Tag Archives: history

Antique Fishing Reels 2nd Edition by Steve Vernon 

Antique Fishing Reels 2nd Edition by Steve Vernon 

Antique Fishing Reels 2nd Edition by Steve Vernon  Do you have any reels made by William Rodgers? Edwin Judge? Paul Berner? Do you have any Alt reels (not something concocted by politicians in Washington, D.C.) Any reels made by the Anchor Fishing Reel Company? Yankee Fishing Reel Company? Spring Reel Company? All of the above […]

Tight Lines Tuesday Vee Bee

Tight Lines Tuesday Vee Bee

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

JC Griner Orlando Shiner Antique Lure

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 […]

Lucid Lure Antique Plastic Minnow Tube

Lucid Lure Antique Plastic Minnow Tube

Lucid Lure Antique Plastic Minnow Tube The Lucid Lure Antique Plastic Minnow Tube was first introduced in the early 1940’s. This plastic or acrylic fishing appliance falls under the minnow tube category. For a half a century people tried to entomb their fry, minnows and fingerlings. The lucid Lure attempted to do this in the […]

Millsite Baby 99R Antique Fishing Lure

Millsite Baby 99R Antique Fishing Lure

Millsite Baby 99R Antique Fishing Lure This Millsite Baby 99R Antique Fishing Lure is shown in it’s Original Box with scarce Catalog & Paperwork Insert. In 1941, the Millsite Steel & Wire Works introduced its first lure box with a plastic top. This is an excellent example of one of the first runs that came […]

Pflueger Dragon Spinner Antique Lure

Pflueger Dragon Spinner Antique Lure

Pflueger Dragon Spinner Antique Lure   The Pflueger Dragon Spinner Antique Lure was only made for approximately 12 years in this configuration shown. Although the vintage lure was made by Pflueger from Akron Ohio since 1931, the design shown dates to  1940 – 1952. This simple cyclonic spinner was given a model series number 7342 and […]

Pflueger Niftee Spinner Vintage Lure

Pflueger Niftee Spinner Vintage Lure

Pflueger Niftee Spinner Vintage Lure The Pflueger Niftee Spinner Vintage Lure was first introduced in 1933. This version shown here is the second in as many design changes the spinner would take. Pflueger of Akron released the second incarnation of the lure was introduced around 1952. The lure would be produced under a model series […]

Heddon 3-15 Antique Fishing Reel

Heddon 3-15 Antique Fishing Reel

Heddon 3-15 Antique Fishing Reel This Heddon 3-15 Antique Fishing Reel is quite a looker. This was Heddon’s first reel that they made for themselves, not using a jobber and they went about doing it as many companies would continue to source people over the next century, they just hired the guy from the competition. […]

South Bend Mouse Oreno Lure

South Bend Mouse Oreno Lure

South Bend Mouse Oreno Lure The South Bend Mouse Oreno Lure was first introduced in 1932 and lasted only a decade and was out of production by 1942. This lure mad by the South Bend Bait Company of South Bend Indiana is a model series #949. This bead eyed, flocked cheese eater measure 2 3/4″ […]

DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF PENN REELS 1932-1957

DOCUMENTARY HISTORY OF PENN REELS 1932-1957

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

Pflueger Worth Antique Reel

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 […]

Manucraft Company Chrome Turbulure Lure

Manucraft Company Chrome Turbulure Lure This is a neat Vintage Manucraft Company Chrome Turbulure Lure. The lure dates to the early 1940’s from Evergreen Park Illinois. The scarce lure comes with its ,equally if not more scarce correct 2Pc Cardboard Box. As with many fishing lures the fisherman is able to control the depth by […]

JA Coxe Coronet 25 Tournament Casting Reel

JA Coxe Coronet 25 Tournament Casting Reel

JA Coxe Coronet 25 Tournament Casting Reel This JA Coxe Coronet 25 Tournament Casting Reel is a great little package . The reel dates from the 1950’s. The reel spins lightning fast, freely & smooth. The Bake- Lite Constructed end caps are both smooth in appearance, and and void of defects. All screws and rivet […]

Dr Todds Friday Fun House May 18 2018

  The Video of the Week This British news reel about fly fishing is awesome. 12 Thing I Would Buy If Only I Could Afford Them I have seen many, many cool Heddon items but I have never seen a Heddon Screw Driver in an envelope before!   This is an awesome oddity French Alarm […]

Carters Dunks Dunk It Lure

Carters Dunks Dunk It Lure

Carters Dunks Dunk It Lure The Carters Dunks Dunk It Lure was first introduced around 1931-1933. This Indianapolis Indiana, and Dayton Ohio Produced lure like many other makers was the culmination and consolidation of multiple lure companies coming together. Milt Dunkelberger owned American Display and it is believed he bought the patents to The Carters […]

John Betts Synthetic Flies- Flies with an Edited Hackle – Catch the Hatch

Synthetic Flies John Betts

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 […]

Bamboo Lore Notes on Making, Wrapping, and Repairing Bamboo Fly Rods

Bamboo Lore

Bamboo Lore Notes on Making, Wrapping, and Repairing Bamboo Fly Rods In Bamboo Lore, Edwin Thomas Whiffen (1874 – 1957) was a prominent outdoor writer in the 1910s and 1920s who led a varied and fascinating life. A native New Yorker, he spent an active career as a teacher in New York City. A graduate […]

The 2018 Whitefish Price Guide to Vintage Fishing Lures

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 […]

Father of the Five Strip Bamboo Fly Rod

Father of the Five Strip Bamboo Fly Rod

Father of the Five Strip Bamboo Fly Rod In the Father of the Five Strip Bamboo Fly Rod Robert W. Crompton was many things — artist, writer, advertising man, outdoorsman, fly fisherman — but we remember him best today as the father of the five strip bamboo fly rod. Noted bamboo rod maker and author […]

Gentleman Jim Lure with Pflueger Archives

Gentleman Jim Lure with Pflueger Archives Bait

Gentleman Jim Lure with Pflueger Archives Bait The Gentleman Jim Lure Was first seen around 1947. The lure was made of a plastic called tenite. The lure in almost a large salamander shape was 3 7/8″ in length. The Gentle Man Jim was made by C.W. Waddle Company out of Chicago Illinois. The lure featured […]

Abbey Imbrie Lincoln Bait Casting Reel

Abbey Imbrie Lincoln Bait Casting Reel

Abbey Imbrie Lincoln Bait Casting Reel This Abbey Imbrie Lincoln Bait Casting Reel is for a 100 year old and dates to the mid teens. Labeled the “Lincoln” this great example is made by the Montague Reel Company for Abbey & Imbrie. As you may or may not know Abbey and Imbrie didnt make products, […]

The Oldest Gun House in America History of the Edward K. Tryon Co., 1811-1965

The Oldest Gun House in America

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 […]

Friday Fun House May 11 2018

Millsite Steel & Wire Works Jointed 99R

  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 […]

The Jointed River Minnow Book

The Jointed River Minnow Book

The Jointed River Minnow Book Publishing Details This Limited Edition Hardcover w/Dust Jacket is limited to just 50 Signed & Numbered Copies. NOTE: Buyers of this book will be allowed to purchase future Limited Editions in the History of Illinois Fishing Tackle series before they become available to the general public. To Purchase this book […]

Al Foss The Life & Fishing Lures of the Pork Rind King

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 […]

Pflueger Redifor Bait Casting Reel

Pflueger Redifor Bait Casting Reel

Pflueger Redifor Bait Casting Reel This Pflueger Redifor Bait Casting Reel is for a 100 year old, and dates to the mid teens. Made by the Enterprise Manufacturing Company, Pflueger, in Akron Ohio. This great example of an antique fishing reel is made of a German Silver with smooth tops and adorn with jeweled end […]

Jamison Winged Mascot Antique Fishing Lure

Jamison Winged Mascot Antique Fishing Lure

Jamison Winged Mascot Antique Fishing Lure The Jamison Winged Mascot Antique Fishing Lure In Rare Deluxe Scale Finish shown below is quite a treat. The Winged Mascot lure began being made by the W.J. Jamison Company, of Chicago Illinois, in 1915. The deep and rich history of the Jamison lure company begins in 1904 with Smiling […]

Millsite Fishing Tackle Book

Millsite Fishing Tackle Book

Millsite Fishing Tackle Book Details Softcover, 160 pages, 8.5″ x 11″, Full Color throughout ABOUT THE BOOK To Purchase this Books Visit our Sister Site Whitefishpress: Millsite Fishing Tackle Book This book is a comprehensive and well written history of the Millsite Steel & Wire Works and the Millsite Tackle Company, both fishing tackle makers […]

Bu Rem Vintage Bait Casting Reel

Bu Rem Vintage Bait Casting Reel

Bu Rem Vintage Bait Casting Reel The Bu Rem Vintage Bait Casting Reel is over 100 year old, and was produced in the mid teens. This great example of an antique reel is made of German Silver with raised rigged end caps. The free spinning handle adorn with the traditional white Bakelite handle. The model is […]

Fishing For History April – May 2018

Dr Todd and Authors have out done themselves again with this months Fishing for History. Setting the bar high with this Jam Packed 126 Page Colossal Angling Time Capsule. A Detailed Interview with Jan Cummings • Jim Dorr on Fly Rod Baits • Bill Sonnett on the Ashaway Slip Cast• Dr. Todd Larson on Heddon […]

Millsite Opaque Minnow Lure Special Order Color

Millsite Opaque Minnow Lure

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 […]

Bite-Em Bate Bite-Em Bait Lure

Bite-Em Bate Bite-Em Bait Lure

Bite-Em Bate Bite-Em Bait Lure Its hard to find a antique lure more identifiable than the Bite-Em Bate Bite-Em Bait Lure. Having two locations then fits with the two names you will find associated with Bite-Em Lures. The lures can be found with both spellings of the word Bate & Bate. The first location for […]

Saltwater Fishing Near New York Charles Bradford

Saltwater Fishing Near New York Charles Bradford

Saltwater Fishing Near New York Charles Bradford Saltwater Fishing Near New York Charles Bradford; Charles B. Bradford was a newspaperman involved with the sporting trade for many years. An editor of such long-forgotten journals as Boz and Nature, he was a New Yorker at heart and wrote of fishing in the city often. He penned […]

Bite Em Wiggler Minnow Lure

Bite Em Wiggler Minnow Lure

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 […]

Pflueger Governor Lure

Pflueger Governor Antique Lure

Pflueger Governor Lure The Pflueger Governor Lure was first introduced around 1892. This antique fishing lure was made by the Enterprise Manufacturing Company, of Akron Ohio. This fancy Pflueger Metal Spoon and minnow was given a series 792. The “Governor” was the Luminous version to its non luminous counterpart, “The Admiral”. These lures were offered in […]

Black Bass Cited as Meanest Fish George Currie

Black Bass Cited as Meanest Fish George Currie

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

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

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 […]

Chippewa Minnow Lure

Chippewa Minnow Antique Lure

Chippewa Minnow Lure The Chippewa Minnow Lure was two parts of a lure first patented in 1910. The second part of this antique fishing lure was patented in 1911. Both Patents shown below in the antique fishing lure patent galleries. The Immell Bait Bait Company, of Blair Wisconsin was the creation of Omer Immell born […]

No Serious Injury to Domestic Fishing Rod Industry

No Serious Injury to Domestic Fishing Rod Industry

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

Tight Lines Tuesday Firestone's Treasures

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 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

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

Rinehart Musky Buzer Lure

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 […]

Fishing For History Magazine February 2018

Fishing For History Magazine February 2018

Fishing For History Magazine February 2018 Click the Above to View a Free LQ Flip Book. You can order a HQ Flipbook or PDF right below this section. After you place the order you will receive an email containing the link to click to download the product. This may take a few minutes. If you […]

Angling Echoes This Fly and That Fly

Angling Echoes This Fly and That Fly

Angling Echoes This Fly and That Fly Angling Echoes This Fly and That Fly; Thad Norris was affectionately known as “Uncle Thad” to his legion of fans and readers. The author of one of the most important books on angling in American history — The American Angler’s Book (1864) — he was also a rod […]

Friday Funhouse Feburary 16 2018

Friday Funhouse

Friday Funhouse Feburary 16 2018 The Video of the Week If you don’t know Andy Foster — former president of ORCA — watch this video as he gives a great overview of antique fishing reels. 12 Thing I Would Buy If Only I Could Afford Them Holy moly are these two Tuna Jigs blowing up! […]

Big Fish that got us at Sombrero Light Key

Big Fish that got us at Sombrero Light Key

Big Fish that got us at Sombrero Light Key Big Fish that got us at Sombrero Light Key; Bill DeWitt was a major figure in the fishing tackle trade from the 1930s through the 1950s. As owner of the Shoe Form Company in Auburn, New York, he opened Bill DeWitt Baits as a division of […]

Sneak Peek Angling Echoes February Cover

Angling Echoes February 2018

Sneak Peek Angling Echoes February Cover Sneak Peek Angling Echoes February Cover; Wont be long and our 2nd issue will be out. Here is a Sneak Peek at February’s cover and a few of the story titles. Come take a look, and view a free high quality copy in flip-book form inside the page. Or […]

Angling Echoes Season of Ice Fishing

Angling Echoes Season of Ice Fishing

Angling Echoes Season of Ice Fishing Angling Echoes Season of Ice Fishing; Emerson Hough (1857-1923) was one of the finest American outdoor writers of his era. Best known for his historical novels like The Mississippi Bubble and 54-40 or Fight, he penned the “Chicago and the West” column for Forest & Stream for many years, introducing […]