The Plug Plucker
Written By: Rick McFerrin
Owner/guide - www.tennesseebassguides.com
As a young boy, I grew up wading rivers and small streams with my
dad. I can remember just as if it was yesterday watching him cast a
River Runt or Sparkle Tail right into log jams and brush piles and
was amazed how he not only got his lure out most of the time, but more
than not he would have a Smallmouth attached to it. I can hear him
say “Son you have got to get your lure where the fish are” Well,
I took him at his word and lacking his casting skills I spent most
of my time wading over to the log jam and reaching in to get my lures
back. It was easy then, the water was shallow and the lure assessable.
But then things changed, we got our first boat. A sleek 14 foot Star
Craft semi V aluminum boat with a 10hp Johnson out board motor. I hate
to admit it but this was before “Trolling Motors” were
popular. Your trolling motor was the paddle that you had in your hands.
This boat provided dad and me opportunities to fish areas we couldn’t
reach before. But it also gave us areas to get hung up in, that was
in much deeper water. Deep water-wind-a light boat and a paddle- not
exactly good ingredients for saving many snagged baits. I wonder how
many $$$$$ I have left hung up in the bottom of different lakes?
Those are memories that will stay with me forever. But now the 14
foot boat with a paddle has been replaced with a 20 foot Stratos Bass
Boat with a powerful trolling motor. The equipment has changed, but
one thing still remains the same. “You still have to put your
lure where the fish are.” And most of the time that means “In
Cover”. And the truth is when you throw to cover, many times
your just going to get hung up. But now, getting hung doesn’t
always need to translate to lost lures-lost $$$$.
Over the years I have used several different types of lure retrievers
that attached to and slid down my line. Some had heavy weights attached
to the end of a rope. (Which was always tangled up) Some had small
sections of chains attached to a heavy weight. (Which rusted in my
dry storage) Others had probes attached to various length and diameter
of aluminum tubes that you would push down to the snagged lure. (Most
felt like they weighed 25 lbs) Some worked-others didn’t. Some
were easy to use others were bulky and more of a hassle than a help.
Some were inexpensive and others far over priced for what you got.
Then several years ago I purchased what I feel is the “Absolute
Best” lure retriever that I have ever owned. The “Plug
Plucker” manufactured by the Twist Out Company in Hickory North
Carolina. I would not be lying a bit if I said I have saved HUNDREDS
OF DOLLARS using this retriever. It’s simple to use-very affordable
and most importantly it works!!! Let me give you a little more background
on this great product.
The Plug Plucker by Twist Out Inc.
30 years ago Mr. H. Conrad Flowers, President of Twist Out Inc. realized
that there was a definite need within the fishing community for a Telescoping
Plug Retriever. A retriever that would be (1) Durable/made of only
the best materials available (2) Light Weight (3) Easy To Use (4) Affordable
for the average fisherman and (5) It had to work consistently. After
months of proto types and experiments, the first Drawn Aluminum Telescoping
Plug Plucker lure retriever was finished. Over the 30 years there have
been refinements, but the commitment to produce the best retriever
on the market has never changed.
Let’s Look At Construction
Tolerance
Consistency: The Drawn Aluminum manufacturing process is one of the
key features of the Plug Plucker. This is where the strictest
of quality control standards kicks in. Both the inside and the outside
tubes are manufactured to the tightest of tolerances. I have used similar
competitive retrievers and found the diameter of the inside tube to
be “Sloppy” with far too much play. I could feel the inside
tube shift and move as I tried to use it. It never allowed you to get
a good feel of what your lure was hung up on. As a full time guide
that retrieves many-many snagged lures every year I can tell you this
makes a huge difference. Quality and tolerance consistency is unmatched
in the Plug Plucker. It is by far the finest available on the market
today.
Light Weight: Another great feature
with the Plug Plucker is that it is “Light”. Just to give
you an example. I weighed my Plug Plucker and another manufacturers
telescoping retriever that I
have in my garage on my digital fish scale and here’s the results.
The Plug Plucker weighed 9 tents of a pound and the other 3.5 lbs.
This may not sound like much to you, but extend them both out to 10
feet and hold them for a few minutes. Or try using both when the winds
are blowing 15 mph and your trying to get your boat in the right position
to get your lure free. The heavier retriever is so much harder to use
and to handle.
Sturdy Construction: Another real plus in the manufacturing process
that Twist Out uses is that the Plug Plucker is “Sturdy”.
Please believe me that LIGHT doesn’t mean FLIMSY. I use my Plug
Plucker in various ways such as. (1) To get snagged lures-in the water
and yes even up in the trees (2) To brace my boat from getting into
rocks when I’m in shallow water (3) as a push pole to get back
out to trolling motor depth water. (4) I have even used it in Louisiana
Oxbows to beat the moss on Cypress trees to make sure there wasn’t
any cottonmouth in the tree I was snagged in. I know that Twist Out
Doesn’t recommend some of these uses…..but I do this over
and over and have never one time bent one of the tubes. This is a very
sturdy product.
Telescopes Out To 10 or 15 Feet: The two section Plug Plucker when “NOT
EXTENDED” is only 5 feet 2 inches in length . This is shorter
than most rods you have in you boat. It easily lays flat next to your
rods and can be strapped down with you rods holders and you won’t
even know it’s there. Until you need it! When extended out all
the way will reach snagged lure up to 10 feet deep. Twist Out also
offers an additional 5 foot extension that will allow you to free baits
up to 15 feet deep. The picture above left shows the Plug Plucker and
5 foot extention. The picture above right is the end retrieving coil.
Easy To Use: This is one of the most important features-this product
is very easy to use. You don’t have to push down a pin, extend
it out and then hope the pin engages in another hole in the tube so
you can use the retriever. You just simply extend and twist. The Patented
cam device ( picture left) locks the tube in place with a simple twist.
How much easier could it be?
Floats And Will Not Rust: As long as you have the 2 piece unit together
it will float should it be kicked overboard. No chains or cords to
fool with. NO RUSTING PARTS. Just one great tool to help you save who
knows how much money while you are on the water.
How Do You Purchase A Plug Plucker
There are many sporting good stores that carry the Plug Plucker
across the nation. But should your local stores not carry them, you can
order directly from the Twist Out Company by calling 770-565-2643. Mike
Flowers and his staff will be happy to help you and answer any question
you might have.
Suggested retail on the 2 section retriever is $19.95 and the 5 foot
extension is $9.95 plus shipping costs. Product order numbers are as
follows.
2 Section Plug Plucker; M0102-10-L………………5
Foot Extension: M0107-5-L
Conclusion
Every now and then there
is a product that stands out head and shoulders above their competition.
I honestly believe this to be true with the
Plug Plucker. As a full time guide that fish’s year around I
can tell you it has saved me hundreds of dollars through the years.
Full time or weekend fishermen you really need to take a look at this
great product.
For additional “Tips” check out the “Tips Archive” area
on the Tennessee Bass Guides web site.
More
Tips by Rick McFerrin
Tennesseebassguides.com
