We're launching a brand giveaway today for My Fishing Cape Cod members, but before I tell you what you can win, you need to hear why these lures exist.
A local 12-year-old boy learned that children his age were being used as slaves in the fishing industry—and some were drowning doing dangerous work underwater. He decided to do something about it. So he started hand-pouring soft plastic lures and selling them to fund the fight against child trafficking.
That boy is now 15. His name is Sam Pudlo. And this past October, he and his father did something that is making waves among the Cape Cod fishing community.
Let me tell you the full story.
The Lake Volta Story
Mike Pudlo is one of 37 Lifetime Members of My Fishing Cape Cod, and his journey to this moment began three years ago when his son Sam was just 12 years old. Together, they launched Voltage Fishing, a lure company that might look like any other small fishing tackle business—until you learn why it exists.
Sam was just 12 years old when he and his dad Mike launched Voltage Fishing, a lure company that might look like any other small fishing tackle business—until you learn why it exists.
The Pudlo family owns a coffee shop in Fall River. Through their work in the coffee industry, Mike and his wife discovered the harsh reality of human trafficking within global coffee supply chains. Their response was immediate: they committed to donating 10% of their coffee shop revenue to organizations fighting human trafficking.
Sam took notice. Inspired by his parents' commitment to making a difference, he wanted to contribute something of his own. That's when he learned about Lake Volta in Ghana, where a devastating form of child labor persists. When fishing nets become snagged on submerged stumps and debris in this man-made lake, children are sent down to untangle them—dangerous, difficult work that has claimed young lives. These children work under conditions that can only be described as modern slavery.
The children who in the fishing industry on Lake Volta work under conditions that can only be described as modern slavery.
A 12-year-old boy couldn't ignore that reality. So Sam started pouring his own soft plastics, selling them to friends and family and at farmers markets. He named his venture Voltage Fishing—a name derived from Lake Volta itself—and committed the proceeds to fighting the very trafficking that inspired him to act. Every lure sold carries that mission forward.
In March of 2023 Sam had the opportunity to do a live call with the International Justice Mission. Sam got to share the mission behind Voltage and show off some of his lures and molds.
The Striper-Gear Acquisition
For three years, Mike and Sam built Voltage Fishing while staying connected to the Cape Cod fishing scene. When the opportunity arose to acquire Striper-Gear from its retiring founder, it represented more than a business expansion. It was a chance to operate Striper-Gear under the same principles that guided Voltage Fishing from the beginning.
If you fish the Cape Cod Canal, you already know Striper Gear. The Rocket—their flagship design—has earned legendary status among Canal regulars, accounting for countless stripers pulled from the current. But this isn't just a story about lures changing hands. It's about a family business rooted in purpose, now expanding its reach while staying true to its values.
In October 2025, they made it official, grafting Striper Gear into Voltage Fishing.
This past November Mike and Sam added wood plugs to their lineup.
This is a father and son working side by side—Sam, now 15, continuing to hand pour and inject soft plastic baits while learning business, purpose, and craftsmanship from his father. This past November, they added wood plugs to the lineup. Sam's soft plastics are available in retail locations this spring alongside the original Striper-Gear line, and they're already looking forward to introducing new products over the coming year.
In an era of corporate consolidation and overseas manufacturing, I think there's something powerful and inspiring about a teenager creating lures alongside his Dad.
Celebrating with a Giveaway
To celebrate this exciting transition and introduce more Cape Cod anglers to both Voltage Fishing and the continued legacy of Striper-Gear, Mike has generously put together a package for one lucky My Fishing Cape Cod member.
The prize package includes:
White/Chartreuse Driftstick — Handcrafted Wood Pencil Popper
Bone 3.5oz Sinking Rocket — Loaded Pencil Popper
This is a legitimate arsenal of proven lures that will produce fish in Cape Cod waters. For a total package value of $98.
How to Enter
Entering is simple. If you're a My Fishing Cape Cod member, just leave a comment here inside our forum. That's it. Share your thoughts on this story, welcome Mike and Sam to their new role with Striper-Gear, or simply let us know you'd love to add these lures to your tackle bag.
This giveaway embodies what My Fishing Cape Cod is all about: supporting local businesses, celebrating anglers who fish with purpose, and strengthening the bonds within our community. Mike Pudlo and his son Sam aren't just new owners of Striper Gear—they're the kind of people we're proud to have as members.
Welcome to your new chapter, Mike and Sam! We're excited to see where you take Striper-Gear, and we're honored to help spread the word about the meaningful work you're doing through Voltage Fishing.
Tight lines! 🎣