The Bigger, The Better

I often thought about the old saying “big bait, big fish” and wondered what happened to the giant pikes that used to be so readily available.

I looked and looked, and couldn’t find a consistent supply anywhere. So I did what any normal, frustrated angler who’s pretty good with his hands would do: I made my own.

I read everything I could get my hands on about plug making. I browsed websites, introduced myself to other lure makers and pestered them with questions. I visited plug workshops from Cape Cod to the Jersey Shore. All in an effort to learn the best materials, techniques and processes for making a larger wooden lure with great swimming action.

By summer 2005, I tested my first 8″ giant pike at Block Island — and quickly caught my fill of sizable stripers.

My friends took notice, and tried them, too. Before long, our fishing expeditions consistently became catching expeditions.

Pretty soon, tackle shops, guides and fishermen along the New England, New York and New Jersey coasts took notice…and placed an order…then another…and another.

The next thing I know, I’m invited to exhibit at the Asbury Park (NJ) Fishing Club annual plug show — one of the largest plug shows on the East Coast…an amazing event, with some of the best-known plug makers around.

Since those early days, it has been quite a ride. The success of my original Giant Surface pikes encouraged me to make a 6-1/2″ Junior as well as a variety of larger and/or heavier plugs, including, Giant Medium and Deep Divers, a line of Surface and Diving SLIMS, Trollers, Jointeds, lipless Sand Pikes, and most recently, a line of Weasel pikes.