Best Striper Fishing Lures (2011 Best Striper Fishing Lures & Best Striper Plugs)

EastCoastAngler.net is proud to continue our second installment in our new series about the craftsmen behind the lures we can’t get enough of. We are bringing you a little bit about the lives of the people who make beautiful, hand made, wooden lures; the producers of true Americana. It seems only fitting that our second post is about an indie plug craftsmen, the artist behind Murph The Surf, Classic Wooden Lures & Plugs. Read on and meet Mr. John Irwin. 

John hails from Mystic Island, New Jersey and spent his childhood near Gravelling Point. John and his family reside in Folsom, New Jersey, his native state. He began making plugs about 20 years ago, and in my opinion his creations are reminiscent of Tim Burton masterpieces. He began creating plugs for a few specific reasons. John primarily fishes using wood plugs, loves working with his hands and has creative, artistic talent. Blend all these elements together – and bam, Murph the Surf is born. Read on.

Featherweight Packable Rain Jacket

Paul D. Arbitman, Orvis Darien
For: Orvis – Darien 5/17/08
Packable Rain Jacket Review:
I think this jacket is extremely lightweight, and suitable for layering. When working my rods, I never felt that I was wearing heavy, lumbering rain outerwear. But, the jacket protected me from the rain like I was wrapped up in a traditional slicker. The air vents allowed for more circulation and air flow.
It is unbelievable how the water beads off of the jacket and drops right off of the fabric. Only windshield wipers on a car can compare to the efficient water repelling nature of this jacket! The water proof zippers are a positive asset to the design of the jacket. It may be better if this zipper system could be applied to the hood and neck to zip off the hood when not in use.
The extra large size of the pockets is useful to carry all the needs of an angler or a civilian. The side pockets are easily camouflaged into the cut of the coat, and do not appear bulky, but neatly styled. The black color of the coat is an all purpose color, that allows for coordination with many other colors.
The style of the jacket is also great for casual wear, and I received many compliments on my jacket when wearing it as I commuted into work in Manhattan. At the present price point, I feel that the jacket can be marketed to customers as an all purpose mild weather jacket. I look forward to recommending this jacket to customers as both a packable rain coat and an everyday jacket for mild weather wear! Yet another truly awesome Orvis product! Click here for more information on the jacket!