Plug blanks and non-maple blanks?

[TDMOUTDOORS]

I'm new to this and I hope I can get some help from any turners who have made a few extras. I would like to find (purchase) some plug blanks. Poppers are my main interest at this point but other styles would be nice too. I can use some maple and beech but basswood, poplar, mahogany are closer to what I want.

I interviewed Stan Gibbs for an article several years ago at his home near the Sagamore Bridge and Cape Cod Canal. He related a lot of information, but of most interest, was the fact that his original lures were all made of basswood and weighted for proper floatation.

Stan was miffed with new owners of the lure company, a relative and his wife, because of their cost cutting moves. It seems they changed the wood and therefor the action of all the lure as one of the first business decisions. "The lure has to sit in the water properly and the head has to be up so you can work it right. The lead has to be in the right spot to achieve this. I worked a long time and did a lot of casting here in the canal to get it right".

I intend to see for myself if I can duplicate his results. If anybody could help me I would be very greateful.