Get back from sales meetings all week to find I missed my oppurtunities at the swaps. That sucks. Oh well, I'm still in the early stages of building anyway, so I probably would have chickened out.

Is their any interest in a Rookie swap? I've been building for a year and have made some nice plugs. Swim well, look nice and catch fish, but still feel like a newbie/rookie. Anyone else out their in my shoes? or is everyone but me already in a swap?

I'd be all in on the rookie swap. Haven't been building for long but have some nice stuff. Lets get on it. PB

I'm working on some plugs now and wood love to get in, whats the time line same as the other swap?I'm interested.ed :eyes:

I'm thinking we mimic the other swaps. End of Jan, beginning of Feb due date. I kind of like the idea of the mini swap. 6 guys, 2 styles, 12 plugs total. I guess it depends on how many respond. If we do the 12 plug thing...we only need 3 more guys.

I'm new to this swap thing, so we'll learn as we go.

I like the idea of six guys, twelve plugs each. Feb 1st due date PB

I agree. If fishfearm61 likes the idea, we need 3 more.

sounds good to me, I'm trying to make some needles tonite. heres some poppers I turned last week. the bigger ones are pine, smaller maple, I think.the other two will be 6-7 inch spooks.ed

I'm in also. Have only been turning for a few months now. Just psoted pictures of my first few completed items. Here are some more of what I'm woking on now. Just trying a little bit of everything.

True sign of the addiction, photo's of the cellar ceiling. :hee: The object of the game is to not be able to see the insulation and heating ducts eventually. Has the wife called you the cellar dweller yet.. :hee:

I'd love to get in on this swap! I've been building for a little more than a year, but took a pretty long break while I've been building my house. House is almost done, then I'm switching over to plugs again.

The wife has called me many things but cellar dweller isn't one of them yet. :bl:

Looks like we need one more.

I consider myself a rookie and would love to get in but I am already in on the super swap and have my hands full to say the least hangin with the big boys. Good luck though. Paul

I'm a rookie turner but I'm playing with the big boys too (Moriarty). I'm already over my head but if you can't get another participant by next Sunday I'm in . I wouldn't want anyone to miss out on all the fun . :rotf2:
:jump:

Thanks Kadywampus, thats a real nice gesture. We'll see what happens. Were going to pull it off one way or another, I've seen some of these guys plugs...and I want some. We may be "rookies" but the level of skill at an entry level is out of sight.

I'll join this swap.

Oh boy, the bars been risen...Striperknight is no rookie! Thanks for joining us.

So the "Rookie Swap" is Closed

Lower
pbrown
fishfearme61
outnumbered
Motor Fish
Striperknight

Again, we will do 6 plugs of one style and 6 of another, 12 total. Like the other swaps the extra plugs will goto JohnR. Lets say Feb 1st as a deadline. This is my first swap, I'm pretty excited about it.

Since this is my first swap how does it work do we do we state ahead of time what we are doing or just do them and when we swap we find out? Really looking forward to this. :cheers:

my first swap :jump:

I'll join this swap.

I'm both relieved and bummed that you agreed to join. I'll have less pressure to build but will miss out on another set of great pluggage .
Promise me you'll post pictures of the plugs I'm missing out on . :btu: :kewl:

Thanks Kadywampus, thats a real nice gesture. We'll see what happens. Were going to pull it off one way or another, I've seen some of these guys plugs...and I want some. We may be "rookies" but the level of skill at an entry level is out of sight.

My pleasure , but I knew you would find enough spinners .
I'm looking forward to seeing some great pluggage posted for viewing .
We may be new to the game but 'we got game' . :humpty: :bl:
I'll post the plugs I recieve too . :wave:

my first swap :jump:
Me too , I'm so excited I could plots ! :jump:

Kadywampus, I'll still figure out how to get one of your plugs!

As for the swap...I think we should just build what were good at, and be suprised in the end. When we are done building eveyone can ship their plugs to me. I'll divide them up and ship out a package to each individual.

I'll see what I can do to sticky this with the other swaps. Then we can have some fun along the way.

Gentlemen; Enjoy it,

I'm excited! :jump:

This is great, Chrstmas in February!!! I'm going to be turnung Danny Swimmers and Sliders. Bouyah!!!!!!! PB

I have no NIB plug ..

I have no NIB plug ..
I don't have one either.

I'm thinking of turning some atom 40 type size swimers, I think I can get the body, ok. I've got a old wood one to look at. does anyone know if and where its weighted,thanks ed.

I got the junk stashed on my lathe table cleaned off and I'm ready to spin some wood. I plan on making these over the long holiday weekend. :bounce:

One of mine is going to be a lipped, jointed eel type swimmer. A friend of mine loaned me a very old one that he has to copy. The other type is still undecided. I'm going to start turning after the holiday.

On second thought I'm going to be making spooks and sliders. I haven't been able to get my swimmers to swim the way I want just yet. PB

Anybody making progress? I have my designs down. Just need to go into production mode. Tough with the holidays and travel. My guess is I'll be bustin after the holidays.

I'm halfway through my 1st 6.:happy:

Haven't even thought about it yet....

What is everyone considering making?

Scott's done. :hee:

I've got some other stuff in the works too, I got 8 atom type bodys alittle bigger that the jr size. I'me gonna drill them and try a couple different lips, a pikie2 lip or a lefty mid slot. ed:ss:

its swim time

pine body, lefty2mid lip, no weight.I may test some ayc bodys. the pine swam on top with alot of action leaving a big v-wake. tried a pikie2 lip swam good but subsurface.:wiggle:

whats everyone up to? any photos?I've been playing around with these

Here are my two prototypes for the swap. The first one just got a quick paint job for its test swim. I hope to test the bottle tomorrow. Still trying to decide the final colors and paint job for both.

Split eel is around 3 oz and 11 in long, the bottle will also be around 3 oz with chin and tail weight (I think) just shy of 7". All with treble hooks.

nice I didn't think a bottle plug would be in the swap, nice:sled:

Bottles get weight in the arse and midway between the tail and belly swivel. Slug in the chin may make it dig some more. If you want to experiment this is the place to do it. One of my sets is an new type of plug for me.

It has a 5/16th weight in its keister, and I figured I'd try the weight on the chin just to keep it chin turned down. It's minimal weight smallest of all the weights I have so hopefully it won't dig too much. Tried it in the sink last night and it flips over the right way. Have it in the truck to try on a local pond on the way home. Being new at this I should probably of stuck with simpler plugs but I 've never been the one to take the easier way out.

Plugs are looking good. I think we are going to see some nice stuff come out of this swap! I spent a little time making dust over the weekend.

here's the atom swimmer in color I've been working on. white / pearl silver with tranparent green, I'm thinking river herring springtime:wiggle:

Nice real nice, mine finally finished drying after being sealed, they will be primed and painted today and tomorrow.

First set is about to be painted and the second set is just about dry from the sealer. I'm going to be down to the wire on this one.

ff61...that color is nice! Looks good. Can't wait to see it up close.

My first 6 are being primed and my second six just got dipped. I'll make it but like Striperknight said...I'll be down to the wire.

Guys...this is suppose to be fun. If anyone starts to feel they may need a little more time, just say so.

I'm on my 2nd set cut the lipslot, thru drilled and sealed tonite. there one peice eels , gonna paint them black over purple:soon:

I've got them all turned, all holes drilled, sealed and now I'm waiting....

I wonder if I can speed up the drying process by throwing them in the microwave?

I decided on making dannies (small ones) and "trying" surfsters.

I've got eyes some where, I can see my self puting them away. I'm going nuts:wall:

Motorfish is alive! I was wondering how you were making out. I just sealed my last batch a night ago as well. Not sure about the microwave thing. I have mine in the heated house, hoping they will be dry midweek. Then no sleep for a few days...

I ended up making small "howdys" as well as a small "danny". Both come in at around 1.5oz. I've been wanting to turn some stuff for early spring. It took me awhile to get the danny swimming right. Partially because I couldn't find any unfrozen water.

I have to leave on a business trip Jan 31st and return the 3rd. My thought were to get the packages out on Sat 4th if I had all the plugs. You guys think you can have the plugs to me by Sat? If thats pushing anyone, we can bump it a little. I was just hoping to have the packages out before the 11th. That way you'll see your plugs at your house and not at the plugfest.

I just ordered eyes, should take about a week, 2-3 days to epoxy then ship.4 days to the saturday. should make it:boots: maybe I'll find my eyes:wall:

By the way ff61...those eels look nice. I have nothing like that!

I figered not too many had them ,most are jointed and outnumbers building a jointed one. its bassed on a old masterlure eel I got. I'll try to post a pic of the masterlure. ed:wavey:

I am alive!!

Was having some minor computer problems with the new PC. But I'm back. No worries.

Wired up a surfster tonight and did the tub test. Swam nicely with the Surfster 2 lip, but I'm wondering if the action would be better with a smaller lip (which I don't have). Soooo . . . I ordered some surfster 1.5 lips from NJT tonight. Hopefully, they'll get here soon. Won't hold me up too much because I can get the dannies done while I wait.

They are finally painted this will be going down to the wire with the epoxy. May add a little something to the split eel though.

They look good Kevin.

yes there looking great:bgi:

Lower,

What do we need to send you for shipping and could you PM me with the address that you want theses plugs sent to.

Thanks Kevin

masterlure eel

Nice design and beautiful paint.

Plugs look nice!. Cant wait to see them. I sent eveyone a PM. If you didnt get it or have any questions let me know. I think were all cutting it close, but it seems as if we may actually make it.

The only one who I haven't really heard recently is from pbrown. Hopefully he chimes in.

I don't know how old it is , mut its old:ss:

First 6 done. Epoxy dried nicely...thank goodness. I haven't had a problem with epoxy in quite awhile, but I still get nervous. Really puts a nice finish on a plug but can also screw up a lot of work. I'd post pics, but at this point might as well be suprised right.

I'll be painting and epoxying second 6 over the weekend.

Did everyone get a PM with my address?

I got the PM. It will be a busy weekend of painting and finishing!

I got 12 plugs to epoxy this weekend my fingers are crossed

I'm trying to finish painting tonight and epoxy over the weekend. :faga:

All epoxied just need to finish drying, hookem, package em and mail em.:btu: :gu:

Getting things finnished up in a week or so. I my wife and I just had a baby and things at my house have been busy to say the least. I'll have things together, just a little later than expected. PB

Hey p congratulations enjoy your time with the child it is something you'll never regret. My younger daughter now 19 is one of the most proficient and best fishing buddies I have.

congrats:cheers:

Nice to hear from you Patrick. I started asking around if you were alive. Now I understand! I have a 2 yr old and a 4 month old myself. Greatest thing in the world, but it does throw things for a loop. Congratulations.

Good to hear everyone is making progress. Funny how in November making 12 plugs seemed like a breeze.

Thanks everyone!! Everyone is doing fine at home. I'll be the guy with the baby in a backpack on the beach.

epoxy's the hard part for me:shocked: :err:

Tail wraps are my down fall.

asked john if he could change my name to stripercrazy( i use stripercrazy on other sites) fishfearme is the start of my email addy. I don't use it much. ed

I may run a little late I'm epoxying them one at a time. trying to get the lips right. I got 3 eels drying

Take your time. I have one set to epoxy tonight and the other set that needs like an hour of painting then epoxy. Looking to have them in the mail on Thur/Fri. It usually takes about 2 days to get a package up to MA. Don't stress out.

Spent the weekend finishing up. Mine are pretty much done. Epoxy is almost dry on the second 6. I'll wire them when I get back. I'm heading to CA. tomm. Look forward to seeing what's at my house when I get home Friday.

Once I return I will see what has arrived and figure out when we want to get it all shipped back out. I hope everyone had a great weekend.

Actually I just saw SK's response. He was writing at the same time I was. Seriously...don't stess. We'll figure it all out when I get back.

there big 11 inches or so

there all epoxyed and wired, a day or so to make sure the epoxys dry and I'll ship:hihi:

whats everyone doing for hooks, puting them on the plug or just no hooks or hooks on the side. hows everyone shipping them?

I put the hooks on mine. Didn't even think about that part of it. Mine are packaged and will be on there way around 1:00.

Putting hooks on them.

hooks on:kewl:

Except for finish, mine are all done. Should be finishing up tonight or tomorrow, then they are in the mail!

shipped mine yesterday at 4pm

Well I'm back from Ca! Great trip, but even better coming home to a couple of boxes. Recieved a package from Outnumbered and Stripercrazy. The plugs are really NICE . I'm impressed. Can't wait to get the rest of them.

I'm heading to Plugfest. If I have all the plugs by then, I could package them up and give them to you there. If you aren't going to be there I would be happy to pop them in the mail. Obviously if I give them to you at plugfest I'll give your $5 back.

Anyone object to the plugfest idea? Just let me know what you guys think.

sounds good to me, but I'm in on rush really when ever everyone done is fine.:happy:

Whatever works the easiest for everyone is great. I'm in no rush figure we have a few more days before the fish come swimming back. :cheers: Hope to meet some of you at the Plugfest.

Mine are finally finished. :tm: I've got some pictures I was going to post, but I don't have the software on my new computer to resize them.

I was going to pop them in the mail tomorrow, but the plug fest idea sounds good to me. Either way works, I'm in no rush either. Figure we have a couple months.

Is everyone planning on going to plugfest? I'm 95% sure I'll be there.

I'm flexible. The only thing I was hoping was to send them all out together if at all possible. I think it would be more fun getting a package with all the pluggage inside. Let's see where the other guys are and we'll figure out how we want to finish this up. I'll definitly be at plugfest.

Sounds good to me. I'll hold onto mine until we decide or until plug fest.

I agree with Lower it would be nicer to get them all in one package rather than some now and some later. :drool: Since Lower was good enogh to start this thread I say let him decide. See you at plug fest. :happy:

When I joined this swap I planned on doing two sets of plugs with normal paints and colors.
Ok . My first set of plugs had epoxy problems. They will work but not up to my standards. I tried something new with the epoxy plus I think my dungeon was to cold.
To compensate I made the 2nd set some of my signature plugs.
I'll post a pic later and will be at plugfest.

NICE, a striperknight paint job! Sorry you had a problem with epoxy, but it sounds like we are going to benefit from it! I usually epoxy in the cellar, but ended up doing it upstairs due to the temperature. It definitly made a difference.

Motorfish, Just bring your plugs to plugfest. Save you the shipping. Same with you SK, if there done.

I'm thinking I'll just collect them there and take them home. Then I'll split them all up and mail them out. I would rather spend the time inside learning, than out in my truck splitting up plugs.

Were on the home stretch now.

Some swap plugs. I have to get a better camera.

Trying to post pictures of mine. Hope this works.....:huh:

Nice, some more then...:hee:

Finally, the whole bunch!:kewl:

Gentlemen nice pluggage I can't wait to have them all in my hands.:happy: :happy: :happy: See you all at the plugfest. Can you believe I only took two picts of mine.

Quite the swap. Worth the wait. Here are a couple pics of mine.

And the other. I would like to add bucktail to these still, but it's my weak point. I'm thinking after I learn a little at plugfest I may tie them up quick before I ship.

there's going to be a early x-mass:claps: :shocked: :cheers:

These are the plugs I had epoxy trouble with. They are a handcarved swimmers with glow in the dark eyes. You can't see the purple glittter on the bottom of the plugs. At least I know these will be used. Most of my pluggage ends up never seeing water. These are rookie design for me.

I can't wait to see this stuff up close.

Outnubered, I'll take a few more pics for you.

I think once I get all the plugs I may take some pics and repost it. Anyone object? I would like to show off the nice plugs in this swap. More guys will look at a new post than this one.

Haven't looked in a while some really great work guys. Hope to see you on Sat. Paul

WOW
don't look like no rookie swap to me :hs:

I'm embarrased at my first few plugs :hidin:

Wow! There's some good . . . no, great stuff here!

Can't wait to see them up close on Saturday.

k, so i'm newto this too... been making plugs this winter only got an ok darter down do it all w/out a lathe. use a power saw, orbit sander and a coping saw. can't find a drill bit long enough for thru wire... any ideas on the best way to attach hook eyes? I have been using stanless steel eyes. I put some liquid nails on the threds. 1 1/2 inch for front and back and smaller for the body hook.

Welcome Doug great goup of guys here and a wealth of information. Use the search button and you can learn more than you can possably take in. From a rookie also here are the answers to you question.

Drill Bit - Order from Mike at m & D's in Whareham only open on weekends now but there web site is capecodtackle.com he is a sponser on this site and can help you out. You will either need a 1/8" or most people use the 5/16" bit as the nose grommets fit in there. All the supplies that you will ever need are there just about.

Hook Eye's - make the hole slightly larger and use devcon 2 ton epoxy

Do a search on the site and you can find information on anything you want. If you search jigs you can find all sorts of ideas that will help you out on the thru drill thing. PM me and I'll send you a picture of my drill jig if you want but the same one is online here somewhere.

Just wanted to say it was great meeting you guys over the weekend. I had a great day and learned a ton.

Were almost there with the swap. Motorfish and Striperknight gave me their plugs at Plugfest. Once I get PBrowns plugs were done.

I'm looking forward to boxing them up and shipping them out. I think you guys are going to be happy!

and welcome DougV. Like outnumbered said...use the search. Everything I know about this addicting hobby came from that search button.

Just wanted to say it was great meeting you guys over the weekend. I had a great day and learned a ton.

Were almost there with the swap. Motorfish and Striperknight gave me their plugs at Plugfest. Once I get PBrowns plugs were done.

I'm looking forward to boxing them up and shipping them out. I think you guys are going to be happy!


How'd did I not meet motorfish and outnumbered on Sat.?

I didnt end up meeting them till a little later in the day. Not sure when they got there? You may have been on the road by then.

SK...package 1 on its way.

SK,

I had to work from 5 - 11 that morning so I didn't get here until about 11:45 and when I finally met up with Lower he said you had just left. Sorry I missed you as I really wanted to meet you and see how you painted those heads on the swap plugs. I first thought that they were printed on tissue paper and glued on somehow but when Lower told me that they were handpainted I couldn't believe it. They are sweet, you are by no means a rookie at this but I am really happy you joined the swap. That is one plug I am not so sure will ever see the water.

I can't wait to get the plugs from everyone but I'm sure the wait will be well worth it.

SK, I also had to work that morning. Didn't get there until noonish. Sorry I missed ya. You'll just have to come back up here this summer and we'll beat up these plugs together.

I may be up that way in July again.


Any word from Pbrown?:call:

No word from PBrown. Hope he chimes in soon. I'm sure you guys are ready to see these plugs. I get to drool over them every night! All I can say is I can Gaurantee some fish will be caught on those plugs!

All,

Of you guys have done an excellent job on your plugs. If you ever plan on having a rookie swap again count me in.

Alright guys...I think I'm going to throw in the towel. I have done everything possible to get in contact with PBrown. I think between a new little one, and possibly a new home, he's just up to his neck. I wish I would have heard from him though. SO....

I think its time to SHIP THE PACKAGES! I'll get everything together and get the boxes in the mail! I do believe everyone will be happy. Look forward to throwing these plugs this spring.

I guess what I'll do is include PBrown's plugs in your packages, unless someone has a better idea?? Maybe we can swap with him individually once he is grounded. One last thing...I'm going to take some nice pics and post them on the main page. I want everyone to see the nice collections of plugs. Not everyone has been on our "sticky". Thanks for a great swap guys!

:jump: :happy: :happy: :happy:

:thanks:

A little bubble wrap and a few beers later....Heading out tommorrow!

We're getting beers too, cool.

We're getting beers too, cool.
Spoken like a true Irishman. :gu:

I/m working 3rd shift so I'm waiting to open it sometime around 3am when the nite's draging, the waits killing me, but it will be like a powerboost:eyes: :rotfl:

Its 11:00Pm just got home and my wife had the box on the table with a nice cold beer open next to it. Gentleman my hat is off to you all these are sweet. Makes me want to go down to the canal and start to fish them right now. Great job gentlemen I lift a beer to toast you all.:cheers: and Lower thanks again for organizing the swap and all the work that went into it.:cheers:

wow, thanks everyone, I'm glad I was part of the rookie swap. lower thanks a million, you the man for doing all the work.:gu: hat off to everyone. lets catch some fish and post the photo's:kewl: thanks ed.

no plugs yet.:lossinit:

I got mine....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ooooooooooowww

Nice pluggage.:kewl: :kewl: :kewl: :kewl: .

Do you guys still need this thread sticky?

Look forward to the next swap guys....

Motorfish...hope you got your package!

This thread is done!

Got mine!!! All top notch. Seeing all these plugs makes me want to go fishing even worse.

Nothing better then Christmas in March!!! Amazing work!

Thanks again and I hope I can do this again soon.

I was just looking through some of the old threads and I thought I had replied to this one :whackin:

Gentlemen! Thank you and excellent work! I am humbled that you were able to include me with these. BTW - I'm not sure how many of you saw them at MSBA but a few of these were, uhh, visible for inspection then :)

Again, thank you and forgive my optical rectumitis on getting this :btu: up for you guys...

John