Tight Lines Tuesday Extra Strong by John Etchieson Tight Lines Tuesday Extra Strong; 91 years ago in 1927 the G H Mansfield Company (EST. 1821) of Canton Massachusetts produced this EXTRA STRONG brand of Japan silk casting line that was designed to take the strongest of the fighting Musky fish. To convey the great strength […]
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Bender & Flynn Darter Antique Lure This Bender & Flynn Darter Antique Lure was created in and around 1945. This creation made by Albert Bender & E.C. Flynn of Pinellas Park, Florida. Albert Bender a Wood Worker, E.C. Flynn and artist combined talents the year that ended the great war and together created and produced […]
Heddon Musky Vamp Antique Lure The Heddon Musky Vamp Antique Lure over went many identities and names through its lifespan. The antique lure was first introduced as the Musketeer Vamp in 1927, The name was changed to Musky Vamp in 1928 and would also be referred to as a Giant Vamp. While its name was […]
Tight Lines Tuesday Biltwell by John Etchieson Tight Lines Tuesday Biltwell; 91 years ago in 1927 the G. H. Mansfield Company (est. 1821) offered the BILTWELL brand silk bait casting line with an attractive label featuring one of America’s dreadnought battleships that were easily recognizable due to their two lattice masts, sometimes called “cage masts”, […]
Ed Wood Sunspot Spoon Lure The Ed Wood Sunspot Spoon Lure is a rather tough one to come by. Sometimes value and scarcity don’t line up equally on the same line and this Sun Spot Spoon is a great example. This is the predecessor to the later version, the South Bend Sun Spot Spoon. This […]
Heddon Spinfin Antique Lure The Heddon Spinfin Antique Lure was first introduced in 1956 and was in Heddon’s lure catalog line up until 1976. The lure was assigned a model number 411-413. The numeration is based on its weight and color ranging from 2 1/4″- 2 5/8″ and weights between 1/8, 1/4, & 1/2 oz […]
Heddon Salt Water Torpedo Lure The Heddon Salt Water Torpedo Lure was first introduced in 1946 and was produced until 1956. The lure was assigned a model series number 30 by Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan and is stamped by its maker on its underside. This salt water version of very popular standard version was a […]
Heddon King Zig Wag Antique Lure The Heddon King Zig Wag Antique Lure was first introduced in 1938 and manufactured all the way to 1953. The 1930’s through the 1950’s was considered a boom time for Salmon targeted fishing lure. Many of the top lure companies would be integrating Salmon rigged or type lures into […]
HISTORY OF PFLUEGER BAIT CASTING REELS 1901-1982 BOOK DETAILS 5.5” x 8.5” Paperback • 264 Pages • 300+ Black and White Images To Purchase this book please visit our sister site Whitefish Press; HISTORY OF PFLUEGER BAIT CASTING REELS 1901-1982 DESCRIPTION In this HISTORY OF PFLUEGER BAIT CASTING REELS 1901-1982, the third and final volume […]
Shakespeare Floating Bait Lure The Shakespeare Floating Bait Lure was first advertised in 1908. The lure was Shakespeare of Kalamazoo Michigan model series number 41. This wooden glass eyed antique lure measures 3 1/4″ inches in length. The Floating Bait lure shape would wide at the top rounded edge tapering towards the belly, an upside […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Tight Lines Tuesday
Tight Lines Tuesday Italian Brand
Tight Lines Tuesday Italian Brand by John Etchieson Tight Lines Tuesday Italian Brand; 96 years ago in the Spring of 1922, the author, artist, angler and hunter, William Harnden Foster, painted a wonderful scene of a fly fisherman who had crawled to the edge of the bank above the water to avoid spooking this trout […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Tight Lines Tuesday
Tight Lines Tuesday Shakespeare Dollar Dandy
Tight Lines Tuesday Shakespeare Dollar Dandy by John Etchieson Tight Lines Tuesday Shakespeare Dollar Dandy – 85 years ago, in 1933, the Shakespeare Tackle Company introduced its Dollar Dandy fishing line to fishermen facing the adverse economic effects of America’s Great Depression. “We’re in the Money” is a song from the 1933 Warner Bros. film […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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, 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, 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 […]
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, […]
Tight Lines Tuesday Vee Bee by John Etchieson Vee Bee – The Voedisch Brothers Company (circa 1904 – 1974) was a Chicago based wholesale and retail distributor of fishing tackle including both lures and lines sold under the “Vee – Bee” brand name. The DAISY silk casting line was offered for sale from the early […]
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 […]
DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF PENN REELS 1932-1957 BOOK DETAILS 8.5″ x 11″ Softcover * Black-and-White Images * 300 Pages * Contains all catalogs from 1932-1957 To Purchase this Books Visit our Sister Site Whitefish Press: DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF PENN REELS 1932-1957 ABOUT THE BOOK In this DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF PENN REELS 1932-1957, companion volume to The Chronological […]
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 […]
Redifor Bait Casting Reel This antique reel is 100 years old, the Redifor Bait Casting Reel. This great example is made of a German Silver with rigged tops of the end caps and jeweled center end caps. The free spinning handle adorn with the traditional tan/brown bake-lite handle. The antique reel has no stamp on […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing, Fly Rod Lures
John Betts Synthetic Flies- Flies with an Edited Hackle – Catch the Hatch
Book Overview 118 pages • handwritten and illustrated • 11″ x 8.5″ • softcover • printed in the USA To Purchase this book visit our sister site Whitefish Press: John Betts Synthetic Flies- Flies with an Edited Hackle – Catch the Hatch BOOK DESCRIPTION This is a wonderful book from the great John Betts containing three […]
Dozey Boy Vintage Lure The Dozey Boy Vintage Lure is considered a mechanical or a spring loaded type lure. The lure dates to the 1950-60’s time frame. Made by the Accepted Lure Company and Hasand Inc. out of 6055 Wichita Ave, Cleveland, Ohio. This non-descriptive plastic fishing lure measures in right around 3″ in length. […]
Pflueger Supreme Bait Casting Reel This auction is for a Pflueger Supreme Bait Casting Reel. The antique reel is marked as a serial number 3402, which I believe makes it a fairly early one into the late teens early 1920’s. This great example is made of a reel has smooth tops of the end caps. […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
The 2018 Whitefish Price Guide to Vintage Fishing Lures
The 2018 Whitefish Price Guide to Vintage Fishing Lures Book Details Softcover, 154 Total pages, 8.5″ x 11″, Color Images ABOUT THE BOOK Everyone has an opinion on what a vintage fishing lure is worth, but there is only one way to know for sure: find out what similar or identical lures have sold for […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
The Oldest Gun House in America History of the Edward K. Tryon Co., 1811-1965
The Oldest Gun House in America: BOOK DETAILS 7.44″” x 9.68″ Crown Quarto softcover – 160 Total Pages • Black and White Images To Purchase this book visit our sister Site Whitefish Press: The Oldest Gun House in America ABOUT THE BOOK The Edward K. Tryon Company was one of the most iconic gun and hardware […]
The Video of the Week Another old home fishing video. Love these. 12 Thing I Would Buy If Only I Could Afford Them This bizarre English-Made Howban Reel is a wonderful find. Tugis is an early vom Hofe A&I casting reel. I’ve never seen this Shakespeare Dealer Sign before. What’s not […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Miscellaneous Lure Makers
Al Foss The Life & Fishing Lures of the Pork Rind King
Al Foss The Life & Fishing Lures of the Pork Rind King Book Details: 6″ x 9″ Softcover • 312 Total Pages • Black and White Images To Purchase this Book Please visit our Sister site Whitefishpress: Al Foss The Life & Fishing Lures of the Pork Rind King DESCRIPTION Al Foss was an iconic name […]
Millsite Opaque Minnow Lure Special Order Yellow Scale Silver Body Red Rib This is a Special Order Millsite Opaque Minnow Lure. This indestructible painted eye floating vintage minnow lure is measuring in at 3″ and weighing in at smooth 3/5oz. The antique fishing lure was produced in the Opaque version from 1953-62, by the Millsite […]
Heddon After Heddon Part I Heddon After Heddon Part I; Many people know the legend of the founding of Heddon. Indeed, the story of James Heddon, the erstwhile beekeeper-turned-fisherman, has become apocryphal, and has been covered in great detail by collectors and fishing historians alike. Yet it is easy to forget that James Heddon ran […]
Bite Em Wiggler Minnow Lure The Bite Em Wiggler Minnow Lure a model series 101, was another offering made by the Bite Em Bait Company of Warsaw Indiana later moving to Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Having produced antique lures from the late teens, 1917 time frame they produced around 8-10 offerings. Simplicity seemed to be at […]
Friday Funhouse March 2nd 2018 The Video of the Week The Fieldsports Channel in Britain ran this little video on CSI: Fishing Tackle a few years back. 12 Thing I Would Buy If Only I Could Afford Them This Luhr Jensen Lure Display is pretty cool. Holy smokes is this Chippewa in the Box […]
Black Bass Cited as Meanest Fish George Currie Black Bass Cited as Meanest Fish George Currie; This is a strange and fascinating article. It was written by George Currie, who was a longtime columnist for the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. His “George Currie’s Brooklyn” was a staple for decades in this popular paper, and in it […]
Letters from Mary “Letters from Mary” will be a monthly column featuring the correspondence of pioneering fishing and tackle historian Mary Kefover Kelly. Mary began researching the history of fishing in the mid-1960s and dedicated most of the next four decades of her life to the subject. She corresponded with most of the notable anglers […]
CORPORATE HISTORY FRED ARBOGAST COMPANY 1925-47 The CORPORATE HISTORY FRED ARBOGAST COMPANY 1925-47; Part I is so eloquently written by author Kevin Virden who knowledge and expertise on the subject matter is quite evident in his first piece about the industry and collector favorite company, The Fred Arbogast Company. Below is a small excerpt from […]
Funhouse Friday February 23 2018 The Video of the Week Kentucky Afield does a lot of great videos, including this survey of Lew Kornman’s tackle collection. 12 Thing I Would Buy If Only I Could Afford Them Congress Trade Minnows from Supplee-Biddle Hardware are always fun. I think CCBC Red Wing Black Bird is […]
No Serious Injury to Domestic Fishing Rod Industry No Serious Injury to Domestic Fishing Rod Industry; This may not be great literature but it is important historically to the fishing industry. In the late 1970s, American rod making concerns saw a steep decline in sales due to the economic recession and foreign imports. As […]
Tight Lines Tuesday Firestone’s Treasures In this episode of Tight Lines Tuesday Firestone’s Treasures, John Etchison thells us; In the 1930s and 1940s the Firestone Tire Company of Akron Ohio sold a lot more than just tires. Their tire and auto supply stores also carried everything from radios and appliances to sporting goods too. Among […]
Bait Casting Reels Lloyd Tooley Bait Casting Reels Lloyd Tooley; Lloyd J. Tooley was an outstanding tournament caster, angler, and tackle maker. The originator of the short “Kalamazoo” style bait casting rod, he also marketed a fishing lure that is quite collectible today. Here he surveys the state of bait casting reels in a very […]
Tale of the Trout Stream William Hulbert Tale of the Trout Stream William Hulbert; Technically, this is not strictly a fishing article. It’s a piece of fiction about a trout’s life in which fishermen and fishing play a tangential role. The author, William Davenport Hulbert (1868-1913), was a noted environmental writer best known for his […]
Rinehart Musky Buzer Lure The Rinehart Musky Buzer Lure was a creation of the Fred Rhinehart Tackle Company out of Ohio. The Musky Buzzer lure was first introduced in 1948 and made through 1962. At 5″ the Musky Surface buzzer antique lure was the largest of the molded plastic (Tenite) lures offered by the Fred […]