Tsunami Timber Lures (Pencils, Poppers, and Needlefish) - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

fishbones · 01-07-2009, 11:04 AM

I'm sure this whole thing is because of the wooden plug craze that we're now seeing. There are a lot of really talented plugmakers out there and some plugs are selling for crazy prices at both retail and on ebay. Most guys will be loyal to the originals and some might switch over to try the knockoffs. If they're bad quality, they'll get a reputation and won't be around very long. If they're decent, they'll probably sell mostly to people who aren't serious plug junkies like a lot of us on here. I like fishing quality wood and even some plastic (Superstrike).

This is how I look at it. If I can pick up a Tsunami knockoff for $15 or a Hab's Jr. for $18 - $20 (I think that's what they were selling for at SWE), I'm going with the Hab's Jr. because I know it's proven.

Joe · 01-07-2009, 11:11 AM

Increased competition degrades existing sales of mature companies.

steve · 01-07-2009, 11:26 AM

Fishbones, I think most serious surf guys feel like you.

lurch · 01-07-2009, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishbones

I'm sure this whole thing is because of the wooden plug craze that we're now seeing. There are a lot of really talented plugmakers out there and some plugs are selling for crazy prices at both retail and on ebay. Most guys will be loyal to the originals and some might switch over to try the knockoffs. If they're bad quality, they'll get a reputation and won't be around very long. If they're decent, they'll probably sell mostly to people who aren't serious plug junkies like a lot of us on here. I like fishing quality wood and even some plastic (Superstrike).

This is how I look at it. If I can pick up a Tsunami knockoff for $15 or a Hab's Jr. for $18 - $20 (I think that's what they were selling for at SWE), I'm going with the Hab's Jr. because I know it's proven.

I agree it was only a matter of time that with the plug prices increasing at an exponential rate that the Chinese were going to flood the market with knock offs. I am sorry but the price of plugs is way out of line and I am glad to see inexpensive plugs hitting the market....although I think 14.99 for that Tsunami pencil is still too much.

Habs Jr. plugs for 18$...I would like to see that! Gibbs are in the 18-20$ range.

fishbones · 01-07-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lurch

Habs Jr. plugs for 18$...I would like to see that!

I'm pretty sure that's what John Jr. and Jess were selling them for at the RISSA show last spring. And when they were at SWE a while back I think it was pretty much the same give or take a couple bucks. Whatever the case it's a good deal, as he makes em' just like his dad did.

ThrowingTimber · 01-07-2009, 01:13 PM

I cant see it being a bad thing. Where we have American companies charging 20$-25$ for something similar maybe this is the beginning of what will bring lure prices back to reality.. 25$ for a 5 or 6 inch piece of wood is NUTS. But thats just my opinion

lurch · 01-07-2009, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishbones

I'm pretty sure that's what John Jr. and Jess were selling them for at the RISSA show last spring. And when they were at SWE a while back I think it was pretty much the same give or take a couple bucks. Whatever the case it's a good deal, as he makes em' just like his dad did.

Those Habs Jr plugs and other good plugs are sold out in minutes so most people cant get them. I agree with you that the Habs Jr plugs are durable but Tsunami plugs (if they are well built) will be good enough for me and most fisherman.

IMO spending 25$ on a plug to fish with is INSANE but that is just me.