Antique Lures
Antique Lures, well where do we begin the arjuist task of taking on the task of defining what is an Antique Lures. The word Antique in itself has Latin Origins; Ante, meaning before & later Anticus, meaning former & ancient. The word antique in and of itself can shed some light on how we should define it. Antique is not only a Noun, but a Adjective, and just to round it out depending on how its used it and to what party we are referring to it can be a Verb as well. So how did that do anything other than muddy the water? What it does is it allows us to use it in many different ways and mean many different things. Just a blanket use of the phrase antique fishing lure allows us, you and I, to be minstrel of the tale and story all depending on what our situation is. Some of the synonyms of the word Antique are; “Aging, Mature, Archaic, Classic, Enduring, Lasting, Fusty (New on for me), Out of Date, Passe. Sounds like I’ve armed myself with so great words to toss at the mother in law.
Then we look at the second half of “Antique Lure“, the word “Lures”. Germanic in origin, the word was first “Luder”, meaning to bait. In it’s Verb sense its definition; tempt (a person or an animal) to do something or to go somewhere, especially by offering some form of reward. As a Noun its defined by; the strongly attractive quality of a person or thing. Its Synonyms are to “Appeal, Call, Attraction, Goad, Impetus, Seduction, Spur”. Again some may think we’ve sparsely done anything that resembles to help determine the definition of “Antique Lure”.
However, I would say that in truth, that is exactly what we have done. We have shown the words themselves can be used to describe at a minimum, a litany of items, in ways that we the tellers of the stories, get to decide which works the best for us and for our item. What we’ve done is shown there is not one correct answer to “What is a Antique Lure”.
Some may say its a “Fly” others a “Hook”? Some might say to be an antique piece of fishing tackle it must be made of wood and have glass eyes. Others yet still will try to throw parameters at it, such as age, value, origin, creed. “It must be 42.5 years age out of circulation, or it must be from before “I” came along. Again I will say to you they are all right. Don’t spend your time arguing or wasting energy on something that can mean something different to every person you could pose the question to. Better yet focus your time on enjoying, educating, and passing down what you find most pleasing about what you’ve come to collect. Don’t allow others to pigeon hole what you enjoy by saddling it up with a bunch of “Only If’s” it meets certain requirements.
Below you’ll see listed by company some of the most major and influential antique fishing tackle makers dating back to America’s infancy. Represented below are such greats as Heddon, Pflueger, Creek Chub, Shakespeare, Paw Paw, Moonlight, Jamison. You will recognize many of these by name no doubt, but don’t forget to see the forest from the trees. Tucked in between the generational giants you will find lures from of the less known and more obscure; Meyers, Loftie, Harlow, Detroit Minnow Company and a myriad of others. Some of the larger antique lure makers will have pages unto themselves that you cant visit by clicking the corporate name. Others, the smaller makers you can click on the name of the lure to see.
As with anything, this list will grow and evolve over time, and as time allows. I think if your into antique lures you’ve come to the right spot whether you have only a few extra minutes to spare or a good few hours to travel down the worm holes of antique fishing lure history, there is something for everyone. Makers marked with an * by them will have their own page that will be separated by maker, below will be anything falling into the “Antique Lures” category. The pages will be accessible from the drop down menu as well. This page should help you with you antique fishing lure identification.
Antique Lures & Their Makers
19th Century Fishing Lures
19th Century Fishing Lures are one of my favorite area if you have been following for sometime, or know me personally. Antique lures, reels and companies made before or just after the turn of the century. While some agree in their passions or pursuit for these things the path isn’t an easy one. Not just the finding or procurement of these items, but the history behind or during the production of the lures and reels and other ancillary items.
To visit click the link below or the photo
Bagley Lures
Jim Bagley Lures have become entrenched in the antique lure collector hobby. The only folk who love Bagley Lures more are the fishermen. This page will break down some of Bagley most popular models, colors, boxes and catalogs.
To visit click the link below or the photo to the right.
WD Chapman Fishing Lures
One cannot paint a picture of 19th century Fishing Tackle, or discuss the root of American Fishing History without discussing WD Chapman, of Theresa NY.
To Visit Click the Photo or the Button Below
Creek Chub Lures
Its hard to think about antique lures without thinking about Garrett Indiana, the home of the Creek Chub Bait Company. Its famous Pikie Minnow having caught millions of fish and thousands of collectors.
To visit click the link below or the photo to the right.
Heddon Lures
Where would we be without James Heddon and his famous antique fishing lures, reels and tackle. This Page will focus on the Lures, the Colors, the Catalog, Reels and much more!
To visit click the link below or the photo to the right.
Miscellaneous Lure Makers
The Miscellaneous Section will be the largest section as far as breath of makers. This will house an are to cover all the other makers not show in the large gray boxes.
To visit click the link below or the photo to the right.
Moonlight & Paw Paw Lures
While one could make a case for them each having their own page. Their history is so intertwined its much easier to house them together.
To visit click the link below or the photo to the right. 4
Joe Pepper Lures
Joe Pepper dates back arguably jus as far as lure maker giant Pflueger in some fashion or another. See what this Upstate NY lure maker brought to the fishing lure world.
To visit click the link below or the photo to the right
Pflueger Lures & Reels
Born the first of the “Big 5” antique fishing lure makers Pflueger would make its mark on the world in Reels and lures. for over a century.
To visit click the link below or the photo to the right.
Shakespeare Lures
Shakespeare a banker turned fishing tackle mogul. From lures to reels to rods even a Baseball team Shakespeare took the fishing industry by storm.
To visit click the link below or the photo to the right.
Bud Stewart Lures & Decoys
Bud Stewart, Lure Maker, Artisan, Craftsman, Folk Artist & Entrepreneur. There’s much that can be said about humble beginnings and grass roots. Although there are not many complete stories of the American Fishing Tackle Industry that contain those topics that dont include Bud Stewart.
To visit click the link below or photo to the right.
South Bend Lures
South Bend made its living selling some great Lures, Reels and Rods. They made classic fly fishing lures and even made lots of lures for other companies.
To visit click the link below or the photo.
