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Hab's plugs return

With the help of two of his father’s friends, John Haberek, Jr. is making Hab’s Custom Plugs again. John’s father, “Hab” Haberek, died last autumn.

Joe Martins, of Point Jude Lures, and Mike “Tattoo” Dauphin, the maker of Tattoo’s Tackle lures have been helping Hab, Jr. learn the plug-building craft, and the results are impressive.

Yesterday, Joe showed me two pencil poppers bearing Hab, Jr.’s signature. They’re beautiful.

They will be on sale at the New England Saltwater Fishing Show, April 4-6 in Providence.

Posted by Tom Meade  at 7:18 AM | Permalink

Fishing for youngsters

United Fly Tyers of Rhode Island has scheduled two programs for kids, writes John O'Meara.

The UFTRI Juniors will have their own show at the Aspray Boathouse in Pawtuxet, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's free and open to everyone.

"We welcome kids and adults to come and see what their tying program is all about," John writes. "We have lots of great door prizes for the kids. We also have refreshments for attendees, all at no charge."

The group's annual fishing day at Addieville East Farm is scheduled for April 19.

"The activities start at 9 a.m. with a little streamside entomology with Ed Lombardo," John writes. "Then we divide the group; half learn to tie a basic fly while the other half learn to cast a fly rod. After a nice lunch prepared by our members, the groups swap place. At 3 p.m., we all fish the flies tied that day. The program is a joint effort between UFTRI and the Narraganset Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Although it is free, we ask for a $10 reservation fee which is refunded if the kid shows up for the event."

An application is available on the group's website by clicking here.

Posted by Tom Meade  at 8:34 AM | Permalink

Birders flock to Bentley

Birders and other wildlife watchers from southern New England are expected to flock to Massachusetts Audubon’s 16th annual Birders Meeting Mar. 15 in Waltham, Mass. There is still time to register, according the event organizers.

The session event includes a day of discussions, displays and workshops for bird enthusiasts. Presentations will be offered by a variety of professionals from state agencies and conservation organizations.

The program opens with registration and coffee at 8 a.m. at Bentley College. Topics of the main presentations include the effects of climate change on New England birds, recording nature’s sounds, and more. After lunch, break-out sessions will cover such topics as whether to feed birds or not, the future of birding, habitat management and more.

In between, manufacturers will display binoculars, spotting scopes, and other important gear for wildlife watchers. Conservation and wildlife organizations will also have displays at the event.

Proceeds from the Birders Meeting will support MassAudubon's Important Bird Area program and MassWildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species.

A link to conference program registration materials and program information can be found on the front page of MassWildlife’s website at or by calling Linda Cocca at MassAudubon at (781) 259-2151 or e-mail birdersmeeting@massaudubon.org.

Posted by Tom Meade  at 9:45 AM | Permalink

HotBytes audio: Hot striper lures for 2008

What's your go-to lure for striped bass this season?

Over the weekend, Tom asked three expert anglers who also run tackle shops.

Listen to opinions from Jack Balant of The Fish Connection, Elisa Jackman of Snug Harbor Marina, and Ron Mouchon of Breachway Bait & Tackle.

Click here to listen to the interviews.

Post a comment about your favorite striper lures.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 10:15 AM | Permalink

HotBytes audio: Fishing school on the Cape

Journal photo / Tom Meade
George Doucette of the Cape Cod Fishing School

The Massachusetts Striped Bass Association's fishing show over the weekend was filled with anglers talking about schools of fish.

Capt. George Doucette, however, was talking about a school of fishing, specifically the Cape Cod Fishing School, an on-the-water learning experience.

Tom spent some time with George to learn more. To hear what the skipper had to say, click here.

Click here to listen to the full interview.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 11:35 AM | Permalink

New lures in Easton

Ron Mouchon of Breachway Bait & Tackle in Charlestown introduced the new tandem-hooked Slug-Go today, and he predicted that it would be the hot new striper lure of 2008.

He was among scores of exhibitors at at the Massachusetts Srtiped Bass Association's annual show at Stonehill College in Easton, Mass. The event re-opens Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The new Slugo-Gos are rigged with two hooks connected by wire. Rhode Island surf master Steve Steve McKenna popularized tandem-hooked Slug-Gos as a substitute for live eels. Steve also adds weights to the sides of his Slug-Go rig for longer casts and more movement in the tail.

"It's a very realistic eel," Mouchon said. The lure is available in 9- and 12-inch lengths.

Posted by Tom Meade  at 1:39 PM | Permalink