Since my book (Plugging the Water Column: for fishing fanatics) was published, Al Gags move into a new shop. Today, I had the opportunity to visit his shop and get a view of his improved internal operations.
The new shop is still at the same historical mill in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts—- just in a different section. As you walk through the shop, the space seems to expand. The walls are decorated with all things fishy from the past 48 years! If the walls could speak, they would tell countless stories through the pictures, lures, awards, and memorabilia. I may be biased because I graduated from Saint Anselm College with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, but I think that Al’s new Lure Laboratory is amazing!
During my visit, Al got pulled to attend to a production issue. As I walked around the room, waiting for Al to rerun, I saw something familiar, but new somehow.
OMG! The Mambo minnow is swimming back into production! The late Tony Stetzko landed more striped bass on the mambo minnow than a fishmonger can sell during a single tide.
When Al returned, he mentioned a new fishing show that he is going to host for wood-only plug builders. This unique one-day show will be sometime in April 2026 and will have 50 of the top wood plug builders and their fish-catching creations. I fish plastic, metal, and wood presentations. But, I have a soft spot for hardwood plugs.
Al Gags is the real deal. He had forgotten more about stripped bass than I have learned. I really enjoyed visiting Al’s new shop and taking fish, family, friends, and plugs. Be sure to follow Al Gags to be in the know.
