SWE Striper Kickoff 2026
We are excited to see you at this year’s Striper Kickoff. This is one of our favorite days of the year and a chance to celebrate the start of the striped bass season with the best builders, brands, and anglers in the Northeast.
Date: April 11, 2026
Location: 1376 W Main Rd, Middletown, RI
This year, we are splitting the day into two focused events:
- Plug Show Kickoff: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Free to attend
- Surf Expo (SWEducation): 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - $50 Ticket
Plug Show Kickoff (9 AM - 12 PM)
The morning is dedicated to custom plug builders and first access to some of the most sought-after plugs of the season.
Who is Attending
Builders:
- Franktown
- Paul Moriarty (PM)
- Gremlin
- Googooman
- Nightcrawler Lures
- Surf Asylum
- Voorhies Customs
- 401 Plugs
- Big D Plugs
- Fri Guy Lureworks
- Redingfin
- Stryker Customs
- RB Plugworks
- Zinger Baits
- Larson Lures
- 247 Lures
- Big Water Pikies
- Guppy Lures
- Jim Jaget
- High Hook Lures
- Personal Best Lures
- Uncle Fish Bucktails
- Iron Mike
- Bassmaster
- Z Belt
- Ebbpoint
Company Reps:
- Van Staal
- Tsunami
- Hardy
- Century
Event Rules & Guidelines
Parking must follow designated areas so we can continue hosting this event each year. Please follow the instructions.
No walking around the building. That lane is closed to pedestrian traffic. Entry to the plug tent is through the shop only.
A numbered sign-in list will be available from 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM outside the retail entrance.
- You must sign yourself in. No holding spots for others.
- You must be present when doors open at 9:00 AM or you forfeit your spot.
- After the list is cleared, entry becomes first come, first served.
- Cutting the line or entering from unauthorized areas will result in removal.
Builders may set individual limits on plug purchases.
Most builders will be cash only.
The plug show runs 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, but may end earlier if vendors sell out.
In-Store Deals (All Day)
We’ll be running in-store specials throughout the day:
- 20% off Van Staal VR Series reels and free spooling!
- Buy 2 Yo-Zuri lures get a free Mag Pencil!
- Massive markdowns on prior season apparel
More to come.
Raffles & Giveaways
- Free raffle entry with email signup
- Spend $30+ and receive an extra entry
- Additional tickets available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the American Saltwater Guides Association
Winners will be drawn live on social after the event. No need to be present.
Prizes include:
Custom plugs from your favorite builders and brands
SWEducation Surf Expo (1 PM - 3 PM)
After the plug show wraps up, we shift into a focused afternoon session built to help you fish smarter this season.
What It Is
The Saltwater Edge Surfcasting Forum is a half-day deep dive into surfcasting with some of the most experienced anglers in the Northeast.
We break down what actually matters on the water:
- Tackle selection and plug choice
- Reading structure, tides, and conditions
- Seasonal strategies for striped bass, tautog, and false albacore
- Dialing in your surf bag for 2026
This is hands-on, discussion-driven, and built around real-world fishing experience.
Key Features
- Focused surfcasting education for New England waters
- Practical, tide-based strategies you can apply immediately
- Open discussion and Q&A with experienced surfcasters
- Connect with other anglers and share techniques
- Meet builders and brands from the morning session
- Perfect opportunity to dial in your gear for the season
Why We Like It
This is not a theory. It’s real experience from anglers who fish this coast hard all season.
Pairing the morning plug show with the afternoon surf forum gives you a full day of:
- Getting your hands on the best plugs
- Learning how and when to fish them
- Walking away more prepared for the season
We’re looking forward to another incredible kickoff to the season.
Mark your calendar, show up early, and get ready for a great day at The Saltwater Edge.
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