Vermilion Mouse Lure The Vermilion Mouse Lure is a cool little unit. This antique lure is wooden with faceted glass eye and has a leather tail. The mouse lure was first introduced in n the early 1920’s somewhere between 1922 to 1924, and was made by Frank Knill of Vermilion Ohio. The lure itself, minus […]
Tag Archives: fishing
NFLCC Greater Milwaukee Lure Show NFLCC Greater Milwaukee Lure Show; Ever Wondered what it was like to look through the eyes of a antique lure collector? Mac Hoover did an amazing job in this short piece about the Greater Milwaukee Classic. If your interested in the history of fishing (Bass, Ice, Fly, Carp, Crappie, Salt […]
Bear Creek Tweedler Lure The Bear Creek Tweedler Lure is a odd looking lure at first glance. Most people are more familiar with the line of ice spearing Decoys that the Bear Creek Bait Company out of Kelva Michigan. The company started by two brother and a best friend. This wooden antique fishing lure was […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fishing For History, The Friday Fun House
Friday Funhouse January 26 2018
Friday Funhouse January 26 2018 The Video of the Week If you haven’t seen this video of Frank Rybarcyk’s Shakespeare collection, you really should. 10 Thing I Would Buy If Only I Could Afford Them This Heddon Vamp #7509X is a truly astounding lure. A Leonard Mills Fly Reel is a classic reel. A Creek Chub Dealer Box of #502swill […]
Antique Lures, Fishing For History, Fishing For History Magazine, Fly Fishing
Friday Funhouse January 19 2018
Friday Funhouse January 19 2018 Friday Funhouse January 19 2018; The Video of the Week If you have about 50 minutes you need to watch this beautiful movie by James Prosek, as he retraces the steps of Izaak Walton. Really well done. 10 Thing I Would Buy If Only I Could Afford Them This […]
Swiv A Lure The Swiv A Lure was first introduced in 1949. Box. The Swiv A Lure was made by Lamothe – Stokes Manufacturing Company out of Detroit Michigan. The lure was a model YR-20. The lure was made in both plastic and wood over its life cycle as well as being made in Red […]
Shakespeare Evolution Lure The Shakespeare Evolution Lure was one of Shakespeare’s earliest lures being first introduced in in 1902. There were a few versions of the lure which also corresponded to a few different length measurements. Shakespeare in their first catalog made its lures almost out of opposing or different materials. Its Revolution and Worden […]
2018 Great Milwaukee Classic Please find a 2018 Great Milwaukee Classic Show update……..I’ve posted elsewhere, but appreciate spreading the word! The 2018 Great Milwaukee Classic – Show Update Well, the fun begins next week….and, we’re all looking forward to it! 2018 Show Update….. For those attending this year….Please note that the main room block has […]
Friday Funhouse January 12 2018 In this Friday Funhouse January 12 2018; NOTE: Guess what? I’M BACK BABY! Yes, I’ve got time to restart the Friday Funhouse and the blog again. It’s been some time but I’m happy to be back in the swing of things. I’m partnering with my man Matt Lollman over at […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing
Tight Lines Tuesday Monarch
Tight Lines Tuesday Monarch by John Etchieson Tight Lines Tuesday Monarch; Thomas H. Wood (1846 – 1931) was the founder of the fishing line manufacturing company in South Coventry Connecticut which bore his name and produced this extremely rare and handsome looking MONARCH pure silk fishing line over 100 year ago in 1917. The regal […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing
Tight Lines Tuesday Captain’s Pride
Tight Lines Tuesday Captain’s Pride Tight Lines Tuesday Captain’s Pride; Captain Henry Hall (1821 – 1892) a seafaring man from Belfast Ireland came to America in 1838 and by 1840 established the Henry Hall Company to make Irish linen fishing lines which he called Cuttyhunk lines. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing
Hibbard Spencer Bartlett Fishing Catalog 1893
Hibbard Spencer Bartlett Fishing Catalog 1893 This Hibbard Spencer Bartlett Fishing Catalog from 1893 is one of my all time favorite catalogs, as well as favorite covers. Ive always been seduced by the 19th century fishing tackle makers. My favorite period of time being between the civil war and the turn of the 19th century. […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Friends & Clubs, NFLCC
NFLCC Membership Giveaway
NFLCC Membership Giveaway Thought you opened your last gift for the year? Well here is a chance for one more. Everyone loves Free stuff so here is a free NFLCC club membership! A great gift if your not a current member, or if your a current member help a friend who is not. Simple Rules. […]
Rush Tango Trout Tango Lure 6 Pack The Rush Tango Trout Tango Lure is the smallest of the Tango line up. The old saying is it takes 2 two Tango, well in this case it takes 6! The Rush Tango Trout Tango lure was a fly rod lure measuring 1 3/4″ in length and having […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing, Friends & Clubs, NFLCC
3rd Annual National Lure Collectors Club Gettysburg Show
3rd Annual National Lure Collectors Club Gettysburg Show Only 30 Days left Until the 3rd Annual National Lure Collectors Club Gettysburg Show. If you hadn’t made plans, do so now! January 25-27 2018, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania The 3nd annual NFLCC Region II Gettysburg Winter Rendezvous will take place January 25-27th, 2018 at the Comfort Suites Gettysburg, […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing, Friends & Clubs, NFLCC
Louis Rhead Anglers Christmas
Louis Rhead Anglers Christmas 1917 I saw this Louis Rhead Anglers Christmas scene from 1917 come across my feed this morning and just had to share.
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing, Friends & Clubs, NFLCC
NFLCC 2018 Club Magazine Winter Issue
NFLCC 2018 Club Magazine Winter Issue With the forthcoming NFLCC 2018 Club Magazine Winter Issue and holiday I thought it appropriate; Twas the Night Before the Winter Issue Twas the Night Before the Winter Issue, And All through the House, In This the winter issue Dorr, Martin & Hecht Show us some splendid Creek Chub […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing, Friends & Clubs
2018 ORCA Club Patch
2018 ORCA Club Patch The 2018 ORCA Club Patch is now available just in time for Christmas and while your there make sure to add a years membership to your cart as well! To Purchase please follow the link! 2018 ORCA Club Patch
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing, Friends & Clubs, NFLCC
NFLCC Gazette Winter 2017
NFLCC Gazette Winter 2017 Its time for NFLCC Gazette Winter 2017 that Santa brings us antique lure collectors. Sticking with the Holiday’s the cover, the front covered is a festive presentation. Gary Smith wrapped up 35 pages of historical articles for our pleasure and education from various club members and authors. President Stuart Strange kicks […]
Charles Murat Mureel Lure The Charles Murat Mureel lure is more than a lure, but a transcendence and a story of a man affixed and entrenched into the Surf Striper Industry. The lure was created by Charles Murat or as his friends called him, Charlie. Charlie was the owner and lifeblood of Murat’s Tackle Shop, […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing
ORCA November 2017 REEL NEWS
ORCA November 2017 REEL NEWS The ORCA November 2017 REEL NEWS has been published and has something for everyone! This edition’s front cover features an amazing Bradley reel bearing a historic inscription. The Reel News has a fascinating story to go with, entitled “Never say Never”. ORCA President David Lehmann recognizes the extraordinary efforts of […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Tight Lines Tuesday Kingfisher Lines
Tight Lines Tuesday Kingfisher Lines by John Etchieson – Kingfisher Lines – 98 years ago this month in December 1919 the Horton Mfg. Company of Bristol Connecticut (est. 1887) purchased the factory, equipment, patents and trade marks of the E. J. Martin’s Sons firm, makers of the “Kingfisher” brand braided silk fish lines of Rockville, […]
Heddon Bucktail Surface Minnow Lure 400 The Heddon Bucktail Surface Minnow Lure 400 is a tough little lure to find. The lure is larger in girth than say a Heddon Artistic Minnow Lure. The lure a Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan series 400 was made in 1908 and disappeared around 1909. The glass eyed, antique lure […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing
Tight Lines Tuesday Rare Tsatlees Silk
Tight Lines Tuesday Rare Tsatlees Silk by John Etchieson As a longtime collector, researcher, and an author on the history of America’s fishing lines I have seen many wonderful examples of the packaging and graphics used to sell fishing lines one hundred or more years ago. One such recent discovery I made was this Abbey […]
Shur Strike Baby Slant Nose Antique Lure The Shur Strike Baby Slant Nose Lure is a Series or Style B. The lure was first introduced in 1933 and was made by the Creek Chub Bait Company of Garrett Indiana, and marketed and sold under the Shur Strike name. This was a year after its larger brother […]
Holzapfel Mushroom Bass Bait The Holzapfel Mushroom Bass Bait was first introduced around the early teens. This antique lure was made by J. A. Holzapfel in Jackson Michigan. If this fishing lure looks familiar to another makers lures, the Croaker by C.A. Wilford and Son of the same city they should be. Mr. Holzapfel and […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Tight Lines Tuesday President Grover Cleveland
Tight Lines Tuesday President Grover Cleveland by John Etchieson 90+ years ago in 1925 the Newton Line Company of Homer New York honored American President Grover Cleveland (1837 -1908) an avid fisherman noted for using tarred Cuttyhunk lines for the striped bass at Buzzards Bay in Bourne, Massachusetts where he owned the Gray Gables estate […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Tight Lines Tuesday the Puritan
Tight Lines Tuesday the Puritan by John Etchieson Sometime in the fall of 1621, the Puritans invited their Indian friends to join them in a three-day festival which we now call the first Thanksgiving. As an avid collector of all kinds of antique fishing tackle items, I just had to show off this 93 year […]
Antique Lure and Reel Ads, Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing, Miscellaneous Lure Makers
Wright McGill Eagle Claw History
Wright McGill Eagle Claw History This Wright McGill Eagle Claw History tale was taken from an excerpt from the Company in 1974. Stories like these breath life into the companies that we as collectors seek out. Being able to bring the different pieces of the puzzle to the table and recreate history with lore. Wright […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Tight Lines Tuesday The Swastika
Tight Lines Tuesday The Swastika by John Etchieson Tight Lines Tuesday The Swastika; The Swastika was not always an evil symbol – 100+ years ago in 1914 this very rare “Speckled Beauty” fly fishing line featuring the lithographic image of a leaping Brown Trout was introduced and sold by the Ashaway Line and Twine Company […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Tight Lines Tuesday Pawtucket Braided Line Company
Tight Lines Tuesday by John Etchieson Pawtucket Braided Line Company The Pawtucket Braided Line Company established in 1882 in Pawtucket Rhode Island by Alphonso G. Hazard, this firm produced cotton, linen and silk fish lines as well as shoe laces until about 1928 when the firm was sold to Horrocks Ibbotson of Utica New York. […]
Vee Bug Antique Fishing Lure The Vee Bug Antique Fishing Lure is a neat fishing lure. The lure had two distinct body evolution, the first of which was wood having 4 hooks set up very similar to the flat fish, than then moving to a plastic based body with only 2T. This curved body antique […]
South Bend Min Oreno Lure The South Bend Min Oreno Lure was first introduced around 1933 and was gone by 1939. This antique fishing lure made by the South Bend Bait Company was given a model number 927. The Minn Oreno fishing lures shown below are the Jr and middle sized version, or standard size, […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Tight Lines Tuesday the Black Witch
Tight Lines Tuesday the Black Witch by John Etchieson For Halloween today the BLACK WITCH brand fishing line would be the Ideal one to use. Made in the late 1930s by the Newton Line Company of Homer, New York, this black colored supreme silk casting line had a label featuring an image of a black […]
Jim Pfeffer Banana Lure The Jim Pfeffer Banana Lure is reported to have been one of his earliest lures. There are those who will argue that the Orlando shiner is the first. But what we cant argue about is the success of the Banana Lure. Fashioned in the Shape of a Banana this wooden lure […]
Hi Im Ethan Lollman my Dad runs Fin & Flame. I asked if it would be ok if I wrote this on his blog and see if anyone was interested in Holiday wreaths. Our school (Oak Hall Episcopal) is selling these to help pay for our class trip this spring to Washington DC to learn […]
Antique Lure and Reel Ads, Antique Lures, Miscellaneous Lure Makers, Shakespeare Lures
Shakespeare Bait Company Baseball Team
Shakespeare Bait Company Baseball Team Many people are not aware of a Shakespeare Bait Company Baseball Team and a Antique Fishing Lure company relationship. Well its true, there is a tie in between Americas Favorite Past Times, Baseball and Fishing. Many years ago in doing my research for the Old Fishing Lure website I came […]
Jim Pfeffer Cripple Minnow Lure The Jim Pfeffer Cripple Minnow Lure is another antique lure that mimics that of another fish in distress. Many of the major antique fishing lure manufactures of their day had a injured minnow type. It wouldn’t be to far of an assertion to say Jim Pfeffer saw a need in […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Tight Lines Tuesday Shakespeare’s Indian Silk Lines
Tight Lines Tuesday Shakespeare’s Indian Silk Lines by John Etchieson 108 years ago in 1909 the William Shakespeare Jr. Tackle Company of Kalamazoo, Michigan adopted a new trade mark for its “Indian Silk Lines” using the profile of an Indian in a full feathered headdress. Many fishing tackle collectors today are familiar with the image […]
Creek Chub Husky Plunker Lure The Creek Chub Husky Plunker Lure was first introduced in 1939. The Creek Chub Bait Company out of Garrett Indiana assigned it a model Number 5800. The antique fishing lure was a larger version of the already successful Plunker lure, and measures in at 4 1/4 inches in length. Made […]
Paw Paw Sucker Antique Lure The Paw Paw Sucker Antique Lure is a kind of a misunderstood lure, starting with its own name, as its not a Sucker but and Old Chub Lure. This antique fishing lure dates into the 1930’s with its target market being large game fish such as the larger Bass, the […]
Lamprey Terror Vintage Lure The Lamprey Terror Vintage Lure was introduced in the 1950’s. The Lamprey Lure and Tackle Company made its home in Chicago like many other great lure companies. The companies lure portfolio was a pretty small one though making this large version and smaller baby version of the Terror. This plastic slab […]
Barracuda Blooper Lure The Barracuda Blooper Lure was made by The Florida Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Company, Barracuda Brand and was found in the 1940’s. The wooden lure was a series number 88 in the Barracuda brand line up. The lure can be found in an array of color scheme finishes besides the rainbow color pattern […]
Springfield Novelty Reel Lure The Springfield Novelty Reel Lure was first introduced around 1932. If the antique lure looks familiar, it should. Its strangely similar to the other barber pole lure the Charmer lure. Both companies just happened to be from Springfield Missouri 2 decades apart. Well, to muddy the water a bit, Adolph Kunz partner […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Tight Lines Tuesday Kresge Special
Tight Lines Tuesday Kresge Special by John Etchieson Tight Lines Tuesday Kresge Special, “Attention Kmart shoppers!” long before you had ever heard of our “blue light specials” we had specials … We were called Kresge in those days, after the name of our founder S. S. Kresge who started our Kmart company in 1899. And, […]
Jim Pfeffer Dilly Antique Lure The Jim Pfeffer Dilly Antique Lure was first introduced to the Florida lure market around 1950. As Jim continued to expand, create and sell his successful creations. Having been in business by this point for over two decades he creates a lure very similar to that of the Orlando Shiner […]
Paw Paw Old Wounded Minnow Lure The Paw Paw Old Wounded Minnow Lure was the Paw Paw Bait Company’s answer to the industry craving for injured minnows. Imitation being the nearest and dearest sense of flattery, or just pure marketing trying to get a piece of what was a booming business for both Heddon and […]
Creek Chub Surfster Lure The Creek Chub Surfster Lure was first introduced in 1953. The lure was given a model series 7200 by the Creek Chub Bait Company of Garrett, Indiana. This wooden, glass eyed lure looks at first glance very similar to the Pikie with the exception of its hump back styling. This version […]
Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Tight Lines Tuesday Ace Hardware by Shakespeare
Tight Lines Tuesday Ace Hardware by Shakespeare by John Etchieson Here is a rare 80 year old ACE STORES “QUALITY” brand Japan silk casting line from 1937 that was manufactured by the Shakespeare Tackle Company. In 1924, to increase buying power and profits, entrepreneurs Richard Hesse, E. Gunnard Lindquist, Frank Burke and Oscar Fisher united […]
South Bend Surface Floating Minnow Lure The South Bend Surface Floating Minnow Lure was first introduced in 1912 by the South Bend Bait Company. Assigning it a model 920-through 922, all are relatively the same with small or unique differences. The Surface Minnow lure is made of wood, has traditional glass eyes, measures 3 1/2″ […]