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 […]
Tag Archives: fly fishing
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
19th Century Fishing Lures, Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Tight Lines Tuesday Mount Everest
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
19th Century Fishing Lures, Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
JB McHarg Civil War Token
JB McHarg Civil War Token This great example of a JB McHarg Civil War Token is a prime example of what drives me to collect. Looking off the beaten path for neat items to compliment both my or other lure collections is something I’ve always enjoyed. This drive or niche, or thinking outside the proverbial lure box […]
19th Century Fishing Lures, Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing
Orvis Fly Fishing Catalog
Orvis Fly Fishing Catalog This Orvis Fly Fishing Catalog is a piscatorial visual treasure. I’ve always had a passion for the covers on 19th Century Fishing Tackle Companies, and this early early 1883 Orvis catalog does not disappoint. There are many fisherman through there lives make their way up to the Green Mountains of Vermont […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
19th Century Fishing Lures, Antique Lure and Reel Ads, Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing
Sam the Black Bass Man Part I Sunday Sounds
Sam Sam the Black Bass Man Part I In introducing Sam the Black Bass Man, I must digress back a bit, and say thanks for all the views , likes comments, emails and texts I’ve received. The last 12 Months with Fin and Flame has been fun. I have even bigger expectations and plans for […]
Creek Chub Pop It Lure The Creek Chub Pop It Lure was first introduced in 1927. This Fly made by the Creek Chub Bait Company of Garrett, Indiana was made for almost a half of a century coming in just shy at 47 years. That is quite a run for any lure made by any […]
South Bend Fly Rod Surf Oreno Lure The South Bend Fly Rod Surf Oreno Lure was a series model 961. Made by the South Bend Bait Company of South Bend, Indiana was first introduced in 1928 and lasted fourteen years through 1942.The antique Fly Rod fishing Lure measures 1 1/2″ in length and has painted […]
19th Century Fishing Lures, Antique Lure and Reel Ads, Antique Lures, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Izaak Walton Colored Print
Izaak Walton Colored Print This Izaak Walton Colored Print is one of my favorites. I posted the other week a Currier and Ives Colored Trout photo and got good reception, so I thought another piece of art was apropos. This dates to the mid 1800’s and was published by Dean and Company. There are as […]
Heddon Wee Tad Lure The Heddon Wee Tad Lure was made around 1980. This Fishing lure only made it a few years in the James Heddon Fishing lure line up and was gone by 1983 and came in the green diamond two piece slide top lure box. This is one of the later lures Ive […]
Paw Paw Indian Sign Fly Lure Box This Paw Paw Indian Sign Fly Lure Box is a great example of a antique fly lure box. Collecting the lures themselves is just one piece of the Antique lure puzzle, or paradigm the boxes which house them and the paperwork inserts is another. Here is a classic […]
Country Living Facebook Cover Photo Antique Lures Just a quick post to note the Country Living Facebook Cover Photo is now showing Fin and Flames Antique Lures They published the article on their Facebook Page here, but got a few of the details mixed up like Heddon being the first lure producer, but O well…Country […]
Creek Chub Fly Rod Crawdad Lure The Creek Chub Fly Rod Crawdad Lure was a series model number F50 and F51. This antique fly rod lure was first introduced in to fly fisherman in 1924. The fly lure was a success for fisherman and for the Creek Chub Bait company out of Garrett Indiana. Fashioned […]
Fly Fishing Feature Friday IV Fly Fishing Feature Friday IV: I’ve heard the old saying twisted around, the reason you fish are yours and yours alone, but the passion is for all to share. People spend tens of thousands of dollars to travel to the most remote faces of the planet to enjoy and pursue […]