I will start this with the same sentence and end with the same sentence: I like their product, have bought many in the past but not as much these days, sincerely hope they improve it and wish them the best of luck.
Flap - having talked at various lengths to a few guys that make lures, I understand nobody is going to build a Squibnocket Mansion off of plug sales. Just isn't in it for the plug maker and odds are won't be. I've also had disscussions with some of these guys about the steps involved from selecting your wood to packaging. And being as consistent as possbile. I've seen the look of dread on ones face as he mentions being ready to turn "a couple thousand needles".
I also know that there is far more I don't know about plug manufacturing that I don't know.
What I do know is that I don't buy the product like I used to 4-5-6-7 years ago because it is not - to me - as consistant as it was before. Maybe I pay more attention to it now being less of a novice. I cringe at buying a $15 plug or more but I still buy them cause they catch. I KNOW that custom wooden plugs are worth the extra dough and sure, plastic catches great - but there is a lot of enjoyment to make wood swim and be succesfull with it. I don't buy them today because of heritage, I buy them 'cause they catch. A heritage of a lure or manufacturer brings people in and when the plugs catch, they keep 'em. If a plug catches - it gets noticed (between the interblab, clubs & periodicals). If a plug manufacturer has issues with QC, that screws with the heritage AND it screws with the CATCH - that gets noticed too. But is it OK to need to buy a bunch of plugs to guarantee you'll get some that catch? Or root thru what's on the wall to make sure they have hooks? Or the wood isn't split? Not asking for perfection here but to eyeball the plug before it gets shipped.
I have seen no plug or lure that is consistently manufactured perfect every single time. But I haven't had a problem with one particular local wood lure manufacturer in a few years - one that checks his product. I'm not going into names HERE as I'm trying to remain neutral on this (yes, there is room for everyone
)...
I have no problems with Dennis, its not like we're pals or anything or he invites me to dinner at his casa but I see him once or twice a year and we chat for half an hour. I don't know Dan other than a couple e-mails when we, uhh, "debated"
things a few years ago I've had no involvement with the guy. I don't have the knowledge to tell them how to run their business. But I do want them to succeed and make a good product. I want to see my son showing his son or grandson one of these plugs and say how "my dad caught a lot of fish on these and so did his granddad". I want to see this company successful 50 years from know - yeh, 50 years - hope I'm alive and can still fish. But I do want to see them succeed...
Do you still think they are the best wooden lure manufacturer out there? Do you think they are, quality wise in line with their peers? Do you think there is room for reasonable improvement?
Again, I like their product, have bought many in the past but not as much these days, sincerely hope they improve it and wish them the best of luck.