Plug Prices

[tattoobob]

Is it just me or are wood plug prices just getting higher and higher
I would love to have some, But I can't spend that much on a piece
of painted wood.

What's your thoughts?

[Tagger]

welcome to the club Bob ... Vintage wood is out of my league for sometime now . I occaisionally score a beater ,(no box ,well used,missing paint,rusty hooks) to copy . People are very educated about vintage wood in corect boxes and special colors .

[Adam_777]

Yep plugs are expensive and they are addictive once you dabble in them.They add up and take up space.When you loose one to a rock or a lobster pot your twice as pissed as you would be if you lost a cheapy.I fish rocks alot and the wood and paint takes a beating.Woods nice but sometimes plastic holds up better.Most I've spent on one is 25 bux I can't see any more than that.

[spence]

I think the new custom plugs are just getting closer to their true value. Additionally there seem to be a lot of builders out there who don't have to rely on it for a primary income, so they don't have to worry as much with competition.

But I think things will trend down a bit unless there's a change in the market. There's only so many plug consumers out there.

-spence

[nightfighter]

Much easier to pay up at the spring shows, when I'm jonseing to fish. Someone has it right in their signature; The next best thing to fishing is buying new gear. Can't do it at this time of year when I see I haven't even used 10% of what I have..... Heck, I could get by without adding another five years, and still not use them all. (But we all know that won't happen...)

[Steve K]

This topic has been beaten to death by now. There are still inexpensive wooden plugs out there like Bob Hahn's that are available. It is simply supply and demand.

[Slingah]

think about it....
how many plugs do you really need???
and how many times can you use a plug???
ya cant change hooks on a chunk....or repaint an eel
in comparison...plugs (even expensive ones) are an economical way to fish....ya just dont need a miliion of em...or every new one

[Adam_777]

Shipping sucks bad... but the damn things can't fly so we have no choice.I love my plugs.Sometimes I just hold them and show them to wife and kids.I feel like they are members of my immediate family because I'd like to spend more time with them than the rest.

[Slipknot]

Plug prices are determined by lots of factors. One is by what people are willing to pay for them, that's why the 300 dollar largemouth plugs that folks thing they have a chance at a world record with for instance. Other guys just want to ask a fair price, others it's determined by supply and demand.
The most I've paid for a plug I fished was $35.00 and I still fish it when I feel like it.

Lex lures are a very good value, they catch fish too, I don't know how Scottie can make any profit.Simple plug that works and is affordable at less than 10 bucks.

I have a priceless plug that I have fished and most guys think I'm nuts to fish such a work of art but I feel it is a testament to the builder of the plug since that is what it's intended for.
even caught a nice fish on it on the second cast with it back in May.



RM Smith makes artwork as fishing lures


I don't think half the fishemen out there that use plugs have any idea how much work goes into making a plug that looks good,lasts or holds up a reasonable amount of time, that entices fish to strike and cats well enough to be used and be put in the rotation of your plugbag.

I love wood and appreciate it. Guys like habs and beachmaster are real craftsmen as their popularity and demand show, I love their plugs also. There is room for everybody.

[luds]

Wow. Awsome post Slip. Thanks.

[Skitterpop]

Bruce is the pic at bottom and one in the nice bassies mouth Ryan`s work?

Thanks....nice pic and nice bass

[Slipknot]

Originally Posted by Skitterpop

Bruce is the pic at bottom and one in the nice bassies mouth Ryan`s work?

Thanks....nice pic and nice bass

yes

that is Ryan's work in both pics

[Skitterpop]

Originally Posted by Slipknot

yes

that is Ryan's work in both pics

Wow Those are wonderful!

plug prices: Look at all the flipping on new BMs.... double the retail days after bought .

[Mike P]

One of the best Canal fishermen I know brags about only owning one plug

[bloocrab]

When it comes to custom wood - yeah, I think the prices can get up there....and I feel that way mainly because you can't control how long you're going to own the plug ,,, (break-offs/snagged on a rock/bluefish-bitten/"HO'-ed" ,,, It's one thing if you pay a lot of money for it and you really take great care of it, wash it, wax it, re-hook it, BUT ...when you decide to fish it, any and every time you do....you're gambling on the chance of losing it. That's when it becomes expensive in my mind. I've never been a collector, I buy things to use them, so for that simple fact, yes...I find them expensive (especially when I can do GREAT with a $5 Creek Chub) . The only plugs you'd see in a case at my house would be plugs that I caught memorable fish on etc// and decided to retire them for a particular personal reason, custom wood, plastice, rubber...a BARE HOOK if it means something to me....

Don't get me wrong, I give the custom guys a lot of credit. They make GREAT stuff. I've held some of Mr. Pogy's stuff and let me tell ya, the finish on his plugs scare me to even touch them, let alone fish them. Those plugs and many more of the top builders on this site are definately WORTH THE MONEY, just not always my money (because I use and could lose them). I own plenty of custom stuff and will contine to buy them, just not in the volumes that "collectors" do. I think when you "collect" something, it becomes a hobby. Fishing isn't a hobby for me, it's a PASSION. I couldn't put a price on fishing. Guys talk about gas prices holding them back, bait being too expensive, gear prices outrageous/what have you,,, .....There's no shame in using your old Abu Garcia rod, a $5 dollar plug with a wire-leader for security and having a great time. If you really know what you're doing, you already know you don't need TOP $$ equipment to catch fish. Of course it helps...(ALOT)...but ask Roy about snoopy rods or scoobe doo, and they'res your pudding.

People afford what they want to afford (whether they can or not is a different question), that's the American way.

Sorry bob, long winded point of view....SHOOT ME

Do I think they're just "a piece of painted wood" ??? HELL NO, they ARE WORKS OF ART,,, but like Picasso's,,, I can't always afford them, but I wouldn't discredit it because I couldn't afford it. As a struggling artist wanna-be....I have much respect for ART work, and that's what a lot of our builders create. . . .ok, I'll shut up now.

[Swimmer]

Originally Posted by Slipknot

Plug prices are determined by lots of factors. One is by what people are willing to pay for them, that's why the 300 dollar largemouth plugs that folks thing they have a chance at a world record with for instance. Other guys just want to ask a fair price, others it's determined by supply and demand.
The most I've paid for a plug I fished was $35.00 and I still fish it when I feel like it.

Lex lures are a very good value, they catch fish too, I don't know how Scottie can make any profit.Simple plug that works and is affordable at less than 10 bucks.

I have a priceless plug that I have fished and most guys think I'm nuts to fish such a work of art but I feel it is a testament to the builder of the plug since that is what it's intended for.
even caught a nice fish on it on the second cast with it back in May.



RM Smith makes artwork as fishing lures


I don't think half the fishemen out there that use plugs have any idea how much work goes into making a plug that looks good,lasts or holds up a reasonable amount of time, that entices fish to strike and cats well enough to be used and be put in the rotation of your plugbag.

I love wood and appreciate it. Guys like habs and beachmaster are real craftsmen as their popularity and demand show, I love their plugs also. There is room for everybody.

What are you doing fishing in front of my house?

[SeaWolf]

like any other area, and industry for that matter, you have a variety of choices. sticking w/ the custom wood lures you have many manufacturers out there now and each has their own unique paint, type of lure, quality, etc., to them and of course the price. some market to different customers than others. many build a similar lure to another builders so you have choices. some are loyal to some builders due to their reputation or the angler's own success with that lure(s). if each manufacturer is selling out what they build then they must be doing something right. if they are selling out and making a profit, good for them.

as already mentioned costs associated with manufacturing these lures has increase. paints go up, oil prices for heating goes up, electricity goes up, etc., mainly due to oil prices. so, manufacturers prices sometimes go up as well. but, many times the price increase is due to supply and demand. if a manufacturer can sell a lure for $30/each and sell out, good for them. that doesnt mean you have to condemn that manufacterer. they have a choice of how to price their lures. you dont have to buy them. if a manufacturer can sell a lure at $13/ea and make a profit, good for them. as mentioned, there are other options. buy what fits into your budget or what you have success with. if the demand falls, prices will lower or it'll be survival of the fittest.

like pete, i have spent $18-25 for lures before. do i like it, no not really, but on most occasions i am buying a lure that i have had great success with. so, i am willing to spend more on it. not so much for collection purposes. on the same note, i dont like waiting or searching for lures that come out from time to time. i have streamlined my lure bag selection to lures that produce for me and i am usually find on walls when i am in a pinch due to a blitz or a fish's appetite of the day.

ultimately, it is a buyer's decision on what they need and what they want. buyer's control the market for the most part. manufactuer's control is limited.

[fishbones]

The guys who have labored at making their own plugs can understand why the custom wood plugs are so expensive. It's labor intensive and takes a real skill to make a plug that swims right and catches fish. I've made my own and figured that I spent enough on one to buy several made by the real craftsmen on this site. You really can appreciate what these guys are doing. I will spend good money on plugs that really catch my eye, but I also use knockoffs that cost $6 to $8 that catch just as well (usually after having a $20 plug cut off by a blue). The lure is important, but the person using it has to know what they are doing if they are going to catch fish.

[Pt.JudeJoe]

The cost of materials is way up. Like others have said ,and I have seen first hand, a lot goes into making custom wood plugs. The $ per hour by the time it is finished is very small ,but they do it because they love their work and it shows in the finished product.But the truth is.....you should all be throwing METAL!

[Pete_G]

There's always Super Strike. As good as they ever were...

Although those have gone up too. Considering where plastic comes from you can't be too surprised I guess.

Barring lobster pots and other random tragedies I really rarely lose a plug, so I'm fairly fearless when it comes to throwing wood. My only requirement is that the plug will tolerate years of service. I'll pay if it works and it lasts.

[Kosherklam]

However
I believe plug prices reflect workmanship and quality. For instance the plugs below go for only $15 as alot of other retailers are selling plugs very similar to them for $23 you really have to see them up close this is one of the only plugs that you could by for reasonable and affordable price and people have never heard of them. It is unfourtinate but raw materials are going up like paint, wood, wire, lead, and metal welcome to inflation it sucks but it affects the builders more than you think. How much money do you think th builders are making from building plugs after labor and costs of materials. I can honestly say not much its more of a hobbie for most of the guys.

[Joe Dalton]

I remember going into the local Penny Candy store when I was a kid...you walk in and don't now were to to start...you only have a Quarter to spend but you want to try one of each it reminds me of the day Rick Hern introduced me to Mac a few years ago.

I walked into Mac's work Shop in his back yard ...O'MY GOD...it was like being in that candy store...Only had $25 bucks...But I wanted to try out each Plug...WE MISS YOU MAC !

[diklarsen]

i really dont mind paying alot for plugs anymore after the spring i had. i was throwing my expensive plugs and they were outfishing my friends cheaper plugs all night

[capesams]

Interesting thread which bring up another question...wood people pay /buy a plug if all the correct steps in building said plug were there, but the outter shell was rough,,mill marks[no sanding] plainly painted[two or three colors] no scales etc. etc. Wood they buy these at a much[?] lower price or wood they stick to the fine art style they can have today at a higher price??

[NIGHT STRIKES]

Originally Posted by capesams

Interesting thread which bring up another question...wood people pay /buy a plug if all the correct steps in building said plug were there, but the outter shell was rough,,mill marks[no sanding] plainly painted[two or three colors] no scales etc. etc. Wood they buy these at a much[?] lower price or wood they stick to the fine art style they can have today at a higher price??

I think so,, if this said plug swam and did the job it was meant to do - sure....
I'm bad when it comes to buying the fancy air-brushed "baitfish" patterns,but I'll take a plain old yellow,black or white hunk of wood
anyday also.... Good Quality Doesn't Always Have To Be Pretty To Work...

[fishbones]

Bottom line is, if you can afford it and want it, buy a custom plug. You don't need $20 + plugs to catch fish, but you don't need a $300 rod or $900 reel either. You can go out and catch a 50lb bass on a $30 rod and $40 reel if you know what you are doing. It's just like buying a car. When I was a kid in college, I bought a piece of junk car because it was what I could afford. It got me to work and classes, but was not much to look at. Now that I am in a position to spend more on things, I buy much nicer vehicles for my wife and I. It is still just transportation, but it makes getting to where we are going a little more enjoyable. I still use cheap plugs as I mentioned earlier in the thread, but I get real sense of enjoyment out of catching a nice fish on a custom plug. Maybe it's because it validates the price I've paid, or maybe it's because I just appreciate the talent it takes to produce these works of art.

[emgred]

I will pay more for a custom plug if it is better. By better I mean better at catching fish. For example Habs Needlefish are worth every penny. LIfishinVT Darters just swim better and therefore catch fish. Bob Hahn metal lip swimmers catch fish and are half the price of most custom, so I choose to fish Hahns. I know they don't have the fancy finish or scaled paint job, but (and I hope RM does not mind if I quote something he posted on another site about plug colors) as RM Smith says "Dark, medium and light is all you really need. Everything else fancy, is more for you than the fish
I'm guilty of fancy myself, makes it more funner."

[fishaholic18]

$20 buys a lot of snag hooks....

[tattoobob]

You all make a valid points, but I think the only thing a flashy expensive plug catches is the fisherman.

[Backbeach Jake]

Plug prices indicate what people will pay.That's all, they could be tulips. It's about desire and the ability or need to pay.

On Canal fishing; I'm gaining a real appreciation of the ART of that craft. It ain't easy. At first I thought it was, then I realized that bumping a jig across the bottom is the most mentally challenging thing that I've done for fun ever. And when the current changes direction the game changes,too. So many subtleties in that art, cool as all hell though.