re: JOHN MERWIN, 1946-2013

In sorting through my husband John's saltwater plug collection -- a good cellar project here in Vermont in January -- I am reminded that he very much enjoyed meeting with a striper group in Middleborough, MA, in 2005. I'm finding some of the custom-made plugs of that group that were signed: Bernzy, Guzzby, and JR. I'd love to hear from any of you.

I see Slipknot is a moderator. Do I remember fishing with John and you in Orleans? This is my first time on this (or any) discussion board so will welcome any advice and suggestions as we proceed.

Welcome, good bunch of guys and no time like winter to spend some time here.

Hello Martha - welcome to S-B ; )

Met John a few times - including at that PlugFest at Bruce's house. Great Guy, Big Smile, Loved to talk Fishing and Old Lures ; )

I'll send out a note to Bruce a/k/a Slipknot to see if he is around to say hello

Hi Martha,
First of all my condolences on the loss of John, he was very well liked and loved by many.
Welcome to the site.
I do remember fishing with John at the canal one afternoon before he was about to go on a tuna charter with the famous Terry Nugent of Riptide charters and as I was fishing and he was just watching and taking it in enjoying the sights, I said I have an Old John needlefish plug in my bag so why don't I try that. I usually bounce jigs off the bottom deep in the canal, so I put it on. Well first cast a bass hits it, then I got one after the other for a while, small fish but it sure put a smile on John's face.
He was quite a man Martha, I wish I had gotten to fish with and know him more. He was very kind to me. I fished with him and Bassmaster at Nobska one day a long time ago also.
He knew I had bought a flyrod, so he sends me a signed copy of his flyfishing book.
A friend of mine (John) was at a shop recently and bought a book of stories written by your husband and he spoke to your son or grandson about him.

We had a plug building get together at my home workshop in 2005 and he was interested in writing about it. I don't think the threads from those days have the correct pictures attached to them but it is possible to go back in the past of this forum and search for Plugfest 2005.

in the meantime, here are a couple of pictures
the cup of needles is famous

Thanks, Slipknot, for your reply and the photos. Guess I thought we'd met and fished because I had heard Slipknot mentioned so often. Is it you in the photo with John?

More later. I may send photos of a few of the Plug-Fest plugs to see who made them and if anyone shows interest. I'm not fishing stripers here in the mountains.

--Martha

Thanks, JohnR. Guess the JR plug -- a beautiful stout black one with lacy grey sides and white belly -- is by you.

Bruce Slipknot sent me a nice note with a couple of good photos and directions to see more through this striped bass forum.

Thanks, JohnR. Guess the JR plug -- a beautiful stout black one with lacy grey sides and white belly -- is by you.

Bruce Slipknot sent me a nice note with a couple of good photos and directions to see more through this striped bass forum.

Hi Martha - I wish I could take credit for the plug but all those that know me understand I started making my first plug in 2004 and it is almost complete now fourteen years later in 2018 :bl:

The fellow in the photo with John is Steve Shiraka, also a writer, a striped bass chaser from the Cape, and old plug nut. We unfortunately lost Steve a few years ago as well.

"JR" might be someone else but sometimes people would pass around a plug for more than one to sign ; )

Well done, Bruce ;)

still have my Old John needle that is pictured in that mug,one of the few custom plugs that i have held on to,other than Slips LOL,a good time in the history of plug making

Good Morning, Slipknot Bruce,

The 2018 Feb 24 PlugFest has caught my attention. How does it work for attendees?

I have some Alaskan Yellow Cedar to sell/donate:
21 -- 1-1/2" x 1-12" x 48"
20 -- 2" x 2" x 10-1/2"
1 -- 2-3/4" x 2-3/4" x 36"
1 -- 2-3/4" x 2-3/4" x 31-3/4"

Is there a market for plugs, new and used?
John's collection is mostly signed "Old John" and dated 2003 -- there are at least 40 fine pieces. I'd be happier offering/showing/selling them at PlugFest this year than online piecemeal.

Please let me know if any of this is of interest. I'm eastern-Massachusetts born and would enjoy a trip to Bourne, weather permitting.

Thanks,
Martha

Hi Martha, you are welcome to come along if the weather allows your travel. Bring along the wood and I would think someone would buy it from you, we usually have some supplies available at this event. I'm sure JohnR will accommodate you. Selling plugs is not the usual thing we do as we usually try to do more trading of plugs but I am sure nobody minds making an exception for you.

I will send a message

Hello Martha,
I can only hope that my better half reaches out as you have when it comes time to deal with some of my cherished fishing gear, supplies, and "stuff"....
I have always admired the needles in the mug, and am now glad to know who created them. Wish I had gotten to know John, but look forward to meeting you if you can make it down.
I am going to paste the NYT obit for the benefit of those here. I enjoyed reading it. You two were clearly a good team!
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/sports/john-merwin-prominent-angler-and-editor-dies-at-66.html

Such a neat post. My condolences. Hope you make it and I personally would buy the wood off you if no one else has interest so a least you would know that if you make the trip. Would love to see his plugs too. Paul.
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Wow John was a great guy, sorry for your loss. I think I still have my needle around here somewhere.

Hello Martha
2005 was a much simpler time, John was a great guy, glad I was able to meet him, I also have a needle 😎 from Him. That cup photo is famous around here !
Best Regards
Peter
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Hi Martha. Welcome to our site.My condolences to you. I dont remember meeting John at Plugfest since my first was 2006. I feel honored to be a part of this society of plugbuilders on S-B in which your husband was a part of. Lots of great fellows and ladies here. I hope to make this years Plugfest. If no one claims the larger pieces 36" & 32" length of AYC I will gladly like to purchase them. I also would like a needle if there are any available. Thanks Billy D
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Bumping this thread for any who may have missed it as Martha should be coming tomorrow.

I will be bringing my Old John plugs that survived

here is a pikie he made