Tight Lines Tuesday Mount Everest Tight Lines Tuesday Mount Everest by John Etchieson – In the early 1920s (1921 – 1924) several expeditions were undertaken by different parties of men to ascend to the top of Mount Everest, the worlds tallest mountain at 29,035 feet above sea level which is located midway between Tibet and […]
Tag Archives: fishing
Shur Strike Plunker Lure The Shur Strike Plunker Lure was first introduced in 1938. This antique fishing lure made by Creek Chub of Garrett, Indiana was labeled under the Shur Strike lure line up. The wooden fishing lure was a copy of the famous Creek Chub lure, and was actually fashioned like the early humpback […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Tight Lines Tuesday Colored Spools
Tight Lines Tuesday Colored Spools by John Etchieson – Tight Lines Tuesday Colored Spools; All fishing lines, with very few exceptions, had been packaged on solid black color enamel painted wooden spools since 1880. However, 85 years ago at the depths of America’s great depression in 1932, many fishing line spools took on some bright colors […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Shakespeare Lures
Tight Lines Tuesday Shakespeare Cadillac
Tight Lines Tuesday Shakespeare Cadillac by John Etchieson 87 years ago in 1930 the Shakespeare Tackle Company introduced a very high quality enameled “Super Silk” fly line for trout fishing that they called the CADILLAC brand. This new fly line came packaged inside of an orange cardboard box with a checkerboard racing stripe that ran […]
19th Century Fishing Lures, Antique Lures, Fly Fishing, Miscellaneous Lure Makers
Joe Pepper Big Four Lure Card
Joe Pepper Big Four Lure Card Here is a great Joe Pepper Big Four Lure Card assortment. These rare cards are seldom seen especially in this new old stock condition. The item dates to the turn of the century or a few years after. The lures and flies are carefully tied on the reverse of […]
19th Century Fishing Lures, Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Harpers Weekly April 1872
Harpers Weekly April 1872 In this edition of Harpers Weekly April 1872 we get a glimpse in to some of the lifes work for a man who’s name and work are embedded in fish-lore, fly fishing and sporting. Mr Seth Green in no an uncommon name to read when doing any type of research into […]
Creek Chub Salt Surfster Lure The Creek Chub Salt Surfster Lure is the largest in the Surfster family line. This giant piece of lumber was given a model 7400 by the Creek Chub Bait Company of Garrett Indiana. The lure was first produced in 1953 and lasted less than a half dozen years, being discontinued […]
South Bend Fin Dingo Lure The South Bend Fin Dingo Lure was first introduced in 1952. The antique fishing lure was given model 1965 by the South Bend Bait Company. Surprisingly, the antique lure was only made for only a single year under South Bends Roof. The Fin Dingo fishing lure was a round molded […]
Dam Mouse Antique Lure The Dam Mouse Antique Lure is a neat little lure. Dam a German fishing tackle company has been around since the late 1800’s in some form. Widely popular with European collectors Dam can kind of be equated to our Abbey and Imbrie. More notably known for their version of spinning reels […]
Shakespeare Jacksmith Lure The Shakespeare Jacksmith lure was Series 6561. The wooden, pressed eye lure was first introduced in the 1930’s by the Shakespeare Bait Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan. This antique fishing lure measures 4 1/8″ in length. It features 3 standard size treble hooks, the rear of which is held on by Shakespeare’s Ball […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing
Louis Rhead Obituary
Louis Rhead Obituary This Louis Rhead Obituary was printed by the same newspaper the Rhead had penned and contributed for decades earlier. His range was from fly Fishing the Gentleman’s Trout to landing the Gamy Black Bass and wrestling the Muskie from the deep. Rhead was born in England in 1857 and would pass in […]
Aqua Sport Storm Diving Doodle Bug Lure This Aqua Sport Storm Diving Doodle Bug Lure was a neat novelty of its time. As I had noted in the article about the Glop Lure Storm began with the two Brothers Gary and William in 1964. After 1968 brother Richard also joined the company. It wasn’t until […]
Pfeffer Spin Cripple Lure The Pfeffer Spin Cripple Lure is the smallest of the three sizes of Cripples produced by Jim Pfeffer. Jim Pfeffer, Florida Lure maker who history begins in Rome Ny would not make his way to Orlando until 1925, at the age of 1939. As far as Florida lure makers its hard […]
Heddon Spin Diver Antique Lure The Heddon Spin Diver Antique Lure is one of Heddon’s most iconic, and identifiable golden age lures. The antique lure first was introduced in 1918 and wouldn’t last as long as most of the other under-water minnow versions. The Spin Diver made by Heddon of Dowagiac, Michigan was given a model […]
Four Tees Dolphin Lure This lure is a Four Tees Dolphin lure. This antique fishing lure was made by William of Bill Bales from Tampa Florida in the early 1930’s. Like many lure makers lore begins with a pocket knife and necessity, we hear the same of William’s. As with many Americans in the throws of […]
Paw Paw Crazy Mike Lure The Paw Paw Crazy Mike Lure sounds like a name given to everyone favorite uncle. While it may not be a part of our own lineage the Crazy Mike lure is part of the Flap Jack Family series of lures released in the early 1940’s. This antique fishing lure is […]
Bagley Bass N Shad Lures The Bagley Bass N Shad Lures were first introduced in 1984 and 1985 respectively. Made by the Bagley Bait Company which draws its roots from Winter Haven Florida in a sense. I say that because Jim Bagley Had purchased his first Company in 1954 from “The Dean Brothers” in Georgia. […]
Pflueger SkillKast 1953 Reel The Pflueger SkillKast 1953 Reel is a reel that seems to have transcended the years. Made in Akron, Ohio this reel would last over three decades in the Pflueger Reel line up. Introduced as new in 1941 the lure would be produced until into the 1970’s. A good reel if your […]
Paw Paw Flap Jack Lure The Paw Paw Flap Jack Lure was introduced in the 1950’s, made by the Paw Paw Bait Company of Paw Paw Michigan. This version of the Paw paw Bait Company lure arsenal was given a model 3600. This plastic fishing lure measures 3 1/2″ in length and weighs in at […]
Heddon Tiny River Runt Spook Lure The Heddon Tiny River Runt Spook Lure was first introduced in 1953. This lure made by Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan was given a model series number 350. This Plastic spook lure was made in the likeness of all the previous runt spooks yet just made smaller. The antique fishing […]
Trenton Surface Doodler Lure The Trenton Surface Doodler Lure was introduced around 1946. From the same company that brought us the Mad Mouse we have highlighted before, The Trenton Manufacturing Company, Located in Trenton Ohio. This wooden antique fishing lure measures 2 5/8″ in length. The lure seems to take it shape from crossing a […]
Paw Paw Bonehead Antique Lures The Paw Paw Bonehead Antique Lures are a very distinctive and identifiable series within the Paw Paw Antique Lure line up. The Bonehead refers to Paw Paws molted brown spotted or striped finish. The antique lures were first produced in 1956 and lasted for roughly 8 years. The lures were always […]
Brook Trout Baptism Here in the Brook Trout Baptism, out of the book Speckled Brook Trout with Illustrations by famed artist and fisherman Louis Rhead. The book was printed in 1902 and is filled with some great illustrations and even writings by lure maker, fisherman and outdoor enthusiast W.C Harris. Baptism of the Brook Trout […]
Paw Paw Croaker Lure The Paw Paw Croaker Lure is one of a series of lures that used real frog skin to cover the wooden bait. The lure itself made by the Paw Paw Bait Company out of Paw Paw, Michigan. This antique lure was first introduced in 1940 and was made of wood measuring 3″ […]
Charles Hibbard Antique Lure Heart Shaped Spoon This is an early Charles Hibbard Antique Lure. Charles A Hibbard of Grand Rapids Michigan was one of the pre 1900’s antique lure makers. This heart shaped spinner or spoon bears the stamp Hibbard, Pat March 25, 84. Hibbard became part of the L.S. Hill Company in 1879 […]
Moonlight Single Hook Pikaroon Lure The Moonlight Single Hook Pikaroon Lure was first seen around 1923. The Moonlight Bait Company of Paw Paw Michigan gave this model a series number 2500. By far and away one of the cooler and my favorite Moonlight lures. This wooden antique fishing lure measures 4 1/4″ in length. This […]
Lanes Wagtail Wobbler Lure The Lanes Wagtail Wobbler Lure was first introduced in 1924. This antique fishing lure was fashioned by Charles W. Lane of Madrid, New York. Charles Lane a prominent resident of Madrid was known locally as a fine clock maker and jeweler. The Wag-tail wobbler lure was hand painted in shades of […]
Moonlight Pollywog Lure The Moonlight Pollywog Lure, is a series model 700. This antique lure dates to the mid 1920’s. This pointed nose, sloping body, wooden, antique lure is one that is most synonymous with the Silver Creek Brand. Silver Creek as a company which was acquired by the Moonlight Lure Company in the early […]
Creek Chub Wee Dee Lure The Creek Chub Wee Dee lure is a favorite among antique fishing lure collectors. The antique lure was first produced in 1936, and lasted around 10 years in the Creek Chub lure line up. This wooden, glass eyed, chunk bait style lure was a Creek Chub of Garrett Indiana series […]
AW Saarimaa Fish Hawk Antique Lure The AW Saarimaa Fish Hawk Antique Lure is one I dont see very often in Oklahoma. This wooden antique fishing lure has made quite a journey beginning in Canada. The lure was created – invented and patented by August W. Saarimaa. This unique lure dates to the early 1940’s […]
Pflueger Kent Floater Frog Antique Lure The Pflueger Kent Floater Frog Antique Lure was released somewhere around the early teens. This wooden chunk bait type series of lure carried the same model number of the previous and of the all future Pflueger Frog lures, a model series 2555. Born in Akron, Ohio of the Enterprise […]
South Bend Plug Oreno Antique Lure The South Bend Plug Oreno Antique Lure was first brought to market in 1932. This wooden antique fishing lure produced by the South Bend Bait Company in South Bend Indiana was given a model number 959. This fly eater was in production for 12 years and was removed from […]
OKC Marathon Ethan Lollman I know your asking yourself what this has to do with lures, fishing or fly fishing? Well today nothing, Ive always said #itsmystorytotell. Lures, Fishing and Fly Fishing are but things to fill in the void between the times and things that are really of importance, Family & Friends and Faith […]
Rhodes Perfect Casting Minnow The Rhodes Perfect Casting Minnow is certainly a beauty to behold. It has all the qualities of a classic fishing lure. This wooden antique lure was produced in two different models a 3″, 3 Hook and a 4″ 5 Hook minnow. I was reading a 1904 issue of National Sportsman today […]
Neon Mickey Antique Fishing Lure The Neon Mickey Antique Fishing Lure was first introduced in 1955. This novelty type lure was born by the Neon Mickey Company out of Oregon. This plastic fishing lure measures 4″ in length and was available in a few primary colors. The purpose or guise of the Neon Mickey was […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Heddon Lures
Heddon Lure Memorial Day Ad
Heddon Lure Memorial Day Ad This great Heddon Lure Memorial Day Ad falls in line with our thoughts and thanks. For those that made the ultimate sacrifice we thank you. And thank you Mr. Bill Sonnet for finding this and allowing me to share it with my readers. A Boy Fished and Went to War……A […]
Paw Paw Seagrams Seven Lure The Paw Paw Seagrams Seven Lure was first produced in 1953, crafted in the same fashion as the logo on the popular adult beverage. The lure falls into a few categories in the antique lure world. Collectors who amass Logo or advertising lures, those who collect “Brewerina”, and finally those […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Miscellaneous Lure Makers
Mercury Minnow Lure
Mercury Minnow Lure This Mercury Minnow Lure Sales Sheet discusses the feature functions and benefits of the Mercury Minnow antique lure. The Mecoy Tackle Company of Grosse Point Michigan introduced this fishing lure in 1949. The Mercury minnow is just that it’s namesake coming from the ball of Mercury that rolls around inside the lure […]
19th Century Fishing Lures, Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Cabinet Card
Fly Fishing Cabinet Card Here is a great early 19th Century Fly Fishing Cabinet Card. The astute gentleman posing with his large green heart rod and what looks to be a larger Salmon type reel. Leaning upon the rock as well is a early landing gaff, single tine. Im not sure what I envy more […]
Oliver Gruber Glo Worm Antique Fishing Lure The Oliver Gruber GloWurm Antique Fishing Lure is quite an interesting story. Over the last few years I’ve touched on a few of the lure makers that thought outside the box. Alfred Oliver and James Gruber thought inside the box, so to speak. As the Story is Told; “On […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Friends & Clubs
Antique Lure Logo
Antique Lure Logo Check out our new Antique Lure Logo! A fellow collectors wife took many hours of her own time to help me become official by now having my own logo. She did a great job and went above and beyond and wanted to thank her publicly! Thanks Sharon! Will start work on a […]
Heddon 800 Series Swimming Minnow The Heddon 800 Series Swimming Minnow, was only ever cataloged in 1911. This was the smaller of the Swimming Minnows. This antique lure made by James Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan was another in the part of a marketing series called “It Swims” or focusing on how the lure swims. The […]
Moonlight 1900 Zig Zag Lure The Moonlight 1900 Zig Zag Lure was first introduced in the early 1920’s by the Moonlight Bait Company of Paw Paw, Michigan. This wooden, glass eyed lure was deemed a series 1900 before being Called a Zig Zag which was previously used on another earlier Minnow. This jointed or segmented […]
Shur Strike Flat Face Lure The Shur Strike Flat Face Lure is a uncatalogued lure. Made by Creek Chub of Garrett, Indiana but sold under the Shur Strike line up this lure is similar to the G or Slope Nose. This antique fishing lure is wooden, with no eyes, and is cigar in shape with […]
Shakespeare Tarpalunge Lure This Shakespeare Tarpalunge antique fishing lure is a model #6640. This jointed, wooden antique Shakespeare lure is circa 1930 and has two very large single hooks. This antique Shakespeare salt water fishing lure measures in at 5 3/4 inches in length. The lure was touted to hold over a 200 lb dead pull […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Miscellaneous Lure Makers
Hoptacong Perch Minnow Antique Lure
Hoptacong Perch Minnow Antique Lure The Hoptacong Perch Minnow Antique Lure date to around 1905. The lure distributed and made by the William Mills and Sons Company of New York, New York. While advertised to be a combined 6 inches in length, the lure itself was 3 inches in length. Mounted to the shaft were a […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Friends & Clubs
Sunday Sounds April Edition
Sunday Sounds April Edition On a rainy Sunday morning strolling through FB and Ebay with a cup of coffee in hand I came across a post of a Frog Spot Jamison Coaxer lure for sale, and if there is one thing that goes with Jamison in my head, its my buddy Joe. These were owned […]
Hustle Kindness Hustle Kindness? What on earth does this have to do with antique fishing lures and just what are you talking about? Every now and then people come and go through our lives for certain reasons, many which are unbeknownst to us at the time. Many of you who follow this blog or know […]
Shurebite Frog Lure This Shurebite Frog Lure is the later in the series of Frogs created by Shuebite. Hopping into the picture around 1948 this version upgrade changes its makeup from sponge and wood to what we see here using tenite. Located in 1948 in Bronson Michigan the Surebite antique lure company making its move […]
Paw Paw Hipp Lure The Paw Paw Hipp lure as it was named by Scott and Reed in the Paw Paw book is a unidentified or unnamed lure. The lure is a green and gold spotted flat face wobbler. The lure is 3 3/8″ in length and resembles a Rush Tango made bait. Reed and […]