Important news for Canal regulars

[Mike P]

Gentlemen, I am sitting here choking back gut-wrenching anger as I type this. I was just advised via e-mail of one of the most most vile things I have heard occur at the Ditch in many a day.

As many of you know, one of my best friends is Brad, the Hawg Hunter man, who makes a very popular lure among Canal fishermen. A lot of you know that he has had about an 8 year run of poor health, including about 17 stints in various hospitals. What only a few close friends know is that Brad is 100% disabled, on a fixed income, has a wife and a 2-1/2 year old son to support, and relies heavily on the plug money for the few "extras" he can afford.

Apparnetly, some piece of human vermin decided to liberate Brad of over $1,000 worth of plugs while he was away from his vehicle. I haven't spoken to him yet, it's late and I don't want to disturb him. I don't know whether this theft occured at the Canal while Brad was out fishing, or, more ominously because of the implications, while his truck was parked in his yard at home (This is more ominous because he lives in a remote area and this theft would almost have to have been done by someone Brad knew and trusted enough to give directions to his home). I am livid and it's probably a good thing I am 250 miles away because I swear that I would be currently at the Canal trying my best to find and beat senseless the worthless piece of s*** who ripped off my friend.

What I am asking everyone to do is this--just keep an eye and ear out for anyone selling Hawg Hunter Lures. Brad is currently the ONLY person who is selling those plugs. They are not in any shop. The only other person who may have plugs for sale legitimately is Brad's former partner, Warren. They will be in older colors and of cruder finishes than the current models of Hawgs. You can't mistake Brad, he weighs about 400 pounds and has a Fu Manchu 'stache, and will be driving either a black S-10 Blazer or a beige Grand Wagoneer. Warren looks like Willie Nelson and sports a big wild white beard. If anyone other than these two tries to sell you a Hawg Hunter plug, these are hot and were the ones stolen. It's possible that the culprit might remove them from the package, but many of you know the Hawg designs and color schemes. Do NOT play cop or vigilante--be courteous, ask the guy whether he has more in his vehicle, and if you would be so kind, e-mail me at either of the addresses below and give me the plate #, and a description of the guy and his vehicle. I will immediately contact Brad so he can relay the info to the proper authorities. Above all, I beg you, do NOT purchase anything that looks like a Hawg Hunter from anyone but Brad.

Thanks for listening to my rant and for any info you can provide to help us find out who this lousy excuse for a human being is.

Mike P

mprevost77@hotmail.com
ditchjigger@stripersonline.com