Dear Valued Customers,

I started Poombah Plugs on a whim and partly in jest back in 2018. 

The joking part of it relates by my passion for fly fishing and my close network of friends – all former colleagues from The Orvis Company - who passionately pursued northeast saltwater gamefish on the fly for so many years.  When I first started plug fishing it was said that I was migrating over the “the dark side.”  But I couldn’t help it.  Years of woodworking combined with saltwater fishing and the lure of nostalgia using wooden style plugs so common for over a century left me wanting to know more.  What makes a great wooden plug?  How is it balanced?  How do you design a plug to obtain a specific action?  How do you reach a specific level in the water column?  What species are you after, what time of year is it, what’s the weather, the tide….? The list goes on.  So many variables that I’m often amazed I catch a fish at all.  Yet, plug fishing is so simple, at least it feels that way as opposed to fly fishing.  When it all comes together you’ve found the secret sauce.  Most times I fail, but on a few occasions the sauce I found was HOT! 

The whimsical part of starting my business was encouragement by my wife.  I was at a point in my life where I found myself financially stable but stuck in the typical corporate grind, a grind I didn’t enjoy very much.  She said, “just quit and start building lures.”  So, I did.  And it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. 

The people that I’ve met through fishing, shows, suppliers – virtually anything related to my business, have been nothing less than spectacular.  Too numerous to count or recount all those memories.  And the greatest gift received would be those times that a Customer contacts me and says he or she just caught their personal best fish or had the greatest day of their life fishing because of a plug I made.  I am so privileged to have had such an impact on another person’s life.  Those moments will be missed the most. 

I say missed because, unfortunately, and with not too little sadness, I must cease operations of Poombah Plugs for reasons that I do not wish to share publicly.  This has been a long and difficult decision, one that I regret having to make, but make it nonetheless I must. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t express my thanks for all the support I’ve received. 

My family.  My loving wife with all her support and encouragement has been an amazing partner.  Not only in marriage but with the thousands of plugs she has epoxied.  Yes – she does them all!  My number one fishing partner, my son, with whom I’ve experienced countless memories.  His drive for success as an outdoorsman is unparallelled with zero tolerance for failure.  He has taught me so much.  And he can work a pencil popper like no other!  And my mother for all her life lessons and support.  I wouldn’t be the man I am today without her guidance. 

My Pro Staffers.  The late, great Janet Messineo.  A legacy in the sport of surf casting, humble yet driven, and giving.  The surf will never feel quite the same without her.  Bernie “Bass” Hoyt down on Long Island who is a student of the game and an outstanding guide.  Cooper Fersen on Martha’s Vineyard who is a fishing machine, yet as patient and considerate of others as the day is long.  And Finn Hawley, aka Stripedbasshunt on Instagram.  Finn has been a relentless supporter of Poombah Plugs and I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I did without his help. 

Paul Fersen.  One of those former Orvis “Fly Boys” that helped in so many ways.  I used to travel down to Cape Cod and test my initial designs with Paul.  We’ve had too many laughs together to count.  As writer, Paul helped write my Mission Statement and provided market insights.  Paul was the inspiration for the name “Poombah” as he yelled it one morning after catching a nice striped bass on Dogfish bar on Martha’s Vineyard.  Our crew has been yelling Poombah! any time we hook a fish for over 30 years now.  It continues with our sons as the next generation.

My Customers.  So amazing!  So many emails, phone calls and nights on the beach.  Thank you for all of your support, each and every one of you.  I’ve done my best over the years to help you catch some fish.  I’m proud of the product I’ve delivered, and my only hope is that you’ve enjoyed what I’ve made.  I will miss dealing with so many of you.

I wish you all the best.  Continue to help your fellow fishermen.  Be safe.  Enjoy life.  You only get one go-around. 

Tight lines,

Joe Dion

Poombah Plugs