Friday Funhouse

The Friday Funhouse
Do you want to see a Killer Whale fight a Great White Shark? Take your right hand. Place it against your left wrist. Feel if you have a pulse. If you do have a pulse, OF COURSE YOU WANT TO SEE AN ORCA VS. A GREAT WHITE SHARK!



Things I Would Buy If Only I Could Afford Them
A really great Liberty reel gets me in a patriotic mood.


This is a simply gorgeous Leonard trout reel.


A Chippewa in the box goes to the head of the class.


A Viking Frog in the box is a close second though...


Talbot Eli reel;
Your haunting beauty moves me
Sigh...you won't be mine.


Anyone got the skinny on these Schauffler big game reels?


A Heddon Spin Diver in rainbow is a classic lure.


A dealer's box of South Bend Trout Orenos would look great next to my Trout Oreno Twelve Pack.


This Pflueger Crescent Moon Spinner is a great old metal lure.


Ah, you Winchester collectors...always something to drive you batty.


Abercrombie & Fitch passport pack rods are a nifty--if nigh on unusable--fishing rod.


A Pflueger Progress fly reel is a nice find; its maroon chimney box? Instant classic.


This Meek #3 couldn't be nicer if it came with a slice of apple pie.


One-off Penn reels like this one are the latest rage.


Creek Chub collectors are battling over this black head/white body Dingbat.


A Bug-N-Bass in an uncatalogued color is certainly getting a lot of looks.


How about a ledger filled with minutes from the South Bend Bait Co. dated 1958-1975?


These 8 Bobbers have attracted a lot of attention.


Here's an oddball Sunnbrook Bait Shrimp.



As always, have a safe and happy weekend, and be good to each other and yourself.

-- Dr. Todd

A Review of the Lang's Auction Catalog DVD/DVD-Rom

A Review of the Lang's Auction Catalog DVD/DVD-Rom


Last week brought in the mail the much anticipated Lang's auction catalog. Much has been written about the company's decision to move to an all-digital format, along with other major changes for this spring's auction. Perhaps the most lamented loss, for some at least, were the gorgeous printed auction catalogs that served as a valuable reference tool for many.

The new format, however, does offer some distinct advantages. The catalog came in two styles -- a DVD format and a DVD-Rom. The DVD was very neat; it worked nicely in my Toshiba DVD player and allowed for simple navigation. I was happy to see some of the items like the Hardy Sunbeam fly reel in high definition on a flat screen television. The problem, of course, is that I spent like four hours scrolling back and forth while my wife looked on with an increasingly angry furrow to her brow. So be wary--watch at your own risk.

The DVD-Rom contained two master files, one for each day of the auction. It is these items that are available for download from the Lang's auction site. They were in PDF format and require a PDF reader, or if you use a Mac, the Preview program. The awesome benefit of PDF is that it is searchable. I've had a jones for William Mills of late, so a search for the word "MILLS" brought Lots 61, 109, 118, 259, 260, 261, 579, 805 and 972. Such a function saves much time, especially when returning back to an item previously viewed.

While not infinitely scaleable, the images were sufficient to blow up a tremendous amount of detail that simply was not available in the printed catalogs. Overall, I found the PDF files to be easiest to use, although the DVD was certainly a nice touch.

Will this cause me to completely forget the old auction catalogs? Well, things being what they are, this format offers some distinct advantages, but it's still hard to curl up by the fire with a good laptop. Of course, any Lang's catalog is infinitely better than no Lang's catalog at all, and as much as we may all miss the catalog books, I bet no one misses it more than Lang's owners John and Debbie Ganung. They literally put their heart and soul into the catalogs.

The catalog is available for a nominal fee as either the physical DVD/DVD-Rom or as a downloadable PDF file by clicking here. And of course, the auction catalog can be found on-line by clicking here.

Much more on the auction next week as we enter our semi-annual Lang's Week here on Fishing for History!

-- Dr. Todd

The Travails of a Charter Boat Captain by Richard Thomman

Richard Thomann is an ORCA member, reel collector, and all around saltwater fishing guru. He wrote this email to John Elder who forwarded it to me, and it was just too good a story not to share with everyone.

The Travails of Charter Boat Captain

by Richard Thomman

I wouldn't even take the time to recap fishing yesterday, if it wasn't something I thought you would enjoy! Took two older guys from my Dad's R/C Airplane club who have been begging me to take them fishing.

I put the boat in water at 4am and went out to end of jetty and caught a full tank of live mackerel in about 20 minutes. Headed back to dock to pick them up and got a call that they were running late. Instead of 5:30 they showed up at about 6:15. I commented that the wind was blowing, there were some clouds and asked if they had rain gear. I went back up to truck to get my Gortex jacket and offered to loan them some rain gear, but they didn't think they needed it so...off we went.

Got out to lingcod ridge and since they were paying $80 each for the day, I didn't fish, just helped out with baits & rigs. I told them not to drag the bottom....drop to bottom and then reel up 3-5 cranks. Both of them hung on rocks on first drop and pretty much had us anchored. At least they couldn't complain about not getting to pull on something. I broke them off and had other rigs tied, so fairly quick back in water. Within 2 minutes, both were hung on bottom again. That was the first time I heard one say "there are no fish here", but I remained calm and held back comment. I got one free and only lost the weight on 2nd so pretty fast back in water. I talked them through...hit bottom, crank, crank some more...made sure they were not dragging bottom.

Went back to beginning of ridge, a perfect drift right straight down the ridge line from south to north. Normally it is up and over ridge which is much more snaggy. After one drop and about 3 minutes, one guy said "no fish here but I know the half day boat is on fish. Let's go fish over there," which was a couple miles back toward Mission bay. The other guy agreed. I looked at the fish finder and grabbed a rod and dropped down and almost immediately had a fish. Remember, I was not fishing today...one drop, one nice 29" lingcod. I asked them if they wanted to stay here since there are fish, but one guy said "you caught the only one" and they other guy said "let's go over by the halfday boat." So off to the South we head, right into the 20mph wind. "The Wetspot" was living up to her name...I was nice and dry in my Gortex, except the occasional spray in the face, which I enjoy.

Get there, meter a nice spot of fish and turn around and both of these guys looked like they had been hanging out at a broken fire hydrant. Drop lines and one is snagged instantly. The other hooks and looses his fish. Break off and go back up onto the meter marks. Nothing, nothing, nothing...finally one says, "No fish here" and stops fishing to eat some soggy wet donuts. I grab a rod and fish in his spot (got to keep lines in the water to catch fish, I think?) and before I even hit bottom fish on. Nice 3lb sandbass. Drop again, another 2lb sandbass. 3 drops, 3 fish for me. Drop 4 nothing for me...so we move back.

They both fish for nothing on two drifts. Then the no fish here comments come out and they want to move again. They are strategizing on what possibilities exist based on travel direction and decide to move out to rockfish spot to West. Not too bad a ride, kind of slow, get there and they drop.....nothing, nothing, nothing. The other guy decided to eat a soggy ham sandwich so I grab a rod. Drop 5, one nice 4lb vermillion rockfish. 5 drops, 4 fish for me.

So far, one of them has gotten bite once but lost the fish. One of them finally gets a small rockfish...too short to keep...and they want to move again. We get there and both of these guys have pooched cuffs on the bottom of their pants...I realize the cuffs are full of water. Hmmmmm.....some rain gear MIGHT have been a good idea. They take about 10 minutes and 2 towels each to damp off each other, I drop and one small rockfish, too short to keep. They both watch me fish for a while but neither of them grabs the other rod to fish.....they decide there are no fish there, and want to go back by the halfday boat. One of the guys comment about "getting a raincheck on this fishing trip" even though there was no rain.

By the time we get there, neither one cares about fishing anymore, they might not have cared from the start. I drop down and get another nice sandbass. I ended day with 8 or 9 drops and 5 fish in the cooler. It was only about 11 am and they were ready to head in...no more dry towels on the boat. I cleaned the fish outside the jetty, content to watch two drippy old farts shiver in the 25mph wind, when I could have gone between the jetties and spared them a little. I gave them the fish and watched as they left wet snail trails up the dock ramp and off to their cars. I was polite enough to not even smoke a cigarette in the boat the entire morning...for what?? They never even said goodbye.

Maybe it had something to do with my last comment of "If you wanted to fish nice and dry by the half day boat, you should fish on the half day boat." Luckily, I got my $160 at the boat dock BEFORE we left. Yippee little Miss Wetspot!

Anyway, the boat was clean and I was napping by 2pm. My Dad decided he didn't want to go today, after hearing the conditions, so I guess I get to clean up some reels today and list a few things on EBAY. The wind from straight south to north and a very mixed swell created the "Perfect Washing Machine" out there yesterday. Good day not to have been on the water, good day to at least not have decided to leave the rain gear behind.

An awesome story and I thank Richard (and John Elder who sent it my way). Really now. Some people!

-- Dr. Todd

Voices from the Past: William Elting's NYC Tackle Shot (1893)

It is nice to learn a little bit of history of fishing tackle trade houses that have been forgotten by time, so I was pleased as punch to run across the following blurb in the History and Commerce of New York, 1891 about an old established name in New York City's tackle trade, William Elting, which gave a bit of his history.

William H.S. Elting, Fishing Tackle, Etc., No. 438 Hudson Street. For more than half a century the name of Mr. William H.S. Elting has been familiar to the public as the proprietor of the oldest and most popular sporting goods establishment in this part of the city. Mr. Eliting started in business at his present location away back in 1839, and during the fifty-two years that have since elapsed he has maintained an unbroken record for fair, honorable, and liberal dealing. Mr. Elting, who is now seventy years of age, is still active and energetic and personally supervises every detail of his large and flourishing business. He occupies a commodious store, neatly and attractively fitted up, in which will be found a full and very complete assortment of everything in the line of sportsmen's goods, including fishing tackle of every description, cutlery, hardware, patent ammunition, powder and shot, Eley's percussion caps, revolvers, guns, etc. etc. A specialty is made of repairing fishing rods and reels, and every article in the sporting line is sold on the most reasonable terms. Everything kept in stock is of the best quality and obtained direct from the leading manufacturers. Mr. Elting, who is a native of this state, is a reliable and responsible leader in his branch of trade.

I find it intriguing he was a rod and reel repairer, as I know that this service was provided by a few of the bigger New York trade houses (Abbey & Imbrie, Wm. Mills) but wondered if other stores did it as well.

I wonder if anyone has seen a piece of Elting marked fishing tackle?

-- Dr. Todd

News of the Week: 06 April 2009

Randy Moss the NFL receiver is a stylish bass fisherman...man dies eating bait fish as a prank in front of school children...seriously...doctor removes fish spear from man's brain...$100 to fish with a pro...lures with flair...the collecting bug...rock snot...12 year old better angler than you, catches monster bonefish...an old catfish record is restored...a 90 pound carp...Australia uncovers the world's dumbest anglers...it must be THE NEWS OF THE WEEK!

The Big Lead: Randy Moss is not just the best receiver in the NFL, he is one mean hand with a fishing rod (and a Swisher Sweet too).


Man dies eating a bait fish in front of schoolchildren. As a prank. Seriously.

Doctor removes fish spear from a diver's brain.

How $100 can get you a seat in a boat next to a bass pro.


From the Office Space files: The Washington Times declares that anglers prefer lures with flair.


Versatile spinners and spoons can meet most conditions for angling.


One man opines on the collecting bug.

Ah, the smells of spring. April rain, flowers blooming, and of course, rock snot.


Fishing is a hobby...an expensive hobby.

12 year old better angler than you; catches monster bonefish.

Ex Denver Bronco player turns to fishing to fuel his competitive drive.


An old catfish record is restored.


A British citizen goes ice fishing...


In Malaysia, a quest for queenfish.

By the light of the Silvery Spoon.

Bay area fishing radio host Mel Berman is still reeling in listeners after a quarter century.


A metal rod may not have collector value, but it sure has sentimental value.

A commercial fishing crew nets a 90-pound carp on the Mississippi.

Why the spike in fishing has tackle companies thriving, despite the weak economy.

Finishing with a Flourish: Australia uncovers the world's dumbest anglers.



-- Dr. Todd

Streater's Thought of the Week

Every weekend Dick Streater gives us his thought of the week, culled from his voluminous files on fishing and tackle history.

Streater's Thought of the Week: One of the first foot controlled trolling motors was illustrated in an early Creek Chub Bait Company catalog--it showed a guy fishing on the back of a horse.

-- Dr. Todd

A Thousand Words

A Thousand Words

This week in 1000 Words we again feature the photography of Peter Nilsen. Makes me want to go and tie some flies!



-- Dr. Todd

Someone Got A Deal...

And no, it wasn't me! $4.89 for a nice copy of Jack Howell's The Lovely Reed. Sometimes you snooze you lose!



-- Dr. Todd

Friday Funhouse

The Friday Funhouse
Sea Mountains are teaming with life.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Things I Would Buy If Only I Could Afford Them
This is an awesome early Kent Frog Floater.


This Heddon 105 in the box is a real sweetheart of a bait.


Here's an oddball reel, made by Harry Wilson of Scott Rods.


This R.L. Winston Perfect Fly Reel in the box is a sweet reel.


A Clark half-leather creel would be a beautiful addition to a creel collection.


A pair of Gee Wiz frogs in blue head and red head white are a great pair.


This Heddon 9630 in Red Head/White with Silver Flitter is a rare bird indeed.


A nifty Haas fly rod minnow is a are small bait.


Your Lure Haiku of the Week:

Heddon Musky Vamp
Massive chunk of wood and paint
Did you catch a fish?


This South Bend Tarp Oreno in the box is a great find.


This J. vom Hofe German Silver casting reel marked for A.B. Shipley is an absolute honey of a reel.


A CCBC Beetle in a great color will always make the Creek Chub Man's day.


This vintage fishing bucket marked Lucky Floater does not come around very often.


This pair of 9 Thread Count Tuna-King spools has at least two collectors butting heads.


A jointed Pikaroon is a nifty Moonlight lure.


Shakespeare catalogs from the 1920s are hard to find; this 1928 catalog is no exception.


Instant Collection Alert: Seven Arbogast fly rod Jitterbugs.



As always, have a safe and happy weekend, and be good to each other, and yourself.

-- Dr. Todd

BREAKING NEWS: John Vandivier Passes Away

BREAKING NEWS: John Vandivier Passes Away

It is with tremendous sadness that I just read the news on Joe's Board that John Vandivier, a noted collector and all-around great guy, has passed away. There is a large thread with comments from his many, many friends you can read by clicking here.

This is truly a sad day. May he rest in peace.

-- Dr. Todd

Thursday Review: Ralph Acker Custom Rods & Web Sites

Thursday Review: Ralph Acker Custom Rods & Web Sites


Today I'm going to review something a bit out of the ordinary for me: a web site and rod from a custom rod maker by the name of Ralph Acker. Now, I've been blessed to know more than a few bamboo rod makers in my day, including some of the most talented makers in the world. I've talked to many of them about the process of making rods, and of course, I've written on the subject at length.

Which is why I was fascinated by the rods that Ralph makes. I met Ralph recently at the Pigeon Forge NFLCC show in January, and got to talk to him a bit about his rodmaking philosophy. Basically, what Ralph does is to "remanufacture" old rods into something different and new. He takes a vintage fly rod, likely one missing guides, etc. and completely strips it down, or in his own words, "works backwards in the build process." He inspects everything to make sure it is in good working order, replaces ferrules if needed, puts on a new custom reel seat and cork, rewraps the guides (replacing them if need be), and then varnishes the rods to a fine high grade finish.

What I think is interesting about Ralph's work is that he is NOT refinishing or refurbishing these rods. He shortens them from the bottom up as his specialty is small rods suited for small stream fishing (he is from North Carolina where such rods are not just desired but necessary). He strives to not tamper with the original taper, which since the majority of the vintage rods he salvages the blanks from are Montague, tend toward a medium action.

My first thought was that shortening the blank would mar the action on the fly rod badly, but the first time I lawn cast my 6'10" Small Stream (2/2, 3-4 weight) rod made by Acker my mind was put at ease. While not a Garrison or Payne, it felt comfortable and responded with what I would describe as an action not appreciably different than a 7'6" Montague Rapidan I once owned. It was a perfect rod for fishing river smallies, which is what I plan on doing with it later this spring.

The most amazing thing about Acker rods are the price: $100-$275, depending on model, type, and accoutrements. Where else are you going to find a fishable bamboo rod at that price? Additionally, everything is custom, from the rod bags (sewn by Ralph's wife) to the clever and indestructible rod tubes.

Basically, what Ralph is doing is salvaging rods with no collectible value and making them once again into delicate fishing instruments. It's a fascinating idea, but as we'll discover in the coming weeks, not a new one. We'll profile a gentleman active in the 1940s and 1950s who did essentially the same thing, rescuing thousands of fly rods from the garbage bin, much as Ralph is doing today.


You can contact Ralph Acker through his web site by clicking here.

-- Dr. Todd

Voices from the Past: Thomas Edison's Big Shark (1907)

Voices from the Past: Thomas Edison's Big Shark (1907)

Thomas Alva Edison is best remembered as one of America's greatest inventors, a man who's name is synonymous with inventive genius. But what few know is that Edison was also a fairly dedicated angler. Here is a report from the 08 April 1907 edition of The Los Angeles Times where Edison and his wife tangled with a nasty shark.


Edisons Fight Monster Shark
Inventor and Wife Have Close Call While Fishing
Story of Desperate Battle for Mastery Between Deep Sea Denizen and Fishers Comes to Light--Takes Hours to Capture Six Feet Long Prize

NEW YORK, April 7.--[Exclusive Dispatch] Friends of Thomas A. and Mrs. Edison today learned of a desperate struggle the inventor and his wife had in Florida with a shark, which Mrs. Edison had hooked while fishing in a river near Edison's southern laboratory.

For a time Edison and his wife were in imminent danger of being thrown into the water and losing their lives.

Edison and his wife were fishing for tarpon. The inventor was dozing when his wife aroused him by a shriek of alarm. Edison sprang to her aid, and together they played the fish, but the rapidity with which it sped away soon exhausted the supply of line, and they were forced to use their utmost strength to retain not only their prize, but their tackle.

Presently the two were being towed rapidly down the river. Spectators on shore worried for their safety. For half an hour they watched the struggle, and several times saw the inventor recline in the bottom of the boat, evidently to rest. At other times the boat was in great danger of being overturned.

At length the fish surrendered, the two dragged it near to the boat, and then Edison commenced to row toward the shore, while his wife, almost exhausted, clung to her prize. When the boat reached shallow water, Mrs. Edison's brother killed the fish--a shark almost six feet long.

Quite a battle! A few years back I recall seeing a post where an NFLCC member was able to view Edison's tackle box. I wish I could remember more details about that...

-- Dr. Todd