OutCast Lures has introduced Pencil Popper, Hybrid Popper, and Surfster models aimed at striped bass enthusiasts. Shown is the Pencil Popper alongside a sizable striper.
Gary Caputi
Every dedicated striper angler knows that wooden plugs are highly effective. Classics like Danny, Surfster, Pencil, and Polaris Poppers have been attracting striped bass from both shore and boat for generations. They remain just as effective today. However, since these plugs are often handcrafted, their quality, performance, and durability can vary significantly. Many lure manufacturers that attempt mass production often struggle to succeed.
Testing OutCast Lures for Stripers
Some of the finest striper plugs I’ve used were crafted in small batches by various artisans. While some were excellent, others landed somewhere between mediocre and disappointing, especially when considering their price. Therefore, I was delighted to find a package in my mailbox containing three superb examples of wooden plugs from OutCast Lures, with the agreement that I could fish them and provide feedback. This package included one each of their Pencil Popper, Hybrid Popper, and Surfster models. All three were visually appealing and felt right in hand, so I was eager to test them.
During my initial outing with the Pencil and Hybrid lures, both quickly demonstrated their effectiveness. I landed a 40-pound striped bass using the Pencil during a brief surface feeding frenzy and caught several more using the Hybrid. The Hybrid Popper swam enticingly with minimal rod action, and both lures cast exceptionally well with ease. A few days later, while casting the Surfster in the Wonder Bread pattern (which is one of my favorite colors), I hooked two nice bass around bunker pods. These high-quality plugs are offered at a price that is very reasonable considering the craftsmanship involved.
How A Lure Company Was Born
The author with a 40-pound striped bass caught on the Pencil Popper during a brief surface blitz.
Gary Caputi
OutCast Lures originated from one passionate New England surfcaster’s efforts and his dissatisfaction with the quality of wood plugs available to him. Mike Pham grew weary of using plugs made from subpar wood, lacking robust hardware, poorly executed color designs, and unappealing swimming actions. This scenario was relatable to me, but Mike took action. He began crafting his own plugs and conducting experiments. He sourced premium wood, ultimately choosing Alaskan cedar for its dense grain and optimal buoyancy. He added tail weights for longer casting distances and utilized top-notch components, paints, patterns, and epoxies in the finishing process.
He began by creating several popular classic designs, producing them in limited quantities. His lures quickly earned a great reputation among dedicated anglers in New England. His innovations included a solution to line tangles that commonly occur when casting large plugs. By integrating a magnet in the belly of his plugs, the front hook stays securely attached to the body. This feature, known as “MagNeat,” is now standard on the Surfster and Danny models.
Maintaining Quality While Boosting Production
The next phase of the OutCast journey involved finding a way to scale production without compromising quality and consistency. This was achieved through enthusiastic partners and a division of responsibilities. Mike Holmes invested in OutCast and became the director of the wood shop. Jeff Adams took on the roles of business development, marketing, and sales manager. Founder Mike Pham continues to be actively involved in design, painting, and the development of new plugs. Together, they have significantly increased production, leading to two dozen tackle dealers from Maine to Maryland now stocking OutCast Lures. Online sales have further amplified their reach.
True to their mission, the plugs I examined and fished performed as well as the finest wooden plugs in my tackle collection. I plan to add more to my tackle bag soon. They currently offer seven models in various sizes along with 14 colors to correspond with herring, bunker, mackerel, and squid. Plus, these lures catch more than just stripers. Jeff Adams mentioned that new designs are in the works, so I’ll definitely be on the lookout for what’s next.