Williamsport’s Best-Kept Fishing Secret: Luther with Custom Baits by Overloaded Outdoors | Volume 1 - Episode 3, Part 3
The Dugout, Volume 1 - Episode 3, Part 3 (2025)
Brought to you by Port 44 and River Spirit Media
Spotlight on Local Business: Custom Baits by Overloaded Outdoors
Welcome back to another episode of The Dugout!
Today, we’re featuring one of Williamsport’s best-kept secrets, Overloaded Outdoors, a local company creating custom fishing baits that are catching attention far beyond our town.
Joining us is Luther Ardinger, founder of Custom Baits by Overloaded Outdoors, currently located at 38 North Conococheague Street in Williamsport, MD. A new storefront is coming soon next door at 36 North Conococheague Street, expanding this exciting hometown business even further.
Meet Luther Ardinger
Born and raised in Boonsboro, Luther has deep roots in Williamsport.
“I probably spent more time in Williamsport than I did in Boonsboro,” he said with a laugh. “Both sides of my family are from here. I grew up on the river, fishing every chance I got. That’s what we loved to do.”
His passion for fishing and his lifelong connection to the river became the foundation for the business he would later build.
How It All Started
About ten years ago, Luther’s journey into custom bait making began with one very specific lure: the XCaliber X25 One Knock Lipless Crankbait in a color called Toledo Gold.
“That color was phenomenal,” he said. “It was a secret weapon for me and my brother when we were fishing tournaments. Then one day, they discontinued it and you couldn’t buy it anywhere.”
When prices for the discontinued bait skyrocketed on eBay (some selling for over $100), Luther decided to try making his own.
“I told my wife, ‘I’m going to buy an airbrush and see if I can duplicate it myself.’”
He bought his first airbrush from “a guy in an alley in Hagerstown,” sanded down his old baits, and started repainting them in his kitchen.
“I had baits hanging from the ceiling, cabinets, anywhere I could hang them to dry,” he recalled with a grin.
A year later, his wife decided to try painting too and she quickly proved she had a talent for it.
“I came home and she had painted some beautiful baits. That’s when we realized this could really go somewhere. We started making everything, plastics, lead, you name it.”
Coming Home to Williamsport
For Luther, bringing his business to Williamsport was about coming full circle.
“My family’s from here. The canal, the river, this is the hub of fishing,” he said. “As a kid, I spent hours in Wolfe’s on the corner buying bait. This town holds a special place in my heart, so I wanted to come back and be part of it.”
And now, he’s doing just that with Overloaded Outdoors right in the heart of downtown Williamsport.
Quality You Can See and Test
Luther takes testing seriously. Every bait they sell goes through three different testing locations:
The Canal Basin – Calm water for visual inspection and swim testing.
The River Bottom by the Boat Ramp – Stronger current testing to simulate real fishing conditions.
The Hot Wall near the Old Power Plant – Rough conditions to test durability and clear coat strength.
“That last spot’s got rocks, sticks, and debris so it’s perfect for checking the finish. We make sure every bait holds up before it goes to a customer.”
That commitment to quality is part of what makes Overloaded Outdoors stand out.
Product Showcase
Luther brought several of his handcrafted baits to show how each serves a purpose:
3.5” Tube Bait – Designed to mimic a crayfish when jigged through the water. Perfect year-round for multiple species.
Wiggle Wart – A deep-diving lure (around 9 feet) with erratic swimming action that “hunts” when it hits rocks or sticks, driving fish crazy.
The Little Rivet (Ghost Toad Color) – A shallow-running lure (1–2 feet) great for panfish and bass, especially when the river’s low in summer.
Flat Daddy & Primal Illusion – Mid-water column baits that run about 4 feet deep. The Primal Illusion features a color-shift paint finish that triggers strikes when fish are suspended between depths.
“These baits catch fish all year long,” Luther said. “Each design has its time and place and we test every single one ourselves.”
Building a National Following
What started as a kitchen hobby has now earned Overloaded Outdoors a following among professional anglers nationwide.
“Once I had our designs dialed in, I started reaching out to pros. People like Kevin VanDam, Mike Iaconelli, and Jason Christie,” Luther said.
To his surprise, Jason Christie, one of the top professional bass fishermen in the country even FaceTimed him personally.
“He told me how impressed he was with the baits and gave great feedback on how they perform in the water,” Luther said.
Overloaded Outdoors also sponsors Pro Staff members across the U.S., including:
Travis Via (Southern States) – Helped design popular colors like Purple Demon, Ace, Jackson, and Jacobe.
Chris Hoddle (Local Angler) – A well-known tournament fisherman who provides real-time feedback on bait performance in local waters.
“Having pros test our baits keeps us sharp. We get feedback from all regions, north, south, east, and west, so we know what colors and actions work best.”
What’s Next for Overloaded Outdoors
With a new storefront on the way, Luther plans to expand his offerings beyond fishing gear:
Hunting Apparel & Supplies (especially for the winter months)
Survival Gear & Outdoor Essentials – a growing trend among outdoor enthusiasts
Fishing & Hunting Licenses – in partnership with the Maryland DNR (coming soon)
“We want to be a one-stop shop for outdoor families, from grandparents to grandkids,” Luther said. “If it’s something people need for the outdoors, we’ll do our best to carry it.”
Visit Overloaded Outdoors
📍 Current Location: 38 North Conococheague Street, Williamsport, MD
➡️ Coming Soon: 36 North Conococheague Street
🕓 How to Find Them: Enter through the main hallway, follow the sign straight back to the door.
🌐 Website: custombaitsbyoverloadedoutdoors.com
“Everyone’s welcome,” Luther said. “Come in, talk fishing, check out the baits. We love meeting new people.”
Closing Remarks
That wraps up The Dugout, Volume 1 Episode 3, featuring Luther Ardinger and Overloaded Outdoors, one of Williamsport’s hidden gems and a proud example of homegrown craftsmanship.
From humble beginnings in a kitchen to a storefront in the heart of town, Luther’s story is proof that passion, family teamwork, and persistence can turn a hobby into a thriving business.
“This town’s part of who I am,” Luther said. “And I’m proud to bring something back to it.”
Stay tuned for Episode 4 of The Dugout, brought to you by Port 44 and River Spirit Media, where we continue to spotlight the people shaping the future of Williamsport.
