February 2019 Angling Echoes About this Issue Someone once said February days are the teeth of winter, and where I grew up, the month served as the heart of the ice fishing season. Now that I no longer live in the frozen northland, I find it a strange month that can be minus 20 one […]
Tag Archives: history
Paul Bunyan Electro Lure The Paul Bunyan Electro Lure was First made in 1938. The Paul Bunyan Antique lure company was out of Minneapolis St Paul Minnesota and was a series model number 1000. The lure was not made at first by the Paul Bunyan, however like many other lures the patents were acquired. The […]
Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Tight Lines Tuesday
Tight Lines Tuesday Mermaid Brand
Tight Lines Tuesday The Mermaid Brand by John Etchieson The Mermaid Brand braided silk fishing lines, introduced about 100 years ago, were manufactured by the Newton Line Company of Homer New York (est. 1909) who advertised these high grade silk casting lines with the simple marketing slogan – “Mermaid bought – big ones caught” This […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing, The Friday Fun House
Friday Fun House February 8th Edition
Dr. Todds Friday Fun House Good Reads ABOUT THE BOOK Back after constant demand, and fully revised and expanded! It’s Don Wheeler’s Frog Lure Collector’s Guide, and it has been expanded by a full 30% (now coming in at a loaded 352 pages. It’s the largest color book we’ve ever done, or will ever likely […]
Heddon Jointed Vamp Antique Lure The Heddon Jointed Vamp Antique Lure was first introduced in 1927 by Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan. Expanding upon the success of its straight uni-body predecessor the Heddon Vamp, the Jointed Vamp was given a model series 7300. This wooden, glass eyed vintage fishing lure would enjoy success and be in […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Fishing For History, Trade House Tackle
52 Trade Houses in 52 Weeks Part 10 Van Camp Hardware of Indianapolis
52 Trade Houses in 52 Weeks Part 10 Van Camp Hardware of Indianapolis Trade House Tackle, Part 10:From Blacksmith Tools to Tackle:–Van Camp Hardware of Indianapolis Van Camp hardware is one of the legendary names in the wholesale hardware field. Founded in the nineteenth century in America’s heartland, it served the middle west for over […]
Christening the Jamison Raider Antique Lure How do lures get their names? Well, in just about every way imaginable–from the sound they make to the person who invented them to the completely made-up. The Jamison Company of Chicago, however, decided to try something different in 1941 when they introduced the No. 1500, a River Runt […]
Antique Lures, Fishing For History, Fly Fishing, Fly Rod Lures
The Strange History of the Fizgig and Wibble Wabble
The Strange History of the Fizgig and Wibble Wabble Chicago’s Wartime Fly Rod Lures By Dr. Todd E.A. Larson The Summer of 1942 would seem by just about any measure to be the worst time to launch a new business concern. But considering the state of affairs concerning the outdoor world, it might be considered […]
Tight Lines Tuesday The Pelican Brand by John Etchieson The Pelican Brand – H. J. Frost & Company was a jobber and wholesaler of all types of fishing tackle in New York, City in the early 1900 – 1920 period and sold under the name Jack Frost Tackle, using the trade marks KELSO, SENATE, ANCHOR […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Fishing For History, Trade House Tackle
52 Trade Houses in 52 Weeks Part 9 Bostwick-Braun Company
52 Trade Houses in 52 Weeks Part 9 Bostwick-Braun Company Trade House Tackle, Part IX: The Bostwick-Braun Company of Toledo, Ohio The Bostwick-Braun Company is one of the oldest surviving corporations in the state of Ohio. Founded in 1855 by a pair of brothers–William and Charles B. Roff–from Racine, Wisconsin, it has served the Ohio […]
Master Biff Antique Fishing Lure This lure is a true classic, a Master Biff Antique Fishing Lure. Dating to the mid 1920’s this wooden fishing lure has a hollowed out head and two exiting side ventrals for the water to pass through. The lure measures roughly 2 3/4″ has a single forward line tie and […]
Weezel Sparrow Antique Lure The Weezel Sparrow Antique Lure was first introduced around 1946. This lure was made in Cincinnati, Ohio manufactured by the Weezel Bait Company. This wooden lure is touted to have been covered in real Mallard Duck Feathers. This ingenious idea was based on the predator and prey theory of some of […]
Heddon Spoony Fish Antique Lure This Heddon Spoony Fish Antique Lure was a short lived model. This solid metal antique Heddon lure was given a model series 590, has the outline of a fish, measures 4 1/4″ in length and tops the scales at 1 oz. This lure is the middle size of the 3 […]
Shimmy Diver Antique Lure This Shimy Diver antique lure is a very scarce Texas made Lure, a model series 600. This classic pier bait style fishing lure was made by the International Mfg Company in Denton Texas. The lure measures just north of 2″, has painted eyes, 2 trebles. The antique lure comes painted in […]
Thaddeus Norris, Profile of a Rodmaker, Part 3By Dr. Todd E.A. Larson© 2008 The AuthorThe Sad Demise of Thaddeus Norris From humble beginnings in January 1874, over the past three years Thaddeus Norris had labored long and hard to establish his name as synonymous with quality. But just as he was put into a position […]
Paragon Minnow Lure From across the pond harkens this glass eyed beauty, a very desirable and tough to find Allcocks, Paragon Minnow lure. The Paragon was first introduced in the 1890’s and made through the Teens. This metal minnow is 3″ in length with a red yarn covered single trailing treble. The lure has “Tiffany” […]
Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fishing For History, Fly Fishing
Thaddeus Norris, Profile of a Rodmaker, Part 2
Thaddeus Norris, Profile of a Rodmaker, Part 2 By Dr. Todd E.A. Larson Rodsmithing 101 Thad Norris’ importance went far beyond just the fly rods he made with his own hand. His Chapter XVII in The American Angler’s Book entitled “Rod-Making” gives a succinct overview of the contemporary state of rod building that is the […]
Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fishing For History, Fly Fishing, Friends & Clubs
Thaddeus Norris, Profile of a Rodmaker, Part I
Thaddeus Norris, Profile of a Rodmaker By Dr. Todd E.A. Larson Introduction What would convince a successful businessman, internationally respected author, and an icon in his field to begin a new career at the age of 63 that promised enormously long hours, excruciatingly exacting work, and precious little pay? At a time when most of […]
Heddon Floating Vamp Spook Lure The Heddon Floating Vamp Spook Lure was a transition lure produced between 1931 and 1934. This lure was an attempt to usurp the wooden Vamp with the newest technology in plastics, it would in in 1932 run a parallel line to it. This vintage lure was given a model number […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Fishing For History, Trade House Tackle
52 Trade Houses in 52 Weeks Part 8 A.C. McClurg
52 Trade Houses in 52 Weeks Part 8 A.C. McClurg Trade House Tackle, Part VIII The Bookseller’s Fishing Tackle, A.C. McClurg & Co. of Chicago One of the most surprising fishing tackle wholesalers has to be the Chicago firm of A.C. McClurg & Co., a name far more famous in book circles than in fishing ones. […]
Angling Echoes, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fishing For History
Angling Echoes January 2019
About This Issue As we begin our second year of Angling Echoes, both Matt and myself would like to give a great thank you to everyone who has subscribed and read our little magazine. The first year was a grand learning adventure and it is just now that we feel like we’re hitting our stride. […]
The First American Fishing Tackle As I was prepping for a course I’m teaching on the first half of American history, I recently came across a great eBook from the legendary Project Gutenberg that details a bit on the origins of American angling. New Discoveries at Jamestown: Site of the First Successful English Settlement in […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Fishing For History, The Friday Fun House
Friday Fun House January 18 Edition
Dr. Todds Friday Fun House Video of the Week. 12 Things I would buy if I could afford them. Heddon Box Goite Combo Mizera Decoy Phillipson Rod Shakespeare Box Bon Net Lure in Box McHarg Lure Keeling Box Hot Tip of the Week Thanks me Later If 1 is Good 6 is Better Love […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Fishing For History, The Friday Fun House
Friday Fun House January 11th Edition
Dr. Todds Friday Fun House Video of the Week. With 2019’s Milwaukee Show Next week I thought we should look at last years. 12 Things I would buy if I could afford them. VINTAGE AUSTRALIAN MADE ‘SEAMARTIN MARK II’ FISHING REEL Hot tip of the week this sweet Pagan Scale Bass Oreno is not […]
Antique Lures, Fishing For History, Trade House Tackle
52 Trade Houses in 52 Weeks Part 5 Hobbs Supply
52 Trade Houses in 52 Weeks Part 5 Hobbs Supply W.H. Hobbs Supply Co. of Eau Claire, Wisconsin (Makers of the Bon Net Lure) W.H. Hobbs Supply Co. of Eau Claire, Wisconsin I love Wisconsin trade tackle, and not just because I grew up fishing Wisconsin waters. The Badger state was full of wholesalers and […]
Orchard Industries Slippery Slim Lure The Orchard Industries Slippery Slim Lure is another lure in the trio produced by the company. Based in Detroit Michigan, on Morgan Drive, this famous antique lure maker was probably more noted for it’s “Action Rod”. The company founded in the late 1940s by co-owners Lewis Adam and A. Johnson. […]
Samuel Allcock & Company The following history of the venerable British firm of Samuel Allcock was published in the 1888 edition of Wyman’s commercial encyclopædia of leading manufacturers of Great Britain. Allcock was one of the largest — if not the largest — makers of fish hooks in the world and branched out to produce materials […]
Angling Echoes November 2018 November is an interesting month in that, at least where I grew up, it brought the first icy fingers of winter as well as Thanksgiving — my favorite holiday. I love that we as a nation come together one day a year to count our blessings. And Matt and myself at […]
Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Red Wing Mermaid Brand Casting Fishing Line Card
Red Wing Mermaid Brand Casting Fishing Line Card This is for a Classic, Vintage, Original, Red Wing Mermaid Brand Casting Fishing Line Card. This 90+ year old unused RED WING brand extra strong braided cotton casting line coiled on a card was manufactured in the 1920s by the Newton Line Company (est 1909) of Homer […]
Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Kilrush Brand Cuttyhunk Linen Tarpon Jumping Fishing Line Card
Kilrush Brand Cuttyhunk Linen Tarpon Jumping Fishing Line Card This Kilrush Brand Cuttyhunk Linen Tarpon Jumping Fishing Line Card is a beauty. Dating to the 1930’s era KILRUSH brand waterproof Cuttyhunk linen line coiled on a card was made by the Cortland Line Company. Established in 1915 of Cortland, New York to honor Kilrush (Irish: […]
Dr. Todds Friday Fun House Video of the week, well 2: When doing what you love, aligns with helping those who who are brave enough to risk it all so you can. Next week may be the national holiday the country thanks you, but know there are many of us who served alongside you that […]
52 Trade Houses in 52 Weeks Part 3 Kerr Sport Shop of Beverly Hills Trade House Tackle, Part III: The Kerr Sport Shop of Beverly Hills: Fishing Tackle to the Stars Hollywood reached its Golden Age from 1930-1960, when such luminescent stars as Cary Grant, Gary Cooper and Bing Crosby became icons. Many of these […]
Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Ebony Bass SA Jones Fine Braided Fishing Line Card
Ebony Bass SA Jones Fine Braided Fishing Line Card This is a Classic, Vintage, Original, Ebony Bass SA Jones Fine Braided Fishing Line Card. This fine quality wonderful piece is new old stock. The Samuel A Jones Line Company (1930 – 1939) of Norwich New York made this EBONY BASS brand black linen enameled line. […]
Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Golden Spinner US Line Company Braided Fishing Line Card
Golden Spinner US Line Company Braided Fishing Line Card This is a Classic, Vintage, Original, Golden Spinner US Line Company Braided Fishing Line Card. This fine quality wonderful piece is new old stock. This unused GOLDEN SPINNER brand braided Japan silk enameled fly line coiled on a card was manufactured by the U. S. Line […]
Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Black Scottie Cohantic Fine Braided Fishing Line Card
Black Scottie Cohantic Fine Braided Fishing Line Card This is a Vintage, Original, Black Scottie Fine Braided Fishing Line Card. This fine quality wonderful piece is new old stock, and dates back about 80 years. This BLACK SCOTTIE brand braided cotton fishing line was sold by the Edward K Tryon Company of Philadelphia under their […]
Shakespeare Beetzsel Antique Fishing Reel This unique and very scarce Bait-Caster fishing reel. This is a very Scarce Shakespeare Beetzsel, Jeweled Antique Bait Casting Reel. This was originally made by the Redifor Rod & Reel Company from Redifor, Ohio. This is to whom the patents were assigned to. The reel is marked Model 26 & […]
Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc)
Universal Brand Vacuoil Impregnated Japan Silk Enameled Line Card
Universal Brand Vacuoil Impregnated Japan Silk Enameled Line Card A Classic, Vintage, Original, Universal brand Vacuoil Enameled Silk Line Card. This unused and like new UNIVERSAL brand “VACUOIL” Impregnated first quality Japan silk enameled fly line coiled on a card that is marked Patent Pending was registered with the U S Patent Office on March […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Trade House Tackle
52 Trade Houses in 52 Weeks Part 2 Yellow Front Store
52 Trade Houses in 52 Weeks Trade House Tackle, Part 2: The Yellow Front Stores of Arizona We don’t get very much trade tackle from the American Southwest, so when we do find a piece of tackle branded by a firm in this region, it is extra special. In this case, the company in question […]
Biff GoDevil Antique Lure The Biff GoDevil Antique Lure is a single section self proclaimed Weedless, Surface and a piece of Light Tackle. The Go-Devil was patented in December 22, 1925 and is shown in one of the 2 available colors, the other being a molted green. The antique fishing lure was only a 1″ […]
Dr. Todds Friday Fun House The Video of the Week 12 Things I would Buy if I could Afford Them 1.How could I resist this SHAKESPEARE WOOD MINNOW FISHING LURE IN BOX 2.This Turbulent Excitor Fishing Lure R/W W/ Box would look great on my bookshelf. 3. This is just down right beautiful B.F. Meek & Sons No. […]
Angling Echoes October 2018 Angling Echoes October 2018; About This Issue This is a strange issue, which is probably right in line with October being a strange month. For some reason I collected a lot of oddball articles this month, as these kinds of things always interest me, and I hope will interest you as […]
Tight Lines Tuesday Hercules Tight Lines Tuesday Hercules; This 100+ year old Shakespeare Indian Silk Casting Line branded the HERCULES was introduced in 1909 and produced with this colorful lithographic label for just one year, thus making it one of the most difficult to find and one of the very rarest of Shakespeare’s antique fishing […]
Abu Record 1500 Antique Reel This Abu Record 1500 Antique Reel is one of the early reels produced by the reel mogul from Sweden. This Vintage Abu Record Model 1500 Bait Casting Reel even comes in its correct Box with Paper Insert. The reel touts that it has features never seen before for reels in […]
Tight Lines Tuesday Mastiff Brand Tight Lines Tuesday Mastiff Brand by John Etchieson The Shapleigh’s Mastiff Cuttyhunk Linen fishing line was produced by the Hall Line Company of Highland Mills, New York circa 1936 – 1941 for the Shapleigh Hardware Company of St. Louis, Missouri AKA Diamond Mfg. Co. The Art Deco period designed label […]
Coxe Model 95 C Antique Reel The Coxe Model 95 C Antique Reel all-aluminum economy was introduced in the 1948 catalog and would sell through 1955 or 1956. These level-winding models came equipped with ant-backlash switch, lightweight aluminum spool with a snap-on plastic arbor and dual plastic grips. The earliest examples from 1948-1950 had the […]
Paw Paw Jointed Dreadnought Lure The Paw Paw Jointed Dreadnought Lure was introduced in the 1940’s. This gigantic wooden lure was made to fish the beasts of the great north country. It should be no surprise that the Paw Paw Bait Company of Paw Paw Michigan would have a series that directly target large fresh […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Fishing For History, Tight Lines Tuesday
Tight Lines Tuesday Chicago I Will Maiden
Tight Lines Tuesday Chicago I Will Maiden by John Etchieson CHICAGO “I WILL” MAIDEN; 104 years ago this month in 1914 the William Shakespeare Jr. Company offered this CHICAGO brand fishing line in its new 1915 fishing season tackle catalog. The line was one of the famous “Indian silk” lines that Shakespeare produced between 1909 […]
Shakespeare 1756 Surf Tournament Model 32 The beuty of a reel is a Shakespeare 1756 Surf Tournament Model 32. This is a Very Very Hard to Find reel. This is a special reel and was made with a special purpose. Taken from Reel Talk: This extra capacity tournament reel has been designed by Shakespeare to […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Collectible Fishing Empherma (Books, Catalogs, Photos, Etc), Fly Fishing, Friends & Clubs, NFLCC
Whitefish Price Guide to Vintage Fishing Lures
The 2018 Whitefish Price Guide to Vintage Fishing Lures In the Whitefish Price Guide to Vintage Fishing Lures; 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 in the recent past. But […]
Antique Lures, Antique Reels, Fishing For History, The Friday Fun House
Dr Todds Friday Fun House September 21 2018
The Video of the Week 12 things I would buy if I could only afford them. 1. This Brainard Gold Cap Dodger is a cool Misc bait. 2. This Bud Stewart Lure Box would make a good home if you have the lure for it. 3. Theres a neat history with these scarce Ball […]