Monday, February 28, 2011

News of the Week: 28 February 2011




Don't have time to read 50+ fishing and tackle collecting blogs and web sites? Well, let us do it for you! Follow all of the latest news, articles, and stories on our Whitefishpress Twitter account! Hint: You don't need to be a member...just bookmark the Twitter Feed Page or click on latest links to the right!

2200 anglers get skunked in big tournament…British angler gang up on killer shrimp…the NOAA starts its survey…using the Ducknose knot…George Orr retires…pick up your litter…British man risks life for fishing rod…interesting fish stories…Jim Scarlata gets profiled..the science and art of bamboo fly rods…nine year old much better angler than you…it must be THE NEWS OF THE WEEK!

The Big Lead: 2200 anglers fish for 3 hours in ice fishing tournament…and catch no fish.

Field & Stream's Weekly Vintage Lure Contest winner this week is the iconic Mud Puppy.


The NOAA starts its national survey of saltwater angling's contributions to the economy.

Lady worries her Heddon Lures appraised at an antique show won't find buyers.

How anglers in Britain are cracking down to stop the spread of a killer shrimp.

Using the Ducknose knot.


George Orr has turned over fish and wildlife battles to a new generation.

Don't be a jackass--pick up your litter.


A new product promises a "fine line" for trophy panfish.


British man loves his fishing rod much more than you.
This rod puts safety first .

Here are some strange and interesting fish tales.

Why you should forget one-size-fits-all rods and reels.



A profile of Jim Scarlata, big fish angler.


The science and art of building bamboo fly rods.


Finishing with a Flourish: Nine year old Florida angler much, much better fisherman than you, lands record fish.



-- Dr. Todd

Sunday, February 27, 2011

1000 Words

1000 Words

Over the next month, we'll feature some stunning photos from Jack Seedhouse from British Columbia, Canada. These photos come from the Charlotte Archipelago, and feature a combination of fishing and wildlife. They are incredible, and we'll feature two per episode. Thanks Jack!





-- Dr. Todd

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Deconstructing Old Ads: The Dying Flutter and the Dying Quiver (1958)

The Dying Flutter and the Dying Quiver

Today's ad comes from the April 1958 issue of Fisherman magazine. It introduces the Heddon “Dying Flutter” and “Dying Quiver.” I was aware of the existence of these two baits in 1958 because an adult, who saw my strong interest in fishing at age 14, subscribed to this magazine for me. Also a neighbor had given me his copy of the 1958 Deluxe Heddon Catalog which I devoured on many evenings, dreaming of the day when I would actually be able to afford the many “killing baits” that were offered there. I never actually saw these two baits until many years later. Growing up in rural, northwest Ohio, my only source for plugs at that time was the local hardware store where choices were pretty much limited to River Runts, Flatfish, and Creek Chub Plunkers. When I started to attend lure shows in the mid 1980s it wasn't long before I got my first look at the real items. I had read an account by an author who really sang the praises of the Dying Flutter, but had not run into anyone who had actually used one.


These two baits were fairly common at the National NFLCC Meet about 15 years ago and could be picked up for $5 or less. On the second or third day of that meet, I stopped by my friend Ken Webb's table and as we were talking, I asked him if he had ever used ether of these two baits. Ken leaned forward and in his southern drawl proceeded to tell me that he had gone fishing in the bayous of Louisiana one morning and stopped in a small, backwoods Bait & Tackle store where, on a shelf, he saw one each of these two baits in dust covered boxes. “Bill,”he said, "I bought those two baits and had both of them taken away from me by bass before the end of the day!” That was all I needed to hear. I picked up a dying quiver with the intention of using it at first opportunity. My friend Ken passed away a few years later and the bait went unused and forgotten in the bottom of my tackle box for several years.
 
     I am a evening and night fisherman who likes surface plugs almost exclusively at that hour. About three years ago I was working a great spot at the end of the lake in a foot of water when I repeatedly had strikes from a nice bass who knocked my plug in the air and returned to his lair a few feet away among the lillypads. I waited a few minutes, changed baits, and the whole affair was repeated. In desperation I looked through the tackle box for something “different” --- something he had not seen before. There in the bottom of the box, partially covered by other items was the forgotten, white Dying Quiver. Remembering Ken's enthusiasm, I attached the bait to the line. Three things surprised me: how heavy the bait was and how well it cast; how it floated in a vertical position and reminded one of a bobber as it bobbed up and down: and the last surprise was the vicious attack by the heretofore cautious Bass that resulted in him being landed and released.

Thanks Ken.



-- Bill Sonnett

Friday, February 25, 2011

The Friday Funhouse

A really cool video of fly fishing the Clyde River in the 1930s.



12 Things I Would Buy If Only I Could Afford Them

This Weed King is a nifty weedless plug mint in the box.


I have always thought a collection of Bicentennial fishing reels would be a blast; this Wright & McGill 225C would make a great start!


This Leonard Tournament rod from the 1920s is a superb casting tool.


The Heddon Slope Nose is an iconic bait.


A Walton Speed Bait is a bizarre spinner indeed.


How about this Talbot #21 made for Abercrombie & Fitch?


Man, this Heddon is heavy , man, really heavy.


Colorado Classic Cane is example #4991 why you should buy all tackle books available.


Goldfish scale …the prettiest color in Creek Chub's prism.


This is a really nifty creel .


Gotta love this Shakespeare Revolution .


Who wouldn't love this charming ABU 444 in the box?



-- Dr. Todd

Thursday, February 24, 2011

The Early G.M. Skinner by Ken Kerr

The Early G.M. Skinner by Ken Kerr

A few weeks ago, Bill Sonnett wrote about the G.M. Skinner spoon hook. CAFTA Newsletter editor Ken Kerr was kind enough to send in some more information about my favorite lure of all time, the G.M. Skinner Spoon Hook. Take it away, Ken!

Saw your story on Skinner and the old ad so I thought I would send you a couple things of interest.

one is the earliest ad found for Skinner, from the Gananoque Reporter of Oct. 4, 1878. This shows what is thought to be his 2nd store location (Steve Hays says he has an earlier
reference to Skinner in partnership, sharing some quarters on the same street, a few years earlier. It is actually a hand-written entry in a diary or journal).


Second is an 1879 bulletin published by the U.S. National Museum, under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institute. It has G.M. Skinner and his Gananoque trolling lures, listed on page 101. This bulletin is a listing of all the museum's holdings - there are flies and tackle listed from pages 101 to 138 and also on other pages.



Thanks Ken! Some awesome information. I love the fluted spinners so any new information like this is always welcome! By the way, the Bulletin referenced above is a superb resource for tackle of the day, for example fly rods made by Thaddeus Norris.

-- Dr. Todd

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Pflueger's 1905 Art Print Giveaway

Pflueger's 1905 Art Print Giveaway

In the April 1905 Western Field, Pflueger inaugurated a novel give away program that might help us to identify a number of sporting prints that have been floating around for years. In an article entiled "AN ENTERPRISING PROPOSITION," the magazine wrote:

Western Field is in receipt of one of the metal signs and window transparencies gotten out In eight colors by the Enterprise Manufacturing Company of Akron, 0. for display by dealers who handle their goods.

Both the embossed signs and the transparencies measure 10 by 14 inches. The Illustration herewith gives an idea of the subject, though it can not adequately reproduce the beauty of the colored original.

Both the signs and the transparencies are so handsomely gotten up that they are an ornament to the handsomest sporting goods establishment, and are bound to attract favorable attention wherever seen by anglers.

The Enterprise Manufacturing Company. however, have not stopped at this. They have, In addition, issued a set of certificates which, when signed by both the dealer and his customer, certifying that the customer has purchased $1.00 worth of Pflueger's goods from the dealer's store and mailed to the Enterprise Manufacturing Company, together with 4 cents in stamps to cover postage, entitles the customer to an eight-color picture of the subject illustrated below, measuring 10 by 14 Inches, but entirely free from advertising matter of any kind.

This picture is a work of art particularly appropriate for any sportsman's den and the liberal policy of the Enterprise Manufacturing Company in presenting it to their patrons is bound to greatly help the retailers In Increasing sales.

Realizing that there will be a great demand for these pictures during the coming season, the Enterprise Manufacturing Company positively state that not more than one picture will be sent to the same person, no matter what the amount of his purchase may be.

The metal signs. window transparencies. and certificates will be sent to any dealer In fishing tackle addressing the Enterprise Manufacturing Company and mentioning "Sporting Goods" in his request.



I encourage everyone to commit the above print to memory. I know I've seen it before, and did not know it was an Enterprise Manufacturing print. In fact, I am positive I saw this for sale at a recent tackle show.

I recall they were beautiful and I wish I had bought them! Does anyone own one of these prints?

-- Dr. Todd

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Voices from the Past: Pflueger Courts the Local Druggist (1906)


Today and tomorrow, we will be relating some small pieces of Pflueger history. Today, we look at how Pflueger worked to court the humblest of tackle merchants -- the small town druggist. In this fascinating article from the March 1906 issue of National Druggist magazine, a very verbose editor for this trade publication extolls the plus side of stocking Pflueger's cheapest line of tackle -- the "O" line.

Fishing Tackle a Profitable Side Line

As quality is the keystone of satisfaction, so is satisfaction the keystone of increased patronage, and the dealer who makes the former his rule finds the latter a constant quantity. Experience has taught the druggist that fishing paraphernalia is not an exception, and that the connoisseur no more than the humblest follower of Isaac Walton knows and appreciates quality and "sticks to" and indulges deep-seated affection for the dealer who shares his enthusiasm and supplies his wants in that particular. The Enterprise Manufacturing Co. of Akron, O. has shown the druggiest how fishing goods can be converted into a handsome revenue, accessory to the drug business, and the quality of their goods has "clinched" the patronage of customers who has used them, from the very start. The immense plant of the Enterprise Manufacturing Co. produces a variety of goods that is nowhere equalled. Their factory has been owned and operated by the Pfluegers for twenty-five years, and enjoys the proud distinction of being the best-equipped and most extensive plant in the country for the manufacture of fishing tackle.

Fishing reels of all kinds and qualities are made for fresh and salt water -- of brass, nickel and hard rubber. Fish hooks, that until recent years were purchased largely in Europe, are now made with improved machinery, and acknowledged much superior in quality to the goods heretofore imported from abroad, resulting in an immense export trade along those lines. Spoons, baits and spinners, flies, leaders, and sneers, phantom minnows, lead sinkers, rubber baits and insects, fishing floats, and a multitude of other goods, all bear the imprint of quality and skillful manufacture, and each and every article goes out of the factory a symbol of perfection. Beginning with their cheapest line, No. 0, being all complete with float, hook, sinker, etc., retailing at 5, 10, 15, and 25 cents, respectively. It is possible to get anything in this line the trade may want, including twisted cotton line, braided cotton and braided linen, cable silk, plain and water-proof. These goods are put up in an especially attractive manner and have proven banner sellers with the drugstore trade.

Briefly told, the goods of the Enterprise Manufacturing Co., of which their new catalogue, No. F 24, lists several thousand of items, are an exemplification of perfect mastery of the business, and reflect great credit upon the makers, whose skillfulness and earnestness to excel has attained that degree of excellence in quality that warrants and deserves the name by which they are so favorably known in the trade. The Enterprise Manufacturing Co. will send their large new catalogue, No. F 24, prepaid, to any druggist desiring their name.


Pflueger didn't get to be the biggest by only courting huge merchants. With tens of thousands of druggists across the country, the majority of them stocking fishing tackle (and a good many of them getting tackle from Pflueger), this was a profitable market for Enterprise to get in to.

-- Dr. Todd

Monday, February 21, 2011

News of the Week: 21 February 2011




Don't have time to read 50+ fishing and tackle collecting blogs and web sites? Well, let us do it for you! Follow all of the latest news, articles, and stories on our Whitefishpress Twitter account! Hint: You don't need to be a member...just bookmark the Twitter Feed Page or click on latest links to the right!

It's Kevin Van Dam again!…Field & Stream's vintage tackle contest...how mono and spinning changed fishing…the NY Times on ice angling…Perfect Duluth Day on steelhead fishing classes…Brandon Palaniuk gets some press…sidearming lures…Iaconelli on Iaconelli…Neal Taylor has passed away…Eagle Rays are hard on reel drags…fishing bamboo…it must be THE NEWS OF THE WEEK!

The Big Lead: It's Kevin Van Dam…Again!


One man remembers how monofilament and spinning reels changed the sport .
Part 2 of Field & Stream's vintage tackle contest .


The New York Times and its annual fishing article .


What's new in fly fishing ?
Perfect Duluth Day gives the 411 on steelhead fishing classes .

Why do it yourself is not the answer in Britain.


Brandon Palaniuk is attracted a lot of attention at the Bassmaster Classic.


San Diego writers takes exception to Manabu Kurita's world record bass mount.


Sidearming lures for big bass .

Legendary angler Neal Taylor has passed away.

Iaconelli on… Iaconelli .


Homemade gear can enhance your experience .


A Kiwi recalls an ocean of fish that got away .
While an Aussie bemoans the Eagle Ray's impact on reel drags.


Why Keith Fraser is the dean of all sturgeon anglers.

Finishing with a FLourish: Fishing Bamboo …give it a try!



-- Dr. Todd

Sunday, February 20, 2011

1000 Words

1000 Words

Over the next month, we'll feature some stunning photos from Jack Seedhouse from British Columbia, Canada. These photos come from the Charlotte Archipelago, and feature a combination of fishing and wildlife. They are incredible, and we'll feature two per episode. Thanks Jack!


Saturday, February 19, 2011

Deconstructing Old Ads: Bill's Pride (1928)


Bill's Pride

It would be easy to confuse William C. Miles with William Mills as both were from New York and both sold fishing tackle. In fact that appears to have happened in Kimball's Early Fishing Plugs of the USA. As far as I have been able to determine William C. Miles only made and sold one lure, but boy was he proud of it! I personally have never seen this lure in the field but have seen it advertised in several outdoor magazines. Today's advertisement comes from the June 1928 issue of Field & Stream.


Not long ago on Joe's Board, Nick Monteleone posted this picture of a beautiful yellow example he owns. The lure was later advertised as coming in two colors: Yellow and the ubiquitous Red and White. It appears to be well made and sold for $1. Apparently it was not a big seller if one is to judge by the number that are found today.



-- Bill Sonnett

Friday, February 18, 2011

The Friday Funhouse

Video of the Week

Someone posted this on Joe's Board, and I had not seen it before. Behold! The Ironmen of Tuna Fishing.



12 Things I Would Buy If Only I Could Afford Them

A Moonlight Baby Torpedo in great condition is a rare find.


These tuna jigs have been absolutely ON FIRE lately.



This is the coolest vintage photo of a classic tackle shop !


Heddon Chuggers are super cool, and this color is very rare.


This Simmons Ketch-Em in the wood box is just an incredible trade minnow.


This is a great pair of Pflueger metal spinners from the 1890s.


Pflueger 2600s have always attracted incredible interest.


Man, this ABU Cardinal 3 has just blown up.


So pretty…this Heddon Punkinseed 740 is a great bait!


Instant Collection Alert: Early Heddons in Boxes !


Heddon made so many great rods, including this Black Beauty #17 .


A classic tackle box is always a thing of beauty.



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

-- Dr. Todd