Angler's Choice Grant Pentiricci Interviews Tackle

Interview with Dave McCready – Owner of Angler’s Choice Handmade Lures

by Grant Pentiricci January 14, 2013

Sometimes the best lures are from small and medium-sized tackle companies. We always try to share information on the harder-to-find, must-have products, and Angler’s Choice is no exception.

I first came across the “Flappin’ Weasel” at a trade show several years ago.  I loved the product, and actually forgot the name of the company that sold it to me, until recently when I saw the Flappin’ Weasel on the Angler’s Choice website.  I was relieved that I found a source to replenish my tackle. I love the Flappin’ Weasel because of its wide profile and pronounced claws. I found that it was an awesome bait for flipping and had great action when I swam it.

Angler’s Choice Handmade Lures – Kill Shot and Flappin’ Weasel

Dave McCready, Owner of Angler’s Choice (Photo Source: AnglersChoice.ca)

Our interest peaked with Angler’s Choice when they announced the launch of a new product, the “Kill Shot”.  We followed up with Dave McCready, Owner of Angler’s Choice Handmade Lures, to ask him more about his company and his product. Here’s what Dave had to say:

When was Angler’s Choice founded, and what inspired you to start your own company?

“Angler’s Choice was founded in the spring of 2009. I started playing around with plastic because I couldn’t find the baits I fished in the colours I wanted, so we started experimenting and the results were amazing. Angler’s Choice was then born, and in the years since then we have built a product line up that we are confident will help our customers catch that fish of a lifetime.”

Other than soft plastics, what else does Angler’s Choice sell?  Can you share any new plans for future product expansion?

“We also sell Tube Jigs to compliment our tube line up.”

What makes Angler’s Choice lures different and better than others out there?

“Our products are 100% Hand Made in our own facility. We feel that our products utilize the finest components we can get and our plastic formulas (plastic, salt and scent) perfect for each application. We utilize a micro fine salt that doesn’t affect the durability of our plastic, allowing us to use a softer plastic. Our scent blend is mixed in house as well. The salt and scent are both “infused” in the plastic ensuring that it doesn’t wash off the bait.”

What inspires your bait designs, colours and names?

“The fish themselves inspire our bait designs and colours. The names chosen depend on the bait it self, our Flappin Craws, Weasels and hogs are all named after the baits action, the Wally Min’R because it was designed primarily as a vertical jigging walleye bait etc.”

Angler’s Choice Handmade Kill Shot Lures – 13 Colours Available
From Left to Right:
1 – Smoke Holo
2 – Smoke/Purple/Silv Holo with Irid Blue
3 – Work of Art
4 – Watermelon Gold
5 – MG Special
6 – Watermelon Grape

What kind of testing do you do before a new product is launched?

“When we come up with a bait design we will test prototypes during our (short) bass season, sending them out with our Pro-Staff and Field-Staff, we make changes based on their input and when we are satisfied with the results we send out for the production molds.”

Where can North American Anglers purchase Angler’s Choice products online and traditional stores?

“Angling Outfitters (Woodstock), Angling Sport (London), Dixie Tackle and Dairy Bar (St Thomas), Strictly Fishing (Windsor), The Outdoorsman (Sarnia), Ed’s Bait (Wallaceburg), Hook, Line and Sinker (Guelph), Eau Buoy (Erieau). Our Products can also be purchased on our website, www.anglerschoice.ca and shipped just about anywhere.”

What is new and exciting for Angler’s Choice in 2013 and beyond?

“For 2013 we have booked space at the Spring Fishing and Boat Show at the International Centre Feb 15th – 18th, we signed on a few new Pro Staff members that will help expand our brand through out Ontario and we have also had t-shirts and hats made. On top of that we just recently introduced our brand new Kill Shot drop-shot bait, and we will hopefully get the chance to introduce another new bait later in the spring. We are looking forward to expanding our business and helping our customers catch that fish of a lifetime.”

Kill Shot Smoke Halo, shown here in both 3″ and 4″ sizes

I have not tried the new Kill Shot on the water yet, but based on my experience with the Flappin’ Weasel, I have high expectations.  AnglingAuthority Contributors are testing it in a few different applications, so check back on our website for reviews in the next couple of months.  Also, we’ll be launching a “WIN IT before you can BUY IT” contest with an Angler’s Choice prize pack in a couple weeks.

Stay Tuned!

For more information on Angler’s Choice, check out their website, Facebook and Twitter pages.  Also, if you are based on Southern Ontario, be sure to stop by the Angler’s Choice booth at the Spring Fishing and Boat Show in Toronto, February 15-18th, 2013.