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 […]
Tag Archives: history
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Roller Flasher Antique Lure The Roller Flasher Antique Lure was fist introduced in 1949. This lure was made by the B & J Tackle Company of Detroit Michigan. This antique lure measures 2 1/2″ in length. The lure has painted eyes and the bottom of the lure is thinner than the top. The lure has […]
Wright McGill Mouse Lure The Wright McGill Mouse Lure was introduced with a host of other life-like lures around 1930. The Swimming Mouse antique fishing lure was made by The Wright and McGill Company, out of Denver Colorado. The lure was available in a 2 different sizes, the size shown in the gallery being the […]
Pfeiffer Minnow Tube This Rare Pfeiffer Minnow Tube lure is a different class of lure compared to the many seen on this page. This great lure is made from glass instead of usual wood, plastic or metal materials we’ve come to know. This glass test tube shaped lure was made by the Pfeiffer’s Live Bait […]
Paw Paw Young Wounded Minnow The Paw Paw Young Wounded Minnow lure was first introduced in 1941. The antique lure is shown housed in a I Go For Lucky Lures Red box. This antique lure made in Paw Paw, Michigan, would go through a series of body and weight changes over its lifespan. Ranging in […]
Shurbite Shedevil Lure The Shurbite Shedevil Lure was introduced in the 1930’s. This plastic lure was made by the Shurbite Bait Company out of Bronson Michigan. The company would also move and or have locations in Kokomo, Indiana and Lorain, Ohio. This nondescript odd shaped plastic lure measures 4″ in length. The antique lure has […]
Bomber Knothead Lure The Bomber Knothead Lure was first produced around 1948 and this larger version given a Model number 1300. The Bomber Bait Company of Gainsville Texas produced this line of lures for roughly only 3 years making them harder to come by than the average Bomber lure. The Knothead lure was the companies […]
Heddon Stanley Flipper Lure The Heddon Stanley Flipper Lure is a neat lure released in the late 1920. Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan gave it a model series number 140. The Flipper lure came about during a time the nation as well as the fishing industry faced mounting challenges. The Great Depression had begun its grasp […]
Best Of Luck Jointed Pikie Antique Lure The Best Of Luck Jointed Pikie Antique Lure was first introduced in 1935. The wooden antique lure is a model series number 931. Like the other large makers of fishing tackle, South Bend would have another company it would sell and create lures under, that company was Best […]
Chautauqua Trolling Minnow The Chautauqua Trolling Minnow although looking the part is not a pre 1900’s lure. Ive grouped it in there, as if to suggest while in truth it was made in 1909, if fits better with it the Pre 1900 friends made by Chapman, Buel, Mann Loftie and the slew of others. This […]
Kumm Fish Spotter Lure The Kumm Fish Spotter Lure was first introduced around 1933 when the patent was applied for. The patent wasnt granted to Arthur J Kumm of Dearborn Michigan until 1935. This first version wooden lure measures 2 7/8″ in length.The antique lure has very small glass eyes inset into the head or […]
Paul Bunyan Mouse Lure The Paul Bunyan Mouse lure was first introduced in the late 1940’s. Made and brought to market by the Paul Bunyan Bait Company out of Minneapolis Minnesota. This antique lure is akin to the Lady Bug type series, the mouse, is a plastic (Tenite) flat top water fished lure is a […]
Pflueger Pal O Mine Lure The Pflueger Pal O Mine Lure is one of those timeless classics that was first introduced in 1925. Made in Akron Ohio, this lure was a staple in the Pflueger Fishing Tackle Company lure line up for close to half a century. This straight uni-body Pal O Mine was given […]
Eger Junior Dillinger Lure The Eger Junior Dillinger Lure is part of a series of lures at the heart of the Eger antique fishing lure center. The Dillinger Junior lure is a model series 200. The lure first entered the market in 1941. It’s hard to think of Eger without thinking Dillinger in the same […]
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 […]
Heddon Gamby Lure The Heddon Gamby Lure was part of a spinning series lure introduced around 1955. The Heddon Gamby produced in Dowagiac, Michigan was given a model series number 421 and 423. The 421 can be differentiated by the length and measures 2 3/4″ while the 423 measures 3 3/4″ in length. The lure […]
Moonlight Jointed Pikaroon Lure The Moonlight Jointed Pikaroon Lure was first introduced in the early 1920’s. This jointed version of the Famous Pikaroon made by the Moonlight Bait Company. The lure comes from the acquisition of the Silver Creek Novelty Work’s either through ingenuity or process. This wooden glass eyed minnow was given a model […]
ShurKacth Baits Mouse Lure The ShurKacth Baits Mouse Lure is Circa 1939. The ShurKatch Bait company out of Richfield Springs, New York is thought to have been a distributor of Horrocks Ibbotson fishing lures. This wooden, painted eye mouse vintage fishing lure comes adorn with even a leather tail. This antique fishing lure uses a […]
Shur Strike Shovel Nose Wiggler Lure The Shur Strike Shovel Nose Wiggler Lure was first introduced in 1933. This Creek Chub lure was made in Garrett, Indiana was to be sold under the Shur Strike Lure line up. The lure is quite a unique lure and isn’t a knock of of any Creek Chub lure. […]
Wright McGill Flapper Crab Lure The Wright McGill Flapper Crab Lure in first introduced around 1930. The Flapper Crab antique lure was made by The Wright and McGill Company out of Denver Colorado. The lure was available in a few different sizes. The Flapper Crab fishing lure was made from the traditional molded composition that […]
Shur Strike Punkinseed Lure The Shur Strike Punkinseed Lure was also called the Petite Spinner model PS. This antique fishing lure was first introduced in 1938. Although made by Creek Chub of Garrett Indiana and marketed under the Shur Strike name this was made of good quality. This wooden lure, made with glass eyes measured […]
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 […]