Syracuse Split Bamboo Fish Rod Company This Syracuse Split Bamboo Fish Rod Company, Henry Loftie catalog is a great early pre 1900’s Catalog. Circa 1889, this cover has made it over a century protected for it to be enjoyed by collectors and American Fishing Historians a century later. I’ve always been fond of Antique Paper […]
Category Archives: Antique Lures
Heddon Crazy Crawler Lure 2120 Series The Heddon Crazy Crawler Lure 2120 Series antique fishing lure was first introduced in 1941. This Crazy Crawler lure made by Heddon of Dowagiac, Michigan would be a great seller for Heddon over the next few decades. The offered the wooden version in three different models and corresponding sizes. […]
Schnell Fish Getter Lure The Schnell Fish Getter Lure was first introduced around 1926. The lure was made by its namesake August F Schnell of Kankakee, Illinois. The lure a solid metal spinner with a rotating front half spinner or propeller very very similar to the Al Foss Jazz and Shimmy Wiggler series of lures. […]
Trigger Fish Antique Lure The Trigger Fish Antique Lure was a creation of the Davis Tackle Manufacturing Company, Detroit Michigan. The lure dates to the late 1940’s in patent application and in production. This fishing lure falls into the spring loaded fishing category, where by when pressure is place on the top of the lure […]
Creek Chub Skipper Antique Lure The Creek Chub Skipper Antique Lure Vintage Fishing lure is a model series 4600. Made by the Creek Chub Bait Company of Garrett Indiana, they first introduced these lures in 1936 and made them through 1951. This wooden, glass eyed, fishing lure measure 3″ in length and has kind of […]
Kinney Bird Lure & Old Hickory Rod Maker The Kinney Bird Lure & Old Hickory Rod Maker combine themselves to create one of the most desirable and elusive lures sought out by antique lure collectors. Shrouded in mystery is the complete story, we can only glean bits and pieces or crumbs to put together a […]
Pflueger Catalina Lure This Pflueger Catalina lure was a model 5500 series. This version of the lure date to the mid 1920’s to 1940 by the Pflueger Bait Company of Akron, Ohio. This wooden, glass eyed coast minnow type is the 3rd version of the Catalina. This antique Pflueger Lure measures 4 1/8″ in length […]
South Bend Midget Surf Oreno Lure The South Bend Midget Surf Oreno Lure is a model series 962. This lure is touted as being one of the South Bend Bait Company out of South Bend Indiana’s longest lasting lures. The lure first appearing in 1916 and lasted all the way through 1952. Its no wonder […]
Wilson Fluted Wobbler Antique Lure The Wilson Fluted Wobbler Antique Lure was first introduced in the mid teens. The lure was also shown on the front of the accompanying antique lure box. The Lure made by Wilson, the Hastings Sporting Goods Company, of Hastings, Michigan. The lure itself is wooden in composition, with multiple flutes […]
Angling Echoes August 2018 The Trout Click to View Angling Echoes August 2018 Edition Angling Echoes August 2018 The Trout; I know of almost no angler who does not love trout. Some love other species more, but almost everyone can agree that trout are a remarkable fish that deserve universal acclaim. This issue — the […]
Millsite Rattle Bug Vintage Lure Below you will see many variants of the Millsite Rattle Bug Vintage Lure is actually a Millsite Steel & Wire Works Transition Rattlebug. The antique lure is a model #912R, Sinker. This transition model measuring 1 7/8″ and weighing in at 5/8oz was made in 1940-1942 at the Howell, Michigan […]
Heddon Crazy Crawler Lure The Heddon Crazy Crawler Lure is a collector favorite, and was first introduced around 1939-1940. Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan purchased the patent rights to this winged creature from Jim Donaly, of Hoptacong NJ. This version is the Model 2100 series and is the second to largest in the Crawler family measuring […]
Creek Chub Husky Surfster Lure The Creek Chub Husky Surfster Lure was first offered in 1953. The antique lure was Creek Chub of Garrett, Indiana lure model series number 7300. This large wooden cedar lure continued the Surfster line up by adding this salt water or big game Surfster. This large antique fishing lure measures […]
Creek Chub Flip Flap Lure The Creek Chub Flip Flap Lure was first introduced into the catalog line up in 1934. This Creek Chub of Garrett Indiana made lure was a series model number 4400. This wooden, glass eyed antique fishing lure measures 3 1/4″ inch in length. The tell tale or distinctive large nickle […]
Worth Flutter Fin Lure This version of the Worth Flutter Fin Lure is Circa 1962. The Worth Fishing Tackle Company was located out of Stevens Point Wisconsin. The Flutter Fin nicknamed by many “The Mustache Lure” was an invention made by Delbert Patterson of the Nova Tackle Company. The lure was sold around 1961 to […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Tight Lines Tuesday
Tight Lines Tuesday G H Mansfield & Co
Tight Lines Tuesday G H Mansfield & Co by John Etchieson The firm of G H Mansfield & Co. of Canton Massachusetts had already been producing some of the best hard braided silk fishing lines for 10 years when America celebrated the Centennial International Exhibition of 1876. This historic event, (the first official World’s Fair […]
South Bend Lil Rascal Antique Lure The South Bend Lil Rascal Antique Lure is actually quite an obscure little vintage lure. The Lil Rascal was given a model series number 955 by the South Bend Bait Company of South Bend Indiana. This wooden lure is very similar to the South Bend Midget Pike Oreno that […]
Creek Chub Midget Plunker Lure The Creek Chub Midget Plunker Lure was born in Garrett, Indiana. The Creek Chub Bait Company was looking to capitalize on its widely successful Plunker Lure line up. The midget plunker, made of wooden measuring 2 1/4″ would be the second to smallest in the line and the smallest wooden […]
South Bend Fish Obite Antique Lure The South Bend Fish Obite Antique Lure was given a model series number 1951 & G1951 for the Fire Lacquer color set. This plastic fishing lure was made by the South Bend Bait Company, of South Bend Indiana. First introduced in 1939 this antique fishing lure would last 14 […]
South Bend Two Obite Lure The South Bend Two Obite Lure was a model series 1975. This South Bend Bait Company lure would continue what started with wood, with plastic tenite. The lure was first introduced to the fishing world in 1938 and had a short shelf life and was shuttled in 1942. The lure […]
Kimmich Mouse Antique Lure The Kimmich Mouse Antique Lure was first introduced in 1929. This antique fishing lure invented by Harry Kimmich of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. Harry (John) Kimmich was not a lure inventor full-time. He owned a tire shop downtown, the “Kimmich Tire Shop.” We see this with a lot of miscellaneous lure makers, […]
Johnson Auto Striker Vintage Fishing Lure The Johnson Auto Striker Vintage Fishing Lure is a highly sought after miscellaneous lure. Made by Carl A Johnson, this classic antique fishing lure was patented in October of 1935, Patent number 2017903. This wooden fishing lure was made at the offices located at 5900 South Halstead Street, Chicago, […]
Pepper Roman Spider Antique Fishing Lure The Pepper Roman Spider Antique Fishing Lure is a truly timeless lure. This great classic antique fishing lure dates back over 100 years and comes to us from a small central New York Town, Rome, NY. Pepper was an innovator, and inventor and a key cog in the wheel […]
Heddon Bubbling Bug Fly The Heddon Bubbling Bug fly rod minnow lure is Heddon’s Series number 90. The fly rod fishing lure is not your A Typical small trout Fly one thinks of, as you can see in the gallery against a ruler this fly measures 1 3/4″ in length. This antique Heddon fly rod […]
Keller Gets Em Lure The Keller Gets Em Lure was first introduced in 1916. Made in Rochester, Indiana this antique fishing lure is just cresting the century old mark. This colorful wooden, antique fishing lure measures in at 3 1/4″ in length. This vintage minnow came in a painted eye and no eye version. The […]
Pflueger St Clair Double Spoon Lure The Pflueger St Clair Double Spoon Lure is truly a beauty. This antique fancy metal Pflueger, Enterprise Manufacturing Company fishing lure was made in Akron, Ohio. The Saint Clair was a model 691 and was the Non Luminous Tandem Spoon, its counter-part the St. Lawrence, model 690, was the […]
Kurz Buck Skin Lure The Kurz Buck Skin Lure is over 100 years old. Given that it is a piece of folded rawhide it looks pretty darn good for being over the century mark. The Kurz Bros. Co. were based in Chicago, Illinois @1369-89 North Branch Street.and during a time in the mid teens where […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Collectors Guide to Glass Minnow Traps
Collectors Guide to Glass Minnow Traps From long-time NFLCC member and glass minnow trap collector and historian Brent Vonderheide comes the first book ever to deal with the popular subject of Glass Minnow Traps. In so doing, he will help the reader distinguish vintage glass traps from the many contemporary makers. Knowledge is power, and […]
Millsite Steel & Wire Works Promotional 3 Pack This Millsite Steel & Wire Works Promotional 3 Pack is complete with 3 different intro Model 1940 Rattle Bugs. Model Number 903R, 905R & 907R, make up this unheard of package. If there is one box that is considered rare and tough to find it is this […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
D is for Dingley The Master Reelmaker
D is for Dingley The Master Reelmaker [wp_ad_camp_1] From Patrick Garner and Brian Taylor comes the definitive work on the life and career of W.H. Dingley. William Henry Dingley was arguably the most skilled English reelmaker of the 20th century. An inventor and consummate craftsman, Dingley’s genius dominated more than 50 years of tackle history, […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
The Reels of Julius Vom Hofe 1882 – 1939
The Reels of Julius Vom Hofe Book Details 8.5″ x 11″ Softcover * Black-and-White & Color Images * 404 Pages To purchase this Book visit our sister site Whitefish Press; The Reels of Julius Vom Hofe ABOUT THE BOOK Julius vom Hofe has always been overshadowed by his younger brother Edward vom Hofe. Yet he produced […]
Millsite Steel & Wire Works Jointed 99R The Millsite Steel & Wire Works Jointed 99R Vintage Fishing Lure is an exceptional piece. This antique lure is a model #402, Sinker. This introductory model measuring 3 3/4″ and weighing in at 3/4 oz was made in 1939 and is made of early tenite plastic at the […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing
THE ART & HISTORY OF SALMON EGG BAIT
THE ART & HISTORY OF SALMON EGG BAIT THE ART & HISTORY OF SALMON EGG BAIT: Salmon egg bait has a long tradition and history, but has been largely overlooked by fishing historians. With this meticulously researched book, noted collector and fishing historian Philip Beguhl illuminates for the first time the long and colorful history […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing
FORGOTTEN FLY RODS VOLUME 1
FORGOTTEN FLY RODS OVERLOOKED & UNDERAPPRECIATED AMERICAN FISHING ROD MAKERS, VOLUME 1 FORGOTTEN FLY RODS VOLUME 1: We know a good deal about many of the major American rod makers, ranging from Hiram Leonard to Eustis W. Edwards to Lyle Dickerson. But high end fly rod makers like these are just the tip (and a […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing
THE HISTORY OF THE FISH HOOK IN AMERICA
THE HISTORY OF THE FISH HOOK IN AMERICA The first of a three-volume series on the history of the American fish hook traces the origins of the hook industry from its humble beginnings in Brooklyn to its position as a major competitor both in foreign and domestic markets by 1900. The product of more than […]
Joliet Spinner Lure The Joliet Spinner Lure was introduced around 1902.The Joliet Spinner would end up being made by both G. Bruton of Joliet, Illinois and later by New Jersey Aluminum Co. This metal spiral antique fishing lure is a simple twisting piece of metal that was offered in multiple sizes and had the patent […]
Cool Ripple Casting Frog Fishing Lure This Cool Ripple Casting Frog Fishing Lure is a really neat early fly eater. This specific lure is the Intro Model, and is Circa 1946 a very Tough Version to come by. The Cool Ripple will also become known as the little beast. Made by the Associated Specialties Corporation, […]
Snook Minnow Lure The Snook Minnow Lure is a creation of Bob Ousley. Bob, a technician for Sears whose job eventually would transplant him from Tennessee to Florida had many hobbies. A man whose who careers and hobbies intersected and involved the use of his hands. To be handy in trades and his endeavors from […]
Pepper Roamer Antique Lure The Pepper Roamer Antique Lure was patented in 1908. Joseph E Pepper of Rome, New York the inventor of this bug type lure. Whether from 235 1/2 South James Street, or 217 Lynch Street in Rome New York Pepper would rival in production the variety of lures to that of any […]
Fishing for History Volume 2 No 3 May June 2013 To Subscribe visit the Fishing for History Store: Fishing for History Volume 2 No 3 May / June 2018 Jim Dorr on Fly Rod Baits • Bill Sonnett on True Temper Steel Rods • Dr. Todd Larson on Heddon After Heddon • Brian Taylor on […]
JC Griner Orlando Shiner Lure The JC Griner Orlando Shiner Lure is beset upon the old saying that imitation is the nearest and dearest form of flattery. John Chandler Griner is one of those artists. Being a fisherman at heart and having a need is how many of the lure makers both old and new […]
Lucid Lure Antique Plastic Minnow Tube The Lucid Lure Antique Plastic Minnow Tube was first introduced in the early 1940’s. This plastic or acrylic fishing appliance falls under the minnow tube category. For a half a century people tried to entomb their fry, minnows and fingerlings. The lucid Lure attempted to do this in the […]
Millsite Baby 99R Antique Fishing Lure This Millsite Baby 99R Antique Fishing Lure is shown in it’s Original Box with scarce Catalog & Paperwork Insert. In 1941, the Millsite Steel & Wire Works introduced its first lure box with a plastic top. This is an excellent example of one of the first runs that came […]
Pflueger Dragon Spinner Antique Lure The Pflueger Dragon Spinner Antique Lure was only made for approximately 12 years in this configuration shown. Although the vintage lure was made by Pflueger from Akron Ohio since 1931, the design shown dates to 1940 – 1952. This simple cyclonic spinner was given a model series number 7342 and […]
Pflueger Niftee Spinner Vintage Lure The Pflueger Niftee Spinner Vintage Lure was first introduced in 1933. This version shown here is the second in as many design changes the spinner would take. Pflueger of Akron released the second incarnation of the lure was introduced around 1952. The lure would be produced under a model series […]
Pflueger Teelan Minnow Antique Lure The Pflueger Teelan Minnow Antique Lure was first introduced in 1916. This antique fishing lure is made of a rubber composite and measures 2 1/2″ in length. This hand painted rubber minnow was made in a succession of Pflueger rubber minnows evolving from the Pflueger Governor and Admiral minnow fishing […]
Heddon 3-15 Antique Fishing Reel This Heddon 3-15 Antique Fishing Reel is quite a looker. This was Heddon’s first reel that they made for themselves, not using a jobber and they went about doing it as many companies would continue to source people over the next century, they just hired the guy from the competition. […]
South Bend Mouse Oreno Lure The South Bend Mouse Oreno Lure was first introduced in 1932 and lasted only a decade and was out of production by 1942. This lure mad by the South Bend Bait Company of South Bend Indiana is a model series #949. This bead eyed, flocked cheese eater measure 2 3/4″ […]
Pflueger Worth Bait Casting Reel This is a vintage Pflueger Worth Bait Casting Reel . The antique reel is marked as a serial number 5109, which I believe puts it into the late teens early 1920’s. This great example is made of a German Silver with smooth tops of the end caps are jeweled center […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing
Radical Rodmaking: Innovative Bamboo Fly Rods & Their Makers
Radical Rodmaking: Innovative Bamboo Fly Rods & Their Makers Book Details 6” x 9” Softcover * Color Images * 188 Pages To Purchase this book please visit our sister site Whitefish Press; Radical Rodmaking: Innovative Bamboo Fly Rods & Their Makers ABOUT THE BOOK The tradition of the split bamboo fly rod goes back over 150 […]