Bruce and John, thanks for all the work that goes into organizing plugfest. It was nice to get together and talk plugs/fishing for a few hours. I'm always humbled by the knowledge of the guys in that room.

Wish I could have made it, wife's birthday today so it was best for my health to stay home haha.

Any pics? Who/what plugs won the categories?
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Very few people showed up. Even less had anything new to show. Which sounds all sad.....but it wasn't. I think I enjoyed this more than any of prior ones.

Just an easy, relaxed, fun few hours talking plugs with other guys who love 'em. Nice venue, loads of good food. Plenty of new ideas to ponder.

Seems to me that as so many (and Ron is a happy exception) have moved into the commercial aspect of the hobby they have forgotten why they started building stuff to begin with......or probably, more likely, the commercial aspect has dried up the simple enjoyment of building things to enhance one's fishing experience and replaced it with the more complex (and seductive) enjoyment of financial reward and prestige achieved by building things other people highly desire. Essentially, people start building plugs to catch other people (by catching fish, true).....and, once that primary purpose has shifted, then getting together with other guys to talk about plug fishing and share ideas (that someone else might use) takes on a much lower priority.

Here is some of the fun I've had since xmas.

Very few people showed up. Even less had anything new to show. Which sounds all sad.....but it wasn't. I think I enjoyed this more than any of prior ones.

Just an easy, relaxed, fun few hours talking plugs with other guys who love 'em. Nice venue, loads of good food. Plenty of new ideas to ponder.

Seems to me that as so many (and Ron is a happy exception) have moved into the commercial aspect of the hobby they have forgotten why they started building stuff to begin with......or probably, more likely, the commercial aspect has dried up the simple enjoyment of building things to enhance one's fishing experience and replaced it with the more complex (and seductive) enjoyment of financial reward and prestige achieved by building things other people highly desire. Essentially, people start building plugs to catch other people (by catching fish, true).....and, once that primary purpose has shifted, then getting together with other guys to talk about plug fishing and share ideas (that someone else might use) takes on a much lower priority.

My opinion too. I posted my view on Bruce's other thread
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It was great seeing you all, fun day. Thanks to Mike Mullins for the demo, that was great and appreciated :btu:
Food was good, thanks all
Thanks OD Mike for the plexi

Dave I will be fishing that needle, thanks again. Glad you could come
Always good to speak to George and Paul, very inspiring.
Nice to see Alan too, nice tie

and John, when is rangefest? maybe Ron will host us someday :hihi:

Rule one: there is no shooting at plugfest

Rule two: there is no shooting at plugfest

Many thanks to Bruce for pulling this together.

I had a great time discussing the nuances of how plugs work and designs with guys that know. Lots to think about and "play with".

And got to see really big darters made of maple. What more could you ask for?

George that lobster is awesome, does it sink slow and wobble level?
Bummed I missed this, I think I said that already.

I hooked my dupe up today to build some volume pieces because I had been turning some free hand ideas. Always good to hit plugfest and get some inspiration.
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Here is some of the fun I've had since xmas.

VERY nice Habs clones

VERY nice Habs clones

Thanks. I made two BI green ones for some guy who was looking for them but I forgot who it was. Probably I'll just give 'em to Sauerkraut to put skins on, I guess.

George that lobster is awesome, does it sink slow and wobble level?


That's what I was trying for but can't say I tested it a whole lot. The hook is held in place by magnets. The claws are near neutral buoyancy to wave around a bit when the thing sits on the bottom. Built it mostly as a joke to taunt a friend I fish with.

Thanks as always. Was a great time an nice to see people again. Sad not seeing a lot of the old faces. Was worth the ride down.

Thanks. I made two BI green ones for some guy who was looking for them but I forgot who it was. Probably I'll just give 'em to Sauerkraut to put skins on, I guess.


i will take them and fish them without defiling them

Oh man I missed this totally!

Thanks. I made two BI green ones for some guy who was looking for them but I forgot who it was. Probably I'll just give 'em to Sauerkraut to put skins on, I guess.

haha he does seem to do well with the eelskin! although last time i fished with him i believe he was using live eels! :laugha:

You can send them to me, I'll keep them safe from the dreaded eel skin!

I just had surgery. I love reading about what you guys talked about. Keep the hobby alive!! Thanks Bruce for hosting.

I just had surgery. I love reading about what you guys talked about..

Heal quick.