Never Have Plug Regrets!

This week’s episode with Rich Troxler was a fun one. Like many of the interviews (all of them, really) there’s a lot to get out of these conversations that isn’t explicit. That is to say: you need to read between the lines. Lessons learned from his tips about bridges could easily be applied to many other parts of the striper surf- so if you weren’t listening carefully, go back and pay closer attention.

One of the things I want to point out had nothing to do with bridges. In the early part of the conversation, Rich- who has decades upon decades of hard-core experience- noted that he regretted not using and becoming comfortable with the darter. I will make no criticism of this- I also have weaknesses in my line-up, too. However, what I do want to say is that I hope you heard the forlorn sound of his voice- he really did have a feeling of missing out. You never want that in your fishing career. Every plug has a use (almost), and the core group of reliable plugs- like needles, darter, gliders, bottles, metal lips, and swimmers- all need to be in your rotation.

So take this lesson from Rich: if there’s a plug or class of plugs you have been leery of for a season or a decade, 2026 is the year you dig in and learn that plug. And if that plug is the darter specifically? Then, consider it an emergency!