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The Armpit Plug
The Armpit Plug
It’s October 1994 and John “Habs” Haberick is dropping off an order of his traditional needlefish to Beachfront Bait and Tackle in Newport. While there he’s showing Beachfront owner Frank Demenezes and I his new creation: a very large 12 inch solid black needlefish with painted yellow eyes. John explains that he’s looking to expand his line of needlefish to include something similar to the Musso and Beachmaster Wad needlefish. I’m intrigued by the plug and purchase one on the spot. I’ll be testing it on Block that November.
Fast forward to November on a calm new moon night at Black Rock. I’m on my favorite perch as the flooding tide begins to push my plugs to the west. As I cast I feel an irritating poke into my left armpit. The Hab 12 inch needle doesn’t fit neatly into my bag. It’s so long that its nose extends out the corner of my surf bag and pokes me in the armpit. My only relief is to remove it from my bag and use it. The Hab’s wad weighs in at almost 4 ounces, has three 4/0 trebles and feels like I’m holding a hand gaff – easily the largest plug I have ever thrown. My first cast with it stings my casting finger as I release the line. It sails nicely into the still night. A few casts later I had a very subtle take and set on a nice fish. The 35 pound bass took a few minutes to land as it was hooked in the top of the head with all three trebles. A few more bass to 20 pounds hit the “Armpit” plug that night while my other needles just didn’t produce.
John loved the story but wasn’t crazy about the name I coined to his large needlefish. I mean who would want a plug called an “Armpit”?
Thank You John. Rest in Peace.
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