The concept came about with being “lured” into bluegrass music. In the beginning of the 1990’s, the true bluegrass experience began when I attended my first music festival. I was easily “lured” into the music, the people and pure enjoyment of the festival.

Soon I was “lured” into taking up an instrument, the banjo. (Thank you to all my friends who have supported and endured this). The first song I learned to play was Cripple Creek. Somehow my enjoyment of this music merged with my enjoyment of fishing and the idea of fishing lures made in the shape of instruments was born. I started making them and using them and amazingly they worked! Bass are particularly fond of them.

In 2001 “The Lure of Cripple Creek" participated in bluegrass festivals along the east coast including Gettysburg (PA); The Merle Fest (NC); Grey Fox (NY); Thomas Point (ME); Blistered Fingers (ME); Strawberry Park (CT); Somersville (WV); and Pudunk Fest (CT). Starting out with the fishing lures, the idea expanded to include many other novelty items shaped like bluegrass instruments - guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin and bass.

As time progressed, I began to incorporate the bluegrass theme into other products I made, including instrument straps and dome top trunks. Working with Geoff Stelling, I had the opportunity to make straps for the commemorative banjos he donated to the Merlfest and Greyfox music festivals.

 

The fishing lures:
Our fishing lures are made with bass fishing in mind. Designed to fish tail instead of spinning around, they are made with stainless steel hooks. These quality lures are finished with baked enamel paint. Approximate weights: Guitar & Banjo 1/2 oz; Fiddle & Mandolin 1/8 oz. Also available in boxed gift sets.

The pick cases:
The wooden pick cases come in 3 designs – banjo, guitar and mandolin. Designed to keep all of your picks in one place, their versatility is endless. They are made of solid wood and felt lined and can easily be stored in your instrument case or left out on display in your home. Has a decorative clasp and leather hinges. Available in choice of 4 woods: Oak, Walnut, Cherry and Paduke.

The cutting boards:
To be used at the camp site or in the home, the cutting boards are made of solid maple. They are great boards that we hand-finish ourselves and craft to the exact design you want. They are perfect for music lovers and food lovers. Choose your instrument or order a full set. Or if you choose, you can use them as autograph boards. It’s a great way to preserve all your valued signatures from your favorite musicians. Can easily be displayed.

The keyrings:
Perfect for those of you who want something special to hold the important keys and knick-knacks in your life. Each one is handmade, each one really special. Music is the Key racks are made out of solid pine and have 4 individual hooks to store your keys. Have a leather strap for easy hanging. Each rack is hand decorated and has a clear coating finish. The key rings, sold separately, have a decorative leather tassel and are made of nickel silver. Choose from the guitar, banjo or mandolin.

The birdhouses:
Have a beautiful home with beautiful bird houses decorating your yard in the shape of guitars and other bluegrass fixtures. Handmade with wood and stylized to what you want to see your feathered friends living in.

TO COME: Our New fishing lures "Weapons of Bass Destruction" and a new handmade toy that everyone on the circuit popularly know as "Dancing Chuck". Watch for our custom-made straps - perfect for guitars, madolins or banjos by early 2008.