting at their table as well.
For the last 3 years, he was teaching his 14-year old daughter the ropes. Yesterday she was selling her own plugs at the show. Great example of entrepeneurial spirit. Best of luck to you all! :HappyWave:
The generosity of others never ceases to amaze me!
Surfstix heard that I love throwing needles in the fall. He sent me 2 custom needles for Pebbles and I. He also threw in a few of these hand tied flys.
His skill set is way up there now...
the level of detail and the way these swim, they're just awesome and the perfect presentation for fall forage fish.
Thanks so much, bro, hope to have some fish hangin on em soon! :clapping: :HappyWave:
10-01-2011, 01:01 PM
Monty
Had to much to do this weekend so had to get some sleep last night, so only fished 4:45-7:30 this morning out front. Wish I could have done the normal 8-9 hour outing as water was great and bait was all over the place (missed most of the rain....darn). Got one bass on a teaser in front of a plug Surfstix painted. Missed a few fish as usual for me, had a bass hit the plug in the pic as I brought it through some mullet, had a bass blow up on a white sluggo. Missed a few other hits too (its amazing I got the one fish). Got home by 10:00 and saw step-grandson score his first goal playing soccer, was awesome. Next Sunday can't come soon enough.... http://rocksimpson.com/images/2011_10_1_SB.jpg
02-02-2012, 07:44 PM
madcaster
1 Attachment(s)
Custom Wooden Plugs Review and What's New
Attachment 14816
Here are two blues (not the biggest ones)one on the belly hook and one on the tail hook . That day some gator blue were caught on the same plug . No issues
there not wire thought, but glued in. Never had any issues with one coming out
03-23-2012, 11:58 AM
DarkSkies
Quote:
Originally Posted by madcaster
my buddy was reeling them in at the time ...I was taking a video of them . the blues were in thick that day,every cast was a fish.I was changing plugs every other fish
I saw that video this morning, Matt, hope you don't mind me posting it....here's a great example of someone shooting a video without focusing too much on the shoreline or structure that would identify where he was...very nicely done...:clapping: :thumbsup:
Almost anyone who buys custom plugs in NJ knows of Chumbucket (Matt) He's been doing this for about 10 years now, and not only does he make the plugs, he fishes them hard, and by virtue of that knows what's needed to make a good plug....
For a long time he wasn't selling anything, donating his creations to various gigs.
His painting was elaborate with 5-7 colors usually coloring each plug...amazing level of detail.
I say this because I know him and know he won't be embarassed by it, but IMO that level of detail, puts the plug in the realm of the collector, and not the fisherman..but now he's making and selling plugs... to be fished...
Nice to meet ya again, Matt, and good luck for the year (BTW he was completely sold out by 11:30am)