Review of the March 2012 NFLCC Gazette & ORCA Reel News
The mail recently brought the latest issues of two of my favorite publications. The first is the NFLCC Gazette (Vol. 34, No. 130--March, 2012). It contains a lot of superb articles, including the cover story by Fred Sweeney on the Creek Chub/Shur-Strike Salesman's Sample Case. It is wonderful to get more background on this legendary find.
Colby Sorrells offers up one of the most popular lures ever made, the Johnson Silver Minnow. With tens of millions of lures sold, it's one of the great successes in the history of fishing.
Steve Scarborough gives us a nice article on a rod-and-reel combo I'd not seen before. Bob Dennis opines on Carolina Lure Collecting, Darwin "The Bomber Man" Stewart writes up a biography of Jack Wendling, Bob Hornstra's nifty article on the Patterson (NJ) Rod and Gun Store, and Lee Bontrager gives us a short piece on Alaska's Own Mary Ann.
Yet another fine issue. The Gazette is ably edited by Jim Fleming down in Music City and more information about the NFLCC can be found by Clicking Here.
Around the same time, we got the latest issue of ORCA's Reel News. This big issue featured a roster of great articles, beginning with Bob Millers' Decade-by-Decade look at Pflueger reels, this time on the "dismal thirties."
My own contribution this month was a detailed article on the fishing reels of the Holiday Sport Stores, a neat post-war company. We also had regular contributions including More Reel Stuff by the great Stu Lawson, who gave us some obscure B&M reels, Mike Cacioppo with the third installment of his great series on Penn (on left-handed models), Jim Schottenham's Reel Auction Report, and Ben Wright's Spinning Lines column on an interesting combo reel.
Another home run of an issue!
If you are not an ORCA member--and by now I'm just going to hold my breath until you are--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.
-- Dr. Todd
Showing posts with label NFLCC Gazette Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFLCC Gazette Reviews. Show all posts
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thursday Review: The Sep. 2011 NFLCC Gazette
Thursday Review: The Sep. 2011 NFLCC Gazette
Today the mail brought the latest NFLCC Gazette. Let me start by giving an apology -- I've gotten more than a few emails from people asking where the "Profiles in Collecting" column went. I have not forsaken it. I was just late getting it in due to circumstances beyond my control. I promise to have a new profile next issue!
The magazine itself featured a lot of great photos about the NFLCC Nationals in Louisville.
Other articles included a neat photo essay from Terry McBurney on "The Best 45 Minute Lure Auction Ever," a report on an auction that featured some staggering baits.
Chris Olson of Wisconsin gave us what is hopefully the first in a series on Illinois baits, with "The Flirty Girtie" about a nifty metal lure made in the land of Lincoln.
Jack Looney offered us another wonderful "Field Find" story, the fifth of six of his great writings. There is only one Jack Looney!
Colby Sorrells offers yet another well-researched and written article in "2,915,258: The 33 and the Thomas Edison of Fishing." It is about R.D. Hull, inventor of the Zebco, and it's just a flat out terrific article. Well done, Colby!
Dan Basore ended the issue with details about our newest honorary members. They are Al and Ron Lindner, of In-Fisherman fame but who made a neat musky bait that caught a lot of fish. The second is Dan Gapen, famed tackle maker. Kudos to the committee for picking a trio of Minnesotans!
Another fine issue. The Gazette is ably edited by Jim Fleming down in Music City and more information about the NFLCC can be found by Clicking Here.
-- Dr. Todd
Today the mail brought the latest NFLCC Gazette. Let me start by giving an apology -- I've gotten more than a few emails from people asking where the "Profiles in Collecting" column went. I have not forsaken it. I was just late getting it in due to circumstances beyond my control. I promise to have a new profile next issue!
The magazine itself featured a lot of great photos about the NFLCC Nationals in Louisville.
Other articles included a neat photo essay from Terry McBurney on "The Best 45 Minute Lure Auction Ever," a report on an auction that featured some staggering baits.
Chris Olson of Wisconsin gave us what is hopefully the first in a series on Illinois baits, with "The Flirty Girtie" about a nifty metal lure made in the land of Lincoln.
Jack Looney offered us another wonderful "Field Find" story, the fifth of six of his great writings. There is only one Jack Looney!
Colby Sorrells offers yet another well-researched and written article in "2,915,258: The 33 and the Thomas Edison of Fishing." It is about R.D. Hull, inventor of the Zebco, and it's just a flat out terrific article. Well done, Colby!
Dan Basore ended the issue with details about our newest honorary members. They are Al and Ron Lindner, of In-Fisherman fame but who made a neat musky bait that caught a lot of fish. The second is Dan Gapen, famed tackle maker. Kudos to the committee for picking a trio of Minnesotans!
Another fine issue. The Gazette is ably edited by Jim Fleming down in Music City and more information about the NFLCC can be found by Clicking Here.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Thursday Review: NFLCC Gazette, Summer 2010
Thursday Review: NFLCC Gazette, Summer 2010
Another great NFLCC publication arrived while I was on vacation. The NFLCC Gazette for June 2010. It was an issue chock full of excellent articles.
We begin with a nifty piece by Terry McBurney, noted Michigan author. "Gene's Gem" details a fascinating Flint, MI and Cloquet, MN lure of the same name. It was made by the G.G. Bait Co. in both locales. A nice overview of a heretofore obscure lure.
Kenny Bryan gives us next a really good article on Creek Chub Darters, which gives us a detailed look at one of CCBC's most ppopular baits. Phenomenal stuff.
Fred Sweeney concludes his great analysis of the CCBC Original Series and their Catalog Colors. I am very happy the Gazette published this pure and informative piece of research.
My own contribution was an interview with Bill Sonnett. Bill's a hugely knowledgeable collector and loves fishing with vintage gear. It was great to chat with him for a couple hours and to relate his story.
Colby Sorrells is one of the best writers going and he does not disappoint with his "Presto Chango" article about a relatively unknown lure maker from Bradford, Illinois, who is perhaps the only tackle inventor to have also patented a smoking pipe.
There were some neat small stories, too. Gregg Stockey gave us "Dells Room Show Trading" about, naturally, room trading at the Wisconsin Dells. Includes a neat little vignette about "Grouch" Klawitter who is anything but. Ron Matthews gives us a nice piece on CCBC Dingbat Lures, and John Cole gave us a look at his fully functional Heddon Jenny. Rob Pavey relates a great "Field Find" story.
A fine issue with something for everyone. The NFLCC Gazette is edited by Jim Fleming. Anyone interested in joining the NFLCC can learn more by clicking here.
-- Dr. Todd
Another great NFLCC publication arrived while I was on vacation. The NFLCC Gazette for June 2010. It was an issue chock full of excellent articles.
We begin with a nifty piece by Terry McBurney, noted Michigan author. "Gene's Gem" details a fascinating Flint, MI and Cloquet, MN lure of the same name. It was made by the G.G. Bait Co. in both locales. A nice overview of a heretofore obscure lure.
Kenny Bryan gives us next a really good article on Creek Chub Darters, which gives us a detailed look at one of CCBC's most ppopular baits. Phenomenal stuff.
Fred Sweeney concludes his great analysis of the CCBC Original Series and their Catalog Colors. I am very happy the Gazette published this pure and informative piece of research.
My own contribution was an interview with Bill Sonnett. Bill's a hugely knowledgeable collector and loves fishing with vintage gear. It was great to chat with him for a couple hours and to relate his story.
Colby Sorrells is one of the best writers going and he does not disappoint with his "Presto Chango" article about a relatively unknown lure maker from Bradford, Illinois, who is perhaps the only tackle inventor to have also patented a smoking pipe.
There were some neat small stories, too. Gregg Stockey gave us "Dells Room Show Trading" about, naturally, room trading at the Wisconsin Dells. Includes a neat little vignette about "Grouch" Klawitter who is anything but. Ron Matthews gives us a nice piece on CCBC Dingbat Lures, and John Cole gave us a look at his fully functional Heddon Jenny. Rob Pavey relates a great "Field Find" story.
A fine issue with something for everyone. The NFLCC Gazette is edited by Jim Fleming. Anyone interested in joining the NFLCC can learn more by clicking here.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Thursday Review: March 2010 NFLCC Gazette
Thursday Review: March 2010 NFLCC Gazette
The mailman brought a very welcome gift today in the form of the latest edition of The NFLCC Gazette (Vol. 32, No. 122 -- March 2010).
This was an interesting issue as it featured some of my favorite writers. The cover story is a great tale by Dr. Harold Smith, author of the esteemed Creek Chub book. "Dewey Hunt and the Hunt Lure Co. " details the history behind this fascinating Tennessee manufacturer from Watertown. I've been to Watertown and it does indeed feel like entering the 1950s all over again (in a good way).
Colby Sorrells gives us a great story in "Dynamite: Still Catching Fish," the story of the Dyna-Tackle Company of Dallas, TX. These little baits have always perplexed me a bit, as there are a lot of them that look similar, so this should go a long way towards ending speculation about them.
As an aside, Dr. Smith and Colby's articles are models of what I love to see in the Gazette: well-written and researched articles on obscure or mysterious small bait companies.
Fred Sweeney gives us Part IV in his research series on the Production Years for Creek Chub's Original Series and their Catalog Codes.
The recent Olympics got many of us thinking of Canada, and Patrick Daradick's "80th Anniversary of Lucky Strike Baits" gives us a nice retrospective of this popular Canadian company.
Noted Michigan author and columnist for Woods & Waters Terry McBurney gives us a detailed look at the new Millsite Tackle Book by Steve Lumpkin. "A must read-must have" is his take but read the whole thing for a model of how to do a book review properly. Kudos to Terry.
Gregg Stockey, author of his own book Guests at the Buck Falls Club, gives us a neat little article entitled "Three Lures Left Behind."
By the way, Colby Sorrells has announced that the NFLCC will be "recreating" the first bass tournament to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Smilin' Bill Jamison dusting Ans. B. Decker in 1910. Information can be found in Colby's article "Anniversary of the First Fishing Tournament."
Phil Dawson gives us a great piece entitled "American Fishing Line Dryers and Winders" which is an overview of a very easy to overlook collectable. Being the first article (at least I know of) on the subject, Phil is very much breaking new ground here, and it's fantastic. Great collection and great article.
Finally, my own contribution is "12 Questions With Dave Hoover," which details a conversation I had with Dave about all things tackle and collecting. I had not met Dave before but of course was very familiar with him through his sales lists and tackle boxes. What a good guy!
A really good issue that had everything I like to see in it. The NFLCC Gazette is edited by Jim Fleming. Anyone interested in joining the NFLCC can learn more by clicking here.
-- Dr. Todd
The mailman brought a very welcome gift today in the form of the latest edition of The NFLCC Gazette (Vol. 32, No. 122 -- March 2010).
This was an interesting issue as it featured some of my favorite writers. The cover story is a great tale by Dr. Harold Smith, author of the esteemed Creek Chub book. "Dewey Hunt and the Hunt Lure Co. " details the history behind this fascinating Tennessee manufacturer from Watertown. I've been to Watertown and it does indeed feel like entering the 1950s all over again (in a good way).
Colby Sorrells gives us a great story in "Dynamite: Still Catching Fish," the story of the Dyna-Tackle Company of Dallas, TX. These little baits have always perplexed me a bit, as there are a lot of them that look similar, so this should go a long way towards ending speculation about them.
As an aside, Dr. Smith and Colby's articles are models of what I love to see in the Gazette: well-written and researched articles on obscure or mysterious small bait companies.
Fred Sweeney gives us Part IV in his research series on the Production Years for Creek Chub's Original Series and their Catalog Codes.
The recent Olympics got many of us thinking of Canada, and Patrick Daradick's "80th Anniversary of Lucky Strike Baits" gives us a nice retrospective of this popular Canadian company.
Noted Michigan author and columnist for Woods & Waters Terry McBurney gives us a detailed look at the new Millsite Tackle Book by Steve Lumpkin. "A must read-must have" is his take but read the whole thing for a model of how to do a book review properly. Kudos to Terry.
Gregg Stockey, author of his own book Guests at the Buck Falls Club, gives us a neat little article entitled "Three Lures Left Behind."
By the way, Colby Sorrells has announced that the NFLCC will be "recreating" the first bass tournament to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Smilin' Bill Jamison dusting Ans. B. Decker in 1910. Information can be found in Colby's article "Anniversary of the First Fishing Tournament."
Phil Dawson gives us a great piece entitled "American Fishing Line Dryers and Winders" which is an overview of a very easy to overlook collectable. Being the first article (at least I know of) on the subject, Phil is very much breaking new ground here, and it's fantastic. Great collection and great article.
Finally, my own contribution is "12 Questions With Dave Hoover," which details a conversation I had with Dave about all things tackle and collecting. I had not met Dave before but of course was very familiar with him through his sales lists and tackle boxes. What a good guy!
A really good issue that had everything I like to see in it. The NFLCC Gazette is edited by Jim Fleming. Anyone interested in joining the NFLCC can learn more by clicking here.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Thursday Review: Fall 2009 NFLCC Gazette
Today we take a look at the latest issue of The NFLCC Gazette (Vol. 32, No. 121--Fall 2009), the first publication on the history of fishing and tackle ever printed and the quarterly organ of the NFLCC.
This issue brought a lot of interesting articles. We start with a message from the new president, Byron Parker. I believe the NFLCC is in extremely good hands right now. This was followed by a massive gallery of NFLCC Nationals pictures. This is one of my favorite features, for not only does it remind me of how much fun the Nationals are, it serves as a pictorial record of the events themselves. A note to tournament casters and vintage tackle enthusiasts: check out the picture at the bottom of Page 5. The gentleman on the far left is showing perfect casting form.
Dan Basore gives us biographies of our latest Honorary Members of the NFLCC, including Glen Andrews, Robert Withey, and Russ Smith. Theodore Everett wrote the second part of his fascinating article "George Richey and the Bar Lake Ice Spearing Decoy." I'm sure George would have been very proud of this piece.
At the urging of the Gazette editor, I inaugurated a new series of articles entitled "Profiles in Collecting." My first subject, naturally, was Dick Streater, and we had a lot of fun chatting about the origins of the NFLCC and what it has meant to him over the years.
Two feature articles were in this issue. The first was by Terry McBurney, who penned "Boyd's Two-Way Bait: A Breakthrough." It covers the interesting history of this mid-1950s intricate fishing lure. The second article was "The Other Johnson Spoon" by Colby Sorrells. It chronicles the history of the Texas Johnson spoon, and differentiates it for the rest of us from the legendary Illinois Johnson spoon.
Short articles included an overview of the NFLCC Nationals (1020 attendees), a review of NFLCC member Colby Sorrell's new book, and the return of "Can You ID?."
If you are not a member of the NFLCC and would like to join in the fun, please CLICK HERE. The NFLCC Gazette is edited by Jim Fleming.
-- Dr. Todd
This issue brought a lot of interesting articles. We start with a message from the new president, Byron Parker. I believe the NFLCC is in extremely good hands right now. This was followed by a massive gallery of NFLCC Nationals pictures. This is one of my favorite features, for not only does it remind me of how much fun the Nationals are, it serves as a pictorial record of the events themselves. A note to tournament casters and vintage tackle enthusiasts: check out the picture at the bottom of Page 5. The gentleman on the far left is showing perfect casting form.
Dan Basore gives us biographies of our latest Honorary Members of the NFLCC, including Glen Andrews, Robert Withey, and Russ Smith. Theodore Everett wrote the second part of his fascinating article "George Richey and the Bar Lake Ice Spearing Decoy." I'm sure George would have been very proud of this piece.
At the urging of the Gazette editor, I inaugurated a new series of articles entitled "Profiles in Collecting." My first subject, naturally, was Dick Streater, and we had a lot of fun chatting about the origins of the NFLCC and what it has meant to him over the years.
Two feature articles were in this issue. The first was by Terry McBurney, who penned "Boyd's Two-Way Bait: A Breakthrough." It covers the interesting history of this mid-1950s intricate fishing lure. The second article was "The Other Johnson Spoon" by Colby Sorrells. It chronicles the history of the Texas Johnson spoon, and differentiates it for the rest of us from the legendary Illinois Johnson spoon.
Short articles included an overview of the NFLCC Nationals (1020 attendees), a review of NFLCC member Colby Sorrell's new book, and the return of "Can You ID?."
If you are not a member of the NFLCC and would like to join in the fun, please CLICK HERE. The NFLCC Gazette is edited by Jim Fleming.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Thursday Review: The Summer 2009 NFLCC Gazette
Thursday Review: The Summer 2009 NFLCC Gazette
June brings many a bride to the alter, the coming of bass season in Northern Wisconsin, and the summer edition of The NFLCC Gazette.
This issue brought some interesting articles. Noted outdoor writer Robbie Pavey weighs in with "A Better Mousetrap for Fish," which chronicles some of the bizarre ways in which people have attempted to create new (and often dangerous) ways in which to catch a fish. Seriously, it amazes me the manner in which some people considered catching fish. Some of them are positively deadly.
A particularly heartwarming story comes from Theodore Everett Peterson, the son of the founder of Bar Lake Ice Spearing Decoys. Peterson recounts how the late George Richey, former editor of The Gazette, interviewed and wrote about this firm. It's a great story and brought back the memory of the George Richey I knew to life. Fortunately for all of us, it's the first of two parts.
Joe Nelson, another former Gazette editor, weighed in with "The Picture Doesn't Always Tell the Story," a neat account of how he came to own not one but TWO Jamison Musky Nemos.
The Good Ol' Boys--Warren Platt and Bill Sonnett--give us an awesome article on fishing vintage gear. "Old Time Fishin' Tournaments" recounts their experiences with the Old Time Tackle Bass Tournament and Lure Swap Meet, a tradition dating back over 20 years. They also give some nice advice on what gear to use.
Gregg Stockey, author of the excellent book Guests at the Buck Falls Club gives us a great story of how he came to fill a Pachner & Koller Salesman's Sample Kit. It gives us great insight into the breadth of this fascinating company.
The return of "It's Still Out There" gives us Gerald Garrett's story of how he persevered by running an advertisement in the paper for a year without a response. When a response came, BINGO! What a find.
Allen Dobson contributed a neat piece entitled "Bob's Baits" about these Canadian-made spinners. I'd always wondered about the patented slip-stream treble hook, and now I have some great information thanks to Allen. Well done.
Finally, Fred Sweeney gives us the very good "Production Years for the Creek Chub's Original Series & Their Catalog Colors, Part 1" which details information on this popular subject.
The Gazette is edited by Jim Fleming, and is the oldest publication devoted to tackle collecting and angling history. It is an official publication of the NFLCC.
-- Dr. Todd
June brings many a bride to the alter, the coming of bass season in Northern Wisconsin, and the summer edition of The NFLCC Gazette.
This issue brought some interesting articles. Noted outdoor writer Robbie Pavey weighs in with "A Better Mousetrap for Fish," which chronicles some of the bizarre ways in which people have attempted to create new (and often dangerous) ways in which to catch a fish. Seriously, it amazes me the manner in which some people considered catching fish. Some of them are positively deadly.
A particularly heartwarming story comes from Theodore Everett Peterson, the son of the founder of Bar Lake Ice Spearing Decoys. Peterson recounts how the late George Richey, former editor of The Gazette, interviewed and wrote about this firm. It's a great story and brought back the memory of the George Richey I knew to life. Fortunately for all of us, it's the first of two parts.
Joe Nelson, another former Gazette editor, weighed in with "The Picture Doesn't Always Tell the Story," a neat account of how he came to own not one but TWO Jamison Musky Nemos.
The Good Ol' Boys--Warren Platt and Bill Sonnett--give us an awesome article on fishing vintage gear. "Old Time Fishin' Tournaments" recounts their experiences with the Old Time Tackle Bass Tournament and Lure Swap Meet, a tradition dating back over 20 years. They also give some nice advice on what gear to use.
Gregg Stockey, author of the excellent book Guests at the Buck Falls Club gives us a great story of how he came to fill a Pachner & Koller Salesman's Sample Kit. It gives us great insight into the breadth of this fascinating company.
The return of "It's Still Out There" gives us Gerald Garrett's story of how he persevered by running an advertisement in the paper for a year without a response. When a response came, BINGO! What a find.
Allen Dobson contributed a neat piece entitled "Bob's Baits" about these Canadian-made spinners. I'd always wondered about the patented slip-stream treble hook, and now I have some great information thanks to Allen. Well done.
Finally, Fred Sweeney gives us the very good "Production Years for the Creek Chub's Original Series & Their Catalog Colors, Part 1" which details information on this popular subject.
The Gazette is edited by Jim Fleming, and is the oldest publication devoted to tackle collecting and angling history. It is an official publication of the NFLCC.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thursday Review: The Spring 2009 NFLCC Gazette
Thursday Review: The Spring 2009 NFLCC Gazette
The mail brought the latest NFLCC Gazette (Vol. 32, No. 119--Spring 2009) and it was an interesting one.
Colby Sorrells starts it out with a really interesting editorial on what he call his "Lure 401k Plan." It is interesting and insightful and is a must read for anyone interested in growing this hobby in a healthy way.
There were some interesting features this issue. Allan Thomas gives us "The Lure Doctor Extraordinaire," about Ron Mirabaile, a famous lure maker from Port Charlotte, Florida. It's a really interesting essay about a man who's fished with the rich and famous.
Dr. Harold Smith gives us "Grand Ole' Fishing Lures" which profiles the legendary country music star Johnny Horton, of Battle of New Orleans fame. Johnny founded the Cane River Bait Company in 1959, backed by Johnny Cash, but it only lasted until 1961. This is a neat article about a fascinating individual.
The popular feature "It's Still Out There" returns in the Gazette with John "Flatfish" Jones' remarkable find of a Heddon 300 in wood slide top box and a neat story by Scott Watkins.
Colby Sorrells helps solve a problem that has vexed a number of collectors: the funky Tri-Tix weedguards sometimes found on 1950s lures. He figures out the possible connection between these weedguards and the demise of the Bleeder Bait Co.
Finally, Herb Windhorst profiles a popular maker in "Hubbard Lures and the Sparkle Tail." It is a well-researched and documented article, and covers the details of a lure we all own but most of us knew very little about. Well done Herb!
Overall, a fine Gazette with a nice selection of broad articles. The NFLCC Gazette is edited by Jim Fleming.
-- Dr. Todd
The mail brought the latest NFLCC Gazette (Vol. 32, No. 119--Spring 2009) and it was an interesting one.
Colby Sorrells starts it out with a really interesting editorial on what he call his "Lure 401k Plan." It is interesting and insightful and is a must read for anyone interested in growing this hobby in a healthy way.
There were some interesting features this issue. Allan Thomas gives us "The Lure Doctor Extraordinaire," about Ron Mirabaile, a famous lure maker from Port Charlotte, Florida. It's a really interesting essay about a man who's fished with the rich and famous.
Dr. Harold Smith gives us "Grand Ole' Fishing Lures" which profiles the legendary country music star Johnny Horton, of Battle of New Orleans fame. Johnny founded the Cane River Bait Company in 1959, backed by Johnny Cash, but it only lasted until 1961. This is a neat article about a fascinating individual.
The popular feature "It's Still Out There" returns in the Gazette with John "Flatfish" Jones' remarkable find of a Heddon 300 in wood slide top box and a neat story by Scott Watkins.
Colby Sorrells helps solve a problem that has vexed a number of collectors: the funky Tri-Tix weedguards sometimes found on 1950s lures. He figures out the possible connection between these weedguards and the demise of the Bleeder Bait Co.
Finally, Herb Windhorst profiles a popular maker in "Hubbard Lures and the Sparkle Tail." It is a well-researched and documented article, and covers the details of a lure we all own but most of us knew very little about. Well done Herb!
Overall, a fine Gazette with a nice selection of broad articles. The NFLCC Gazette is edited by Jim Fleming.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thursday Review: Winter NFLCC Gazette
As a service for those who aren't members of the NFLCC, I am reviewing the contents of the December 2008 (Vol. 32, No. 118) NFLCC Gazette. This issue had some neat articles and an announcement that Byron Parker will be the new incoming NFLCC president.
The big article in this issue was Charley Soares' "Stan Gibbs: Legend of the Lathe about this very important saltwater lure manufacturer. It was a detailed and informative article and a welcome addition to our body of knowledge.
Jack Looney's writings are always anticipated, and he offered a nice one in his "Oklahoma Buck's Tackle Company," which covers this firm's Plug Bug. Additionally, we were happy to have a second Looney article in "Fortunate Encounters."
There were three other research articles. Galen Ash of West Virginia gives us "The Hallure Story" that covers a little-known lure from Wheeling, WV. Dan Basore's always excellent articles are some of my favorite reads, and this one is no exception. "Kicky the Swimming Frog" covers the history of this very, very cool frog lure with a few surprising twists and turns in its past. Finally, Tom Schofield and Chris Slusar gave us a nifty history of a Wisconsin spoon in "The Mickie Spoon."
Smaller articles included a glowing review by Wayne Ruby of the new Jerry Jolly book Pflueger Fishing Lure & Miscellaneous Tackle Patents, Bob Vermillion's "Ohio Mystery Frog Baits," Roger Lewis gave us a nice poem "Winter Dreams," and Marc Dixon had three articles--"Flat Tails and Pointy Heads," "Hanging Paper," and "The Power of Provenance."
All in all a pleasant edition and a welcome distraction from the horrible ice and snow raging around me.
-- Dr. Todd
The big article in this issue was Charley Soares' "Stan Gibbs: Legend of the Lathe about this very important saltwater lure manufacturer. It was a detailed and informative article and a welcome addition to our body of knowledge.
Jack Looney's writings are always anticipated, and he offered a nice one in his "Oklahoma Buck's Tackle Company," which covers this firm's Plug Bug. Additionally, we were happy to have a second Looney article in "Fortunate Encounters."
There were three other research articles. Galen Ash of West Virginia gives us "The Hallure Story" that covers a little-known lure from Wheeling, WV. Dan Basore's always excellent articles are some of my favorite reads, and this one is no exception. "Kicky the Swimming Frog" covers the history of this very, very cool frog lure with a few surprising twists and turns in its past. Finally, Tom Schofield and Chris Slusar gave us a nifty history of a Wisconsin spoon in "The Mickie Spoon."
Smaller articles included a glowing review by Wayne Ruby of the new Jerry Jolly book Pflueger Fishing Lure & Miscellaneous Tackle Patents, Bob Vermillion's "Ohio Mystery Frog Baits," Roger Lewis gave us a nice poem "Winter Dreams," and Marc Dixon had three articles--"Flat Tails and Pointy Heads," "Hanging Paper," and "The Power of Provenance."
All in all a pleasant edition and a welcome distraction from the horrible ice and snow raging around me.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Review of the Fall 2008 NFLCC Gazette
The fall NFLCC Gazette comes to us with some big news; Jim Fleming, after five years of stewardship, is stepping down as editor--which means there is now an opening for the position. It will be interesting to see who applies...
The issue itself has a number of interesting articles. The first is an interesting piece by Jim Hall of Gallatin, Tennessee called "The Birth of the Pflueger Surprise Minnow" and it covers the background and history of this Clarkson & Hummon patented bait.
Dan Basore informed us of the two new honorary members, Berkley Bedell and Lee Sisson. Both were extremely important men in the later half of twentieth century fishing history, Bedell for helping bring science into the fishing world, and Sisson for his work with Bagley as a lure designer and later for his designs for Heddon and his own company.
Eric Borgerding presented the second part of his great article on Tony Burmek. Congratulations to Eric for his nifty work in putting this piece together!
Blake Bach gives us some neat information on "Creek Chub--Peters Special" lures. The history of H.L. Peters was printed in the pages of The Gazette some time ago, so it was nice to add some additional history both to the background of this neat trade house and to Creek Chub.
A variety of shorter offerings round out the issue. Tom White gave us "America's Game Meets America's Sport" on the connection in 1957 between Heddon and Pabst; Gregg Stockey gives us "Bass Lures" on the joys of collecting lures with the word "bass" in them; Tim Mierzwa offered up a glowing review of Jeff Kieny's new book Patented Fish Hooks, Harnesses, and Bait-Holders; and Marc Dixon defines the word mint for us.
The NFLCC Gazette is edited by Jim Fleming. If you're not a member of the NFLCC--and really, I can't understand a rationale explanation why you wouldn't be--you can join by Clicking Here.
-- Dr. Todd
The issue itself has a number of interesting articles. The first is an interesting piece by Jim Hall of Gallatin, Tennessee called "The Birth of the Pflueger Surprise Minnow" and it covers the background and history of this Clarkson & Hummon patented bait.
Dan Basore informed us of the two new honorary members, Berkley Bedell and Lee Sisson. Both were extremely important men in the later half of twentieth century fishing history, Bedell for helping bring science into the fishing world, and Sisson for his work with Bagley as a lure designer and later for his designs for Heddon and his own company.
Eric Borgerding presented the second part of his great article on Tony Burmek. Congratulations to Eric for his nifty work in putting this piece together!
Blake Bach gives us some neat information on "Creek Chub--Peters Special" lures. The history of H.L. Peters was printed in the pages of The Gazette some time ago, so it was nice to add some additional history both to the background of this neat trade house and to Creek Chub.
A variety of shorter offerings round out the issue. Tom White gave us "America's Game Meets America's Sport" on the connection in 1957 between Heddon and Pabst; Gregg Stockey gives us "Bass Lures" on the joys of collecting lures with the word "bass" in them; Tim Mierzwa offered up a glowing review of Jeff Kieny's new book Patented Fish Hooks, Harnesses, and Bait-Holders; and Marc Dixon defines the word mint for us.
The NFLCC Gazette is edited by Jim Fleming. If you're not a member of the NFLCC--and really, I can't understand a rationale explanation why you wouldn't be--you can join by Clicking Here.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, June 19, 2008
A Review of the June 2008 NFLCC Gazette
A Review of the June 2008 NFLCC Gazette
The June mails brought a nice treat in the form of the latest The NFLCC Gazette for June, 2008 (Vol. 32, No. 116), which brings a number of nice articles to light.
Eric Borgerding gives us a detailed history entitled “A Real Good Wiggle and Shake: The Untold Story of Wisconsin’s Tony Burmek and his Secret Musky Bait,” which covers this awesome musky lure company from its inception to about 1957 (part 2 to come). A really, really good story, well written and illustrated profusely. Eric has contributed some outstanding works of late and this is no exception!
Another top notch author is Colby Sorrels of Texas, author of the “Enduring Zara,” not surprisingly an overview of one of the most important topwater lures ever made. Colby also contributed a nice piece on the Karl and Beverly White National Fishing Tackle Museum.
Anytime we get an article from Jack Looney I am happy, and this issue’s “Next Catch” is no exception.
Robert Vermillion’s nice “Kellers Gets-Em” profiles this interesting lure maker.
Bill Baab, a noted outdoor writer, penned a great piece entitled “Bobby Jones & E.L. ‘Buck’ Perry,” illustrating for us the relationship between the famous golfer and the famous angler.
There were some smaller articles, including Ed Bartley and Bill Marsh’s “Bartley Measle Lures,” about this small tackle maker from Tennessee. Marc Dixon wrote two articles, “Heavy Metal” and “The Best of Times.” Curt Conner’s excellent “Lazy Ike Collection and the Woman Who Made My Day,” first posted on Joe’s Board, is a heartwarming tale for those who missed it earlier.
The NFLCC Gazette is edited by Jim Fleming.
-- Dr. Todd
The June mails brought a nice treat in the form of the latest The NFLCC Gazette for June, 2008 (Vol. 32, No. 116), which brings a number of nice articles to light.
Eric Borgerding gives us a detailed history entitled “A Real Good Wiggle and Shake: The Untold Story of Wisconsin’s Tony Burmek and his Secret Musky Bait,” which covers this awesome musky lure company from its inception to about 1957 (part 2 to come). A really, really good story, well written and illustrated profusely. Eric has contributed some outstanding works of late and this is no exception!
Another top notch author is Colby Sorrels of Texas, author of the “Enduring Zara,” not surprisingly an overview of one of the most important topwater lures ever made. Colby also contributed a nice piece on the Karl and Beverly White National Fishing Tackle Museum.
Anytime we get an article from Jack Looney I am happy, and this issue’s “Next Catch” is no exception.
Robert Vermillion’s nice “Kellers Gets-Em” profiles this interesting lure maker.
Bill Baab, a noted outdoor writer, penned a great piece entitled “Bobby Jones & E.L. ‘Buck’ Perry,” illustrating for us the relationship between the famous golfer and the famous angler.
There were some smaller articles, including Ed Bartley and Bill Marsh’s “Bartley Measle Lures,” about this small tackle maker from Tennessee. Marc Dixon wrote two articles, “Heavy Metal” and “The Best of Times.” Curt Conner’s excellent “Lazy Ike Collection and the Woman Who Made My Day,” first posted on Joe’s Board, is a heartwarming tale for those who missed it earlier.
The NFLCC Gazette is edited by Jim Fleming.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Review of Spring 2008 NFLCC Gazette
The March issue of The NFLCC Gazette is out (Vol. 31, No. 115) and is chock full of articles and information on fishing history.
There were four major articles in this issue. Leading off was Bob Klapoetke who details the history of D&R LUres of Neshkboro, Wisconsin. This is a relatively recent company and so it was nice that someone took the time to chronicle its history now rather than later. The Rev. Bob Dennis, NFLCC chaplain, penned a nifty article entitled "I Love Spoonplugs, about the omnipresent Buck Perry creation.
The lengthiest article came from Gary Peck of Canada, who contributed a neat and extremely detailed piece entitled "Northern Tackle Company" that documents this Sudbury, Ontario firm. I love Canadian fishing history so this was a welcome and fascinating piece. Colby Sorrels is always a welcome contributor and he doesn't disappoint with a nice article "Three to Fish With" about the joys of fishing antique tackle. More people should do this, as it is a blast.
The previously mentioned articles were longer pieces, but the issue also contained a few shorter ones. Bob Guist reproduced an article from a 1966 Canadian centennial history book on the background to AL&W. Marc Dixon also contributed two articles, "The Case of the Mystery Minnow," and "Hurd Mentality."
Overall, it was a good issue of broad interest to collectors. The NFLCC Gazette is edited by Jim Fleming.
-- Dr. Todd
There were four major articles in this issue. Leading off was Bob Klapoetke who details the history of D&R LUres of Neshkboro, Wisconsin. This is a relatively recent company and so it was nice that someone took the time to chronicle its history now rather than later. The Rev. Bob Dennis, NFLCC chaplain, penned a nifty article entitled "I Love Spoonplugs, about the omnipresent Buck Perry creation.
The lengthiest article came from Gary Peck of Canada, who contributed a neat and extremely detailed piece entitled "Northern Tackle Company" that documents this Sudbury, Ontario firm. I love Canadian fishing history so this was a welcome and fascinating piece. Colby Sorrels is always a welcome contributor and he doesn't disappoint with a nice article "Three to Fish With" about the joys of fishing antique tackle. More people should do this, as it is a blast.
The previously mentioned articles were longer pieces, but the issue also contained a few shorter ones. Bob Guist reproduced an article from a 1966 Canadian centennial history book on the background to AL&W. Marc Dixon also contributed two articles, "The Case of the Mystery Minnow," and "Hurd Mentality."
Overall, it was a good issue of broad interest to collectors. The NFLCC Gazette is edited by Jim Fleming.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Review: The NFLCC Gazette, December 2007
Last week also brought the latest NFLCC Gazette, Vol. 31, No. 114 (December 2007) and it did not disappoint. The oldest fishing history journal in America, it has a number of interesting articles and features.
The first article is by Bob Guist, entitled "Phantom Devon & McGinty Minnows." It is a nice overview of these popular baits from the author of a book of the best book on the subject.
There were some nice retrospective features this issue. One by Spencer de Vito of Soldotna, Alaska entitled "Straight Copper and a Pflueger #4" was an interesting piece (I thought I'd read it someplace before but can't recall off hand where). The jewel of the issue is Jack Looney's hilarious "Uncle Norton" which made me laugh out loud. Jack's pieces are among my very favorites.
Marc Dixon offered a couple of pieces, "Boundless Opportunities" and "The Top 12 Undervalued, to Buy Now Sleepers." Ken Bernoteit penned a nice article entitled "Make Your Own Picture Display," complete with diagrams.
Dan Basore's columns are always welcome, and he did not disappoint when he wrote "Carl A. Johnson: The Lure Making Dentist." It covers the background history of the great Johnson Automatic Striker. Basore is one of the best in the business, and I wish The NFLCC Gazette would offer him a regular column so we could read more of his historical tackle research heretofore reserved, sadly, only for subscribers of Midwest Outdoors.
Another interesting article is by Lee Bontrager and is entitled "Delbert Fowler 'Bus' Pealer--Fisherman/Hunter." It covers the history of Bus Pealer lures, which I hate to admit I had never heard of before.
Finally, my own small contribution is entitled "Mr. Shakespeare Goes to Washington" and covers the role William Shakespeare played in helping craft the NRA Codes for fishing tackle manufacturers in 1933. I penned it in honor of my late, great friend Harvey Garrison, who passed away one year to the day I received this issue in the mail. Harvey, you are still missed by all of us.
All in all a good issue--not a great issue but definitely a good one. And Jack Looney's piece is one that should not be missed.
-- Dr. Todd
The first article is by Bob Guist, entitled "Phantom Devon & McGinty Minnows." It is a nice overview of these popular baits from the author of a book of the best book on the subject.
There were some nice retrospective features this issue. One by Spencer de Vito of Soldotna, Alaska entitled "Straight Copper and a Pflueger #4" was an interesting piece (I thought I'd read it someplace before but can't recall off hand where). The jewel of the issue is Jack Looney's hilarious "Uncle Norton" which made me laugh out loud. Jack's pieces are among my very favorites.
Marc Dixon offered a couple of pieces, "Boundless Opportunities" and "The Top 12 Undervalued, to Buy Now Sleepers." Ken Bernoteit penned a nice article entitled "Make Your Own Picture Display," complete with diagrams.
Dan Basore's columns are always welcome, and he did not disappoint when he wrote "Carl A. Johnson: The Lure Making Dentist." It covers the background history of the great Johnson Automatic Striker. Basore is one of the best in the business, and I wish The NFLCC Gazette would offer him a regular column so we could read more of his historical tackle research heretofore reserved, sadly, only for subscribers of Midwest Outdoors.
Another interesting article is by Lee Bontrager and is entitled "Delbert Fowler 'Bus' Pealer--Fisherman/Hunter." It covers the history of Bus Pealer lures, which I hate to admit I had never heard of before.
Finally, my own small contribution is entitled "Mr. Shakespeare Goes to Washington" and covers the role William Shakespeare played in helping craft the NRA Codes for fishing tackle manufacturers in 1933. I penned it in honor of my late, great friend Harvey Garrison, who passed away one year to the day I received this issue in the mail. Harvey, you are still missed by all of us.
All in all a good issue--not a great issue but definitely a good one. And Jack Looney's piece is one that should not be missed.
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, September 20, 2007
A Review of the September 2007 NFLCC Gazette
The September 2007 NFLCC Gazette (Vol. 31, No. 113) arrived earlier this week, bundled with the latest directory. The evolution of the color Gazette continues, and this issue contains some interesting articles.
There is a nifty photographic review of the NFLCC Nationals in Louisville, including four full pages of color photos. A nice overview of the events for those unfortunate enough to have missed it.
The Reverend Bob Dennis offers a transcript of his Memorial Service from 13 June 2007--and it is a very moving sermon. So many collector friends of mine have weathered their own storms of late, and can find inspiration from this article.
Perhaps my favorite piece comes from over the pond, from Juha Wall in Espoo, Finland. Written in English, the title is Lauri Rapala and Born of Finnish Lures. I truly respect people who have written articles in other languages (I've done it in myself in German, Swedish and Norwegian and know the pratfalls first hand) so I recognized the title in English is actually "Lauri Rapala and the Origins of Finnish Lures," That's irrelevant, however, as there is tons of cool information on the origins of the Finnish Minnow of great interest to American collectors, and we can hope this is the first of many cross-Atlantic (and even cross-Pacific) articles.
Jack Looney offers a fascinating glimpse at the intersection between tackle companies and the public in "Watta Life! Jerry Schimmel, Field Tester" which covers the life and career of a field tester for the major tackle companies. A great article.
James M. Vermeulen gives us an original piece entitled "Milton Poe," detailing the originator and manufacturer of Poe's Lures. Don't miss the full color photos of Poe and his tackle which, unfortunately, are disconrguently placed on pages 36 and 38. It is a piece that covers many original aspects.
Kurt L. Munden of New Mexico and myself contributed the article "The History of T.S. Skilton, Part II," which may very well be the last article of the George Richey era, as we submitted this to George about a month before his untimely passing. It chronicles lots of new information on the Skilton company, and is a supplement to the original Skilton article from the September 2007 Gazette.
The final feature is a reprint of an article on fishing lures from the April, 1913 Outer's Magazine. This article takes up four pages, and one could question (considering the poor quality of the images taken from a photocopy) whether this should have been run in place of an original piece of research. Perhaps it would have been better to place this interesting piece up on the NFLCC Web Site, particularly considering the Gazette has over thirty articles awaiting publication.
All of this is peppered with regular features such as Secretary/Treasurer and Parliamentarian corners, a review of Wayne Ruby's The Pflueger Heritage, and the NFLCC Calendar and want ads.
Overall, a solid issue containing information you aren't going to find elsewhere.
-- Dr. Todd
There is a nifty photographic review of the NFLCC Nationals in Louisville, including four full pages of color photos. A nice overview of the events for those unfortunate enough to have missed it.
The Reverend Bob Dennis offers a transcript of his Memorial Service from 13 June 2007--and it is a very moving sermon. So many collector friends of mine have weathered their own storms of late, and can find inspiration from this article.
Perhaps my favorite piece comes from over the pond, from Juha Wall in Espoo, Finland. Written in English, the title is Lauri Rapala and Born of Finnish Lures. I truly respect people who have written articles in other languages (I've done it in myself in German, Swedish and Norwegian and know the pratfalls first hand) so I recognized the title in English is actually "Lauri Rapala and the Origins of Finnish Lures," That's irrelevant, however, as there is tons of cool information on the origins of the Finnish Minnow of great interest to American collectors, and we can hope this is the first of many cross-Atlantic (and even cross-Pacific) articles.
Jack Looney offers a fascinating glimpse at the intersection between tackle companies and the public in "Watta Life! Jerry Schimmel, Field Tester" which covers the life and career of a field tester for the major tackle companies. A great article.
James M. Vermeulen gives us an original piece entitled "Milton Poe," detailing the originator and manufacturer of Poe's Lures. Don't miss the full color photos of Poe and his tackle which, unfortunately, are disconrguently placed on pages 36 and 38. It is a piece that covers many original aspects.
Kurt L. Munden of New Mexico and myself contributed the article "The History of T.S. Skilton, Part II," which may very well be the last article of the George Richey era, as we submitted this to George about a month before his untimely passing. It chronicles lots of new information on the Skilton company, and is a supplement to the original Skilton article from the September 2007 Gazette.
The final feature is a reprint of an article on fishing lures from the April, 1913 Outer's Magazine. This article takes up four pages, and one could question (considering the poor quality of the images taken from a photocopy) whether this should have been run in place of an original piece of research. Perhaps it would have been better to place this interesting piece up on the NFLCC Web Site, particularly considering the Gazette has over thirty articles awaiting publication.
All of this is peppered with regular features such as Secretary/Treasurer and Parliamentarian corners, a review of Wayne Ruby's The Pflueger Heritage, and the NFLCC Calendar and want ads.
Overall, a solid issue containing information you aren't going to find elsewhere.
-- Dr. Todd
Friday, June 29, 2007
A Review of the June 2007 NFLCC Gazette
The June NFLCC Gazette arrived at the same time as the NFLCC Magazine and shows another step in the evolution of this journal, now in its 31st year. Edited by Jim Fleming out of Nashville, TN, the move to color seems to have become a permanent thing and certainly makes for a more striking magazine. This issue includes a number of interesting articles on a variety of subjects.
The first feature is entitled "The Unmentionable Collectables: A Short History of the Trolling Flasher" by my good friend Kurt Munden. This witty and interesting article surveys the most ignored piece in the tackle box--the flasher. I was happy to contribute the section on Companies to Kurt's excellent survey. A unique and interesting article!
The second feature is a follow-up piece entitled "Grand Rapids Fishing Lures, Part II: Franklin Alger and Frank Nixon Baits" by Terry McBurney, who doubles this month as he also had a fine article in the NFLCC Magazine. In this article, McBurney details Franklin Alger and the mysterious Frank Nixon, whose "persian ivory" baits are some of the prettiest to be found.
Frequent contributor Marc Dixon contributes a nifty piece entitled "A History of the Plano Molding Company: World's Largest Manufacturer of Tackle Boxes." This detailed and fun history covers the origins of this icon of American fishing from its humble beginnings in 1921 to the present.
Eric Borgerding, one of the best researchers and writers operating today, concludes his outstanding survey of Madison, Wisconsin's fishing tackle in "This Place Was Once Called Eden: A Brief History of the Late 19th Century Fishing and Fishing Lures of Madison, Wisconsin, Part II." This article covers one of the rarest metal lures, the Bert Ainsworth spinner, and properly places the tackle in proper perspective. Kudos to Borgerding as this is a terrific article.
Finally, a glowing book review of The History of the FIsh Hook in America, Vol. I by noted hook collector Jeff Kieny rounds out the contributions.
Regular features Can You ID Section, NFLCC Show Calendar, Want Ads, and various updates from NFLCC officers.
This issue is packed with information and the new formatting is starting to grow on me. I still wonder if having the first and last pages in color is the best use of this expensive treat--do we really need the Parliamentarian's Update in color when Borgerding's article was black and white only?
All in all, a great issue!
--Dr. Todd
The first feature is entitled "The Unmentionable Collectables: A Short History of the Trolling Flasher" by my good friend Kurt Munden. This witty and interesting article surveys the most ignored piece in the tackle box--the flasher. I was happy to contribute the section on Companies to Kurt's excellent survey. A unique and interesting article!
The second feature is a follow-up piece entitled "Grand Rapids Fishing Lures, Part II: Franklin Alger and Frank Nixon Baits" by Terry McBurney, who doubles this month as he also had a fine article in the NFLCC Magazine. In this article, McBurney details Franklin Alger and the mysterious Frank Nixon, whose "persian ivory" baits are some of the prettiest to be found.
Frequent contributor Marc Dixon contributes a nifty piece entitled "A History of the Plano Molding Company: World's Largest Manufacturer of Tackle Boxes." This detailed and fun history covers the origins of this icon of American fishing from its humble beginnings in 1921 to the present.
Eric Borgerding, one of the best researchers and writers operating today, concludes his outstanding survey of Madison, Wisconsin's fishing tackle in "This Place Was Once Called Eden: A Brief History of the Late 19th Century Fishing and Fishing Lures of Madison, Wisconsin, Part II." This article covers one of the rarest metal lures, the Bert Ainsworth spinner, and properly places the tackle in proper perspective. Kudos to Borgerding as this is a terrific article.
Finally, a glowing book review of The History of the FIsh Hook in America, Vol. I by noted hook collector Jeff Kieny rounds out the contributions.
Regular features Can You ID Section, NFLCC Show Calendar, Want Ads, and various updates from NFLCC officers.
This issue is packed with information and the new formatting is starting to grow on me. I still wonder if having the first and last pages in color is the best use of this expensive treat--do we really need the Parliamentarian's Update in color when Borgerding's article was black and white only?
All in all, a great issue!
--Dr. Todd
Saturday, March 31, 2007
A Review of the March 2007 NFLCC Gazette
Since this blog is read by ORCA members who are not members of the NFLCC as well as a number of people interested in fishing history who do not belong to any organization, I thought I would begin reviewing the major journals so people will have an idea of what is currently being published.
The NFLCC Gazette Vol. 31, No. 111 (March 2007)
The first thing one notices about the new changes to the Gazette is that the actual words "NFLCC Gazette" do not appear on the cover. The second thing one notices is that the cover is now in color, part of a full 16 pages of color in it. The color section used to be in the center of the magazine and was normally reserved for articles where the pictures would warrant having color printing; moving the color section to the front, however, means the Editor's Corner, President's Page, and Secretary/Treasurer's Report is now printed in color, which seems a bit of an overkill to me. Just my opinion.
The first major article is a nifty four-page article "Grand Rapids Fishing Lures, Part I: Pierce, Hill and Hibbard Spoon Baits" by Michigan writer Terry McBurney, whose work has graced the pages of the Gazette on a number of occasions. This well-researched and written article, as all of Terry's work is, centers on the Pierce, Hill and Hibbard spinners of Michigan. These lures are important nineteenth century developments in fishing lure history, and show the genius of tackle making reached far inland from the stronghold of New York City. The subject had been broached before in Bob Groter's article "Early Fishing Lures of Western Michigan" (NFLCC Magazine, June 1995) and in Arlan Carter's seminal work Nineteenth Century Fishing Lures, but Terry's research clearly shows that there is much more to be learned on the subject. It is well illustrated with seven clear B&W photos.
The second feature article is Eric Borgerding's "This Place Was Once Called Eden: A Brief History of the Late 19th Century Fishing and Fishing Lures of Madison, Wisconsin." McBurney's article is what we call revisionary scholarship; this is taking previous research and adding significantly to the story. Borgerding's work is what historian's call original scholarship, a pioneering work that covers material not widely available in print before (Bob Slade does mention Madison fishing a bit in his work on Wisconsin fishing tackle). This nine page article details a number of tackle manufacturers never before covered in depth, including Fritz Huels and Sumner & Morris. The photos are detailed and useful for identifying variations in the styles of these overlooked spinners. It is one of the most important articles published in the Gazette in the past three years.
In addition to these two excellent feature articles, there are also some shorter articles as well. One of these is by Ray Thomas of White House, TN entitled "Gene Bullard: Father of Modern Rod Making." It is a neat little two-page article covering a brief history of this important rod maker. An important one-page feature by Dan Ross of Cincinnati entitled "Be Prepared" outlines how all of us can help ensure the survival of our sport and hobby by working with local Boy Scout troops to promote a fishing tackle collector's badge. Jim Freeman of Leeds, AL wrote a one-page article on the Leonard Self Wind-Up Plug. Finally, the Rev. Reed Stockman, a regular contributor, penned a one-pager "The Mysterious Little Craw Lure" that covers this intriguing Tango-style bait (although the article was printed with a very bizarre drop cap first letter). There is also a two-page section on Ken Haggard creels that is unattributed (perhaps penned by Jim Fleming, the Gazette's editor). It shows models of these gorgeous creels in full color.
Finally, professional bass fisherman and collector Bernie Schultz contributed a nice biography of NFLCC member Henry Hoellman, the man who served as the basis for the character Henry Blake in the hit book, movie, and TV series M*A*S*H*. First posted on the internet on Joe's Chat Board, it is a moving testimonial to a collector who touched many people's lives.
Coming in at 40 pages this issue offered some interesting information and I would consider it a step forward in the effort to revise and update the Gazette.
--Dr. Todd
The NFLCC Gazette Vol. 31, No. 111 (March 2007)
The first thing one notices about the new changes to the Gazette is that the actual words "NFLCC Gazette" do not appear on the cover. The second thing one notices is that the cover is now in color, part of a full 16 pages of color in it. The color section used to be in the center of the magazine and was normally reserved for articles where the pictures would warrant having color printing; moving the color section to the front, however, means the Editor's Corner, President's Page, and Secretary/Treasurer's Report is now printed in color, which seems a bit of an overkill to me. Just my opinion.
The first major article is a nifty four-page article "Grand Rapids Fishing Lures, Part I: Pierce, Hill and Hibbard Spoon Baits" by Michigan writer Terry McBurney, whose work has graced the pages of the Gazette on a number of occasions. This well-researched and written article, as all of Terry's work is, centers on the Pierce, Hill and Hibbard spinners of Michigan. These lures are important nineteenth century developments in fishing lure history, and show the genius of tackle making reached far inland from the stronghold of New York City. The subject had been broached before in Bob Groter's article "Early Fishing Lures of Western Michigan" (NFLCC Magazine, June 1995) and in Arlan Carter's seminal work Nineteenth Century Fishing Lures, but Terry's research clearly shows that there is much more to be learned on the subject. It is well illustrated with seven clear B&W photos.
The second feature article is Eric Borgerding's "This Place Was Once Called Eden: A Brief History of the Late 19th Century Fishing and Fishing Lures of Madison, Wisconsin." McBurney's article is what we call revisionary scholarship; this is taking previous research and adding significantly to the story. Borgerding's work is what historian's call original scholarship, a pioneering work that covers material not widely available in print before (Bob Slade does mention Madison fishing a bit in his work on Wisconsin fishing tackle). This nine page article details a number of tackle manufacturers never before covered in depth, including Fritz Huels and Sumner & Morris. The photos are detailed and useful for identifying variations in the styles of these overlooked spinners. It is one of the most important articles published in the Gazette in the past three years.
In addition to these two excellent feature articles, there are also some shorter articles as well. One of these is by Ray Thomas of White House, TN entitled "Gene Bullard: Father of Modern Rod Making." It is a neat little two-page article covering a brief history of this important rod maker. An important one-page feature by Dan Ross of Cincinnati entitled "Be Prepared" outlines how all of us can help ensure the survival of our sport and hobby by working with local Boy Scout troops to promote a fishing tackle collector's badge. Jim Freeman of Leeds, AL wrote a one-page article on the Leonard Self Wind-Up Plug. Finally, the Rev. Reed Stockman, a regular contributor, penned a one-pager "The Mysterious Little Craw Lure" that covers this intriguing Tango-style bait (although the article was printed with a very bizarre drop cap first letter). There is also a two-page section on Ken Haggard creels that is unattributed (perhaps penned by Jim Fleming, the Gazette's editor). It shows models of these gorgeous creels in full color.
Finally, professional bass fisherman and collector Bernie Schultz contributed a nice biography of NFLCC member Henry Hoellman, the man who served as the basis for the character Henry Blake in the hit book, movie, and TV series M*A*S*H*. First posted on the internet on Joe's Chat Board, it is a moving testimonial to a collector who touched many people's lives.
Coming in at 40 pages this issue offered some interesting information and I would consider it a step forward in the effort to revise and update the Gazette.
--Dr. Todd
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