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Serving the fly fishing, bass fishing, tackle in the history of fishing, Whitefish is your one stop collecting, and fishing history world since 2007, the shop! Whitefish Press currently has over 70 titles in print. Our books are available from Whether your interests lean towards the history of whitefishpress.com, Amazon.com, and finer book fishing, collector’s guides to the most popular and tackle stores. We are always interested in fishing tackle, the finest in fly fishing literature, or hearing from anyone with a unique collection or biographies and autobiographies of seminal figures story! FISHING FOR HISTORY the magazine Volume I, Number 7 July 2013 PUBLISHER IN THIS ISSUE The Whiteish Press Editorial: Rethiking the NFLCC Nationals 575 4240 Minmor Drive Deconstructing old Ads with Bill Sonnett 576 Cincinnati OH 45217Gary Miller’s Angler’s Miscellany 577 John Etchieson’s A Few Lines About Lines 578 EDITOR Robert Ellis’ Bronson Reel History 582 Dr. Todd E.A. Larson Tom Jacomet’s Lure Lore 591 Michael Hackney’s From the Reelsmith’s Bench 592 COLUMNISTS The Fishing Photographer with Doug Bucha 595 Michael Koller’s Hooked on Paper 596 Bill Sonnett Ben Wright’s Spinning Reel Report for May 2013 598 Gary L. Miller Steve Lumpkin’s Illinois Tackle History 600 1000 Words: Surf Casting 605 Ben Wright Annotated Tackle Catalogs with Dr. Todd E.A. Larson 606 Finn Featherfurd Lost Patents 610 Doug Bucha Big Nemo 612 Dr. Todd E.A. Larson Gary Hall’s Quiz of the Month 615 Voices from the Past: Ox Brains for Bait 616 John Etchieson Hollywood Goes Fishing 618 Robert Ellis Focus on Full Page Ads 619 Harold Dickert Letterheadings with Jim Jordan 620 Dick Braun Voices from the Past: Hardy Ads 622 Big Game Fishing History with Dr. Tim O’Brien 624 Dr. Tim O’Brien Voices from the Past 626 James Jordan The News of the Month for June 2013 627 Steve Lumpkin The UNID Files 628 Henshall’s Fish Culture by Clyde E. Drury 629 Tom Jacomet The Friday Funhouse for May 2013 630 CONTRIBUTORS Photo Essay: The Automotive Fishing Ad 642

Steve Barrow EDITORIAL ADVISORS J.K. Garrett L.P. Brooks G. Buckley Juhasz

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This magazine deals with our outdoor heritage. It concentrates in particular on the history of ishing and ishing tackle, and seeks to provide interesting, informative, and important materials for anyone who wants to help preserve our nation’s (and the world’s) ishing. © 2013 The Whiteish Press. VISIT THE FISHING FOR HISTORY BLOG AT: fishinghistory.blogspot.com RETHINKING THE pNFLCC NATIONALS EDITORIAL (REPRINTED FROM AUGUST 2012)

First of all, let me say that the Fort Wayne What about Thursday, you might ask. Would we Nationals was as well-run and organized as any National lose the bargaining power with hotels/convention centers show I have ever attended. Massive thanks go out to Dave by ditching a day? Saalfrank and all of the show organizers and volunteers. It How about we rearrange the Nationals in this way. was awesome and I really enjoyed all aspects of the show. I am really looking forward to returning to Fort Wayne. 1) Move the Members Meeting (and Executive Board What I think needs to be addressed has nothing to meeting) to Thursday morning/early afternoon, to be do with the amazing show put on by the volunteers like followed DIRECTLY by the seminars. I attended the great Dave and his team, or the ine folks in Kansas City next year. seminar by Warren Platt and Bill Sonnett on ishing antique What needs to be rethought is the NFLCC National tackle, and afterwards had a dozen people say they would Show itself. have gone BUT THEY DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE THEIR I began thinking about this on Friday afternoon at TABLES. exactly 2:30 p.m. while sitting on the show loor. I was at my table when a brand new NFLCC member stopped by to 2) Move the Auction to Saturday Evening after the show ends.

buy a book. After brief introductions, I asked him what he This as much as anything would encourage the NFLCC MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY thought of his irst Nationals. His response? members to stay Saturday night, as well as potentially bring "I thought they said this was the biggest show of in more auction items. (By the way congrats to Brent them all? Where are all the people? And why do half of the Vonderheide and his team on a great auction, it was amazing tables have sheets over them?" to watch and raised nearly $50,000). I had no answer for him. At 2:30 on Friday afternoon--with the show loor open until 7:00 that So to recap, I believe these changes would make for evening--there were less than 100 people on the entire a much stronger loor show. It would: show loor. A show loor with 500 sold tables... Contrast that with Thursday at the same time, -- encourage members to stay on the loor both days, as it when there were far more people and the aisles were would have a lot of trafic (from different groups) on both crowded from one end to the other. Friday and Saturday. Then contrast that with Saturday, when almost everyone had pulled up stakes (including myself) and -- encourage members who have to work during the week to vacated the loor by noon, despite the show being open attend Friday afternoon/evening, as they would still have all until ive p.m. day Saturday on the loor and the auction to look forward The question you have to ask is: WHY? to… The answer is complex, but includes a conluence of reasons: exhaustion from room trading, conlicts with the -- it would make Thursday night the granddaddy of all room tackle seminars, people picking up and leaving for other trading evenings, and one in which most members who book shows, etc. a three-day weekend could attend. All I know is that if you arrive at the Nationals after Thursday, you are not really seeing the NFLCC in all its -- it would free up members to attend the seminars without glory. fear of leaving their tables unattended. And that is a damn shame. So how can we ix this? -- It would turn the NFLCC auction into THE EVENT of the I don't have all the answers, but I would like to weekend, and encourage everyone to stick around Saturday offer what I think is a solution. It has been arrived at after for the duration of the show as they would stay for the much discussion with other collectors, and after a talk with auction. outgoing NFLCC president Byron Parker, who offered very valid and cogent criticism. I appreciate very much his input. -- Allow break down beginning an hour before closing on So here's what I think is wrong with the NFLCC Saturday, and allow enough time so that people who have Nationals: it's long since outlived being a three day show. tables can still make the auction. I believe the NFLCC nationals would be far better served moving to a Friday-Saturday two day show. Let me I would love to hear opinions, both pro and con, on explain. this plan. Frankly, I think it would work a ton better than If the NFLCC Show moved to Friday-Saturday what we already have, with half-empty shows after lunch 8:00-6:00, I believe we would not have the absences we on Friday and all day Saturday. normally see on Friday afternoon (Saturday being Your turn… universally seen as a "dead" day). BILL SONNETT DECONSTRUCTING OLD ADS WITH BILL SONNETT

THE CREEK CHUB PLUNKER (1928) This advertisement an intermediate between the from the March 1928 issue of “woodpeckers” and the Outdoor America magazine Plunker. Since the Plunker proclaims the Creek Chub Bait proved to be an effective lure Company's “Plunker” as “new” for big ish, it has been copied though it is known that it was in countless ways by large and produce in 1927. Seasoned small companies alike. From

MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY Creek Chub Bait Company the Heddon Chugger to the collectors will recognize in this present-day Pop-R and its illustration the Plunker's early, many morphs, the "plunking full-bodied shape. It is listed as bait" has become a standard weighing ¾ oz. In a few years it type in any line-up of surface would take on a slimmer lures. appearance and have its weight When sportswriter trimmed to 5/8 oz. Identifying Brent Frazee of the Kansas City genuine early Creek Chub Star was introduced by Warren Plunkers can be confusing. The Platt to bass ishing with confusion results from the fact vintage tackle, he was that later Shur Strike Plunkers presented with several vintage (made by C.C.B.C. as a less lures to use. He irst chose the expensive, second line of baits) Creek Chub Plunker. Brent soon are nearly identical in shape to started to catch bass with the the earliest Creek Chub bait and despite repeated Plunkers. The Shur Strike baits encouragements from Warren must have been made from a and myself to try some other lighter wood or had a lot less baits, he has steadfastly stuck paint on them as they are listed with the Plunker. Frankly, he at ½ oz.. has caught about as many ish Few plugs have been as either of us when we've featured in paintings as many ished together. If one has to be times as the Creek Chub a “one-lure isherman” you Plunker. It is usually in the could certainly do worse. mouth of a bass with the ish As a boy, I spent many leaping high, as anglers in the hours looking over the distance look on. Most of the selection of plugs at the local time it is the ubiquitous red hardware store. These always and white. included Creek Chub Plunkers The idea of a surface lure (with no spinners) which I found very alluring, but for some reason I that popped, plunked and splashed when given a never chose to buy one with my hard-earned, lawn- good tug, seems to have evolved from Jim Heddon's mowing money. It was not until I got into collecting “slopenose”(cc 1902) on through the various old tackle that I decided to give the Plunker a try. It “woodpecker” style baits. The Holzaphel Mushroom has since accounted for many large bass, especially Bait (cc 1912 -- see Deconstructing Old ads for after dark. I wish I had purchased one back in the October 17th 2009)) appears to me as somewhat of 1950s -- just think of all the bass I missed out on! 576 p

AN ANGLER’S MISCELLANY by Gary L. Miller

HEDDON’S DOUBLE HEADER BAIT CASTING LINE Here's something I s p o o l s w i t h t h r e e just came across that you sections, showing the may ind useful for those heavy ends on either interested in line research. side and the lighter test MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY I've never heard of Heddon's in the center. Spools are "Double-Header" Bait- decorated with gilt, and Casting Line before. It's from four spools of line in gilt a blurb in the June 18, 1931 paper are packed in a Hardware Age Magazine. display box. Line is offered in three weights: Heddon "Double Header" 12, 15 and 20-kb. test, Bait-Casting Line with ends 10 lb. heavier. List price of display box "Double-Header" bait is $13.00. It includes 1 casting line, offered by James 12-kb. center line No. Heddon's Sons, Dowagiac, 12/22 list, $3.00, s Mich., has ends which are spools No. 15/25 with double braided. Middle 15-kb. center at $3.25 portion of 40 years is light each, and a spool of 20- test and ive yards near each kb. center line No. end is gradually reenforced 20/30 at $3.50. Usual by braiding in extra strands. dealer discount By this extra braiding the prevails. Other maker states that double combinations may be strength and double wear are ordered. obtained. Line may also be reversed, giving it so much extra wear and strength. This line is particularly valuable because the extra strain on it in playing the ish close to the boat, or in landing it, is matched by the greater strength at the ends. "Double- Header" lines are handsomely packaged on individual

577 IDENTIFYING OLDp LINE SPOOLS

By Dr. Todd E.A. Larson By John Etchieson HOW TO DATE YOUR LINE SPOOL As a collector of old The truly antique ishing ishing lines, I can often ind lines that were made more those called "collectibles" than 100 years ago are that were made during that extremely rare, and ifty year span from 1909 to surprisingly, are often MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY 1959. However, I consider passed over by some rather myself extremely fortunate astute collectors of "antique" whenever I can ind any old and "collectible" ishing ishing line that can truly be tackle simply because they called an "Antique." You see, have not yet learned how to technically speaking, for a recognize them for their ishing line to truly be antiquity. To remedy that considered an ”Antique" situation I would like to today it should have been share with my fellow tackle made at least 100 years ago collectors a few of the clues or more. that I have learned over the "Antique" can refer past 20 years of collecting to almost any old object that ishing lines. The following has value due to its age, aesthetic appeal, clues have helped me to identify those tell tale condition, rarity, and/or historical signiicance. signs of antiquity that often appear on those 100 But it's not always simple deciding what is or is year old plus ishing lines: not an antique. In the 1930s, antiques were Clue one - the simple text labels. Simple considered artwork, and thus could be brought text labels are very common on those lines spools into the United States duty-free, and so everyone that were made more than 100 years ago. These wanted to call every old item an antique. style labels will usually containing only a The U. S. Customs Ofice stepped in and company name, maybe a line brand name and surveyed antique dealers, and concluded that very limited text. They will usually have no antiques were objects made before the graphic art work, except for the occasional trade development of mass production in the 1830s. mark art. An example of such a simple label is the Since that deining moment — mass production one shown above that was custom made between — was 100 years in the past, the customs ofice 1895 and 1903 for Stark and Weckesser of decided that an antique was something made Dayton, Ohio by the Hall Line Company of more than 100 years ago. Duty was collected on Highland Mills, New York. The "S & W" brand was objects less than 100 years old, but items more also marked on metal spinner lures that were than 100 years old were still duty-free. made for Stark & Weckesser by Plueger. In the That 1930s deinition is still in use today, late 1890s, Stark and Weckesser operated a and is used by collectors and dealers to bicycle shop and also sold ishing tackle just a few distinguish between true antiques and blocks from their main bicycle shop competitors, collectibles the soon to be famous, Wright brothers. This 578 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY simple labeled wooden spool of ishing line from the very early 1900s. These ornamental predates that irst successful airplane light that design styles were especially in vogue with was made by Orville and Wilbur Wright in printers during the last third of the 1800s. The December 1903. Edward K. Tryon (the Crown and Fish was their Clue two - look for fancy script lettering trade mark) Hardware Company of Philadelphia, and printer's lourishes and dingbats (the line spool label shown above is from the late 19th printer's term, not the lure). It is quite common to century and make use of ornamental lourishes in ind these little fancy swirling lines in the "white the letters. Note, in particular their use in the space" of labels or incorporated directly into the capital letters "B," "C," "S" and the "L." Fonts such letters used on the labels of line spools made as these can help a tackle collector to identify from the 1880s through the 1890s with a few ishing lines as being made prior to 1900 The Abbey & Imbrie "Maltese" line spool left would now qualify as a true antique line, because it was listed in the irms 1907 and earlier catalogs. Note also in particular the style of the font used in the A & I logo. This same logo which was also in use by Abbey and Imbrie during the late 1800s uses the previously described printer's lourishes and dingbats which are incorporated into the intertwined letters "A" and "I." Clue three – look at the shape of the spool when viewing it from a side proile. The shape of wooden spools changed several times between the 1870s and the 1930s, so it helps to learn about the different shapes and the period in which they were used to identify the age of your line spools. If the spool has a wide diameter (3 inches wide across the face of the spool) and is very thin (3/8 inches thick or less) then it is very likely a candidate to be a true 100 year plus antique line spool.

579 Every one of the line spools in my personal a common practice and design style that was collection of more than 2000 spools that it this characteristic of ishing lines that were made only exact same proile have all been identiied between the 1880s through the very early 1900s. through information contained on their labels After 1910, line spool labels still continued to and from catalogs and advertisements as being feature a company's logo, but not usually in the conined to the 1903 to 1908 time period. These very middle of the front main label, and the logos very thin wood spools have not yet been were not generally as prominently featured as identiied nor associated with any other time they had been in the 1800s. The Shakespeare period other than these early 1900 dates, so they Company's "Indian Silk" logo design shown above were most likely a short lived fad with the line (centered in the middle of the label) was irst spool manufacturers. introduced in 1908 and was then used for only Another important shape or proiles to one year before the Indian's image was changed look for are those spools with the "V" shaped in 1909. In 2008, this particular line spool center or the modiied "V" shaped center. All of became a true 100 year old antique. The three these "V" shaped styles that I have ever seen and examples shown below are all pre - 1908 line researched have all been associated with labels spools, and they also, all employ the simple on line spools that were made only between the centered company logo in their label design. All of

MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY late 1800s to the very early 1900s. these also qualify as true antique line spools. Clue four – look for a company logo that is centered right in the middle of the label. This was

This particular version of the Saranac The simple centered company logo on the brand ishing line label (pictured next page) was spool above was used from the late 1800s only made between the years 1905 and 1908. through the very early 1900s. The logo, consisting This ishing line features the Clark - Horrocks of the intertwined letters "E" and "C" and a tied (later to become Horrocks - Ibbotson) logo feathered hook was the trade mark of "Empire centered in the middle of the label, which was City" which was a popular 1890s "house brand typical of labels made from the late 1800s name" that was owned and used by Abbey & through the very early 1900s. Note also the Imbrie on their less expensive lines of rods, reels, printer's lourishes just above and below the ishing lines, tackle boxes, and other economy words "Trade Mark" which offers still another ishing tackle. Note the lourishes at the tips of the clue to this lines antiquity. letters and incorporated into the font design. This is still another clue to this line spool's age of 100 years or more.

580 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

The Thomas J. Conroy "Minnow Casting" or fancy printer's lourishes designed into the line spool above features the company's logo white space of the label or incorporated into the centered in the middle of the label. T. J. Conroy lettering, or have any wooden line spools that are used this same design on their line spool labels very thin or have the "V" shaped side-view from the late 1800s through the very early 1900s. proile, then you may well have a very rare and And, while this line spool has not yet been historically signiicant ishing line spool. I would completely researched to determine its exact age, like to hear from anyone that has such spools, and it is a very likely candidate to be classiied as a will be happy to try to help them further identify true antique, which was made more than 100 the makers and exact ages and values of their year ago. truly antique ishing line spools. I can be reached If you have any line spools that have a at [email protected] Thanks, John Etchieson company logo centered in the middle of the label,

581 BRONSON HISTORY

BRONSON SALTWATER REELS Somewhere in In 1933 the early 1930s Bronson came out with Bronson bought the JA 4 new reels in their Coxe Company from catalog to add to their Southern California. inventory, SW reels for It was just a one the irst time! Bronson, manned shop! Joseph well known for selling Coxe was a deep sea fair quality reels at a isherman and a reel very good price! This maker. He was a would be a new MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY master of both. venture for Bronson Where he lived near for the next 8 or 9 San Diego, CA was one years! The war came in of the best ocean 1941 and that put a ishing areas in the halt to Bronson reel U.S. In 1923 he manufact-uring as for patented his free most all other large spool design on his reel making factories. salt water reels, The reels keeping up with some were the Viking No. of the other reel 600, The Buccaneer makers who had No.700, The Sea Rover already had their own No.900 and the Jolly free spool designs at Roger No.1200. In the the time. We believe 1933 catalog these Bronson needed were all 250 yd. size someone in his ield to reels! We do not have have him design and an original 1933 help build them some Bronson catalog, what salt water (or as SW) we have are some B+W reels. At this time copies that we got Bronson did not through the ORCA produce any SW reels library. (The ORCA and probably new they were missing out on this Library run by Don Champion has some great demand! Bronson already lost out on selling SW info on vintage reel’s, members get fantastic reels for over 10 years prior. breaks on copies and book loaning, the link for all Plueger and Ocean City were way ahead this will be below along with the link to join!) So of them in this market. Bronson also missed out we are going to jump up to the 1934 catalog for selling the SW trade reel’s, in our years of looking pictures of their ads, the pages are in color and we have on found one and not sure if it was done will look much better in our column than some B at the factory or later by someone else! There +W pictures. Bronson added one more reel to was lots of ishing going on in the 1930s during their inventory of SW reels in 1934 of these now the Great Depression due to many people out of 5 reels, with some in other spool sizes. work and Bronson needed to catch up!

582 1934 Field & Stream MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

583 spool and a 5 point star drag, hexagon end caps. The reel shown is also a later version from around 1937. The one pictured has a plastic crank knob. The irst versions had wood crank knobs. (We are working with what we have, so some of these reels shown will be a year or two off from what the ads show!) These came in a 250 or a 300 yd. size. We have been looking for the box for this, but still have not found one, so we are using a picture from a fellow reel collector and ORCA member. Notice that the box

MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY shows a Viking ship printed on it along with Bronson’s SW reels pirate ship logo?

In the 1934 catalog Bronson advertised their new Coxe designed “Auto Mesh” feature, (Patent # 1495676) a unique free spool design that came with all their free spool reels. This was the original Coxe design that was iled in 1922 and issued in 1923, this design was changed several times in the 1930s we found more patents that were updated slightly changing over the years which then was now owned by Bronson! The Viking No.600 is the irst one that we will describe! This reel has black bakelite side plates with metal reinforced inner plates that are made of brass and are heavy chromium plated as are the rest of the reels metal parts except the spool, it was made with German Silver (Or as GS) langes as said in the catalog, later they would change the German Silver to Nickel Silver. (Or as NS). These reels do not have reel numbers stamped on the bottom of the foot only the name! It features the Auto-Mesh free 584 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

Bronson Viking saltwater reel.

The next reel is The Buccaneer No.700, spider washer that creates tension on the end this reel has all black bakelite side plates, has the caps for spool adjustment and not to come loose Coxe Auto-Mesh free spool, but no star drag! The and get lost. Also having their pirate ship logo! parts are made of brass and nickel plated. This These were only offered in a 250 yd. size for this reel has the wooden crank knob, with some year 1934. knurled end caps. The tail plate has the common

585 FISHINGFORHISTORYMAGAZINE July 2013 586 The Sea Rover No.900 is next, again this logos, we thought that they were stamp painted reel has black bakelite side plates that are on, yet the paint looked to be some sort of nickel reinforced with brass inner plates that are silver paint, because it turns color just like silver chromium plated as are the rest of the reels parts, does when it tarnishes. Now in the picture of The except the spool it has the German silver langes Sea Rover shown which shows a little wear, J the with a brass arbor. It also has the Coxe free spool. logo is missing, so we found out that it is a cut- But again no star drag! These were offered in a out, maybe an emblem pressed in during the 250 or a 300 yd. size. Now on these pirate ship bakelite mold? MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

587 Next is The Jolly Roger No. 1200, another ship logo! Probably saving money on this less simple SW reel that is made of black bakelite with expensive reel. Price was $2.95! These were only nickel plated parts, with no free spool or star offered in the 250 yd. size. drag, only came in a 250 yd. size. Also no pirate MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

588 Last is one of Bronson’s best SW reels. The head plate to the left just a tad and pull it apart! Sea Wolf No. 400. These are a gorgeous reel and In the picture we show the larger 300 yd. reel, you scarce! These came in a 250 or a 300 yd. size. can see the rivet heads and the slots they slide in They are made of German silver throughout and and the knurled head plate ring that comes off! heavily chromium plated, with transparent side The price in 1934 was $10.00 for the 250yd. and plates. The irst version of these came with a $12.00 for the 300 yd. size! The tail plate picture quick take apart feature on the head plate, (1934 is of a later 250 yd. reel without the take apart add says it is on the tail plate, we believe this is a design! mistake?) We believe Bronson had trouble with To take apart the reel you would irst those take aparts and only used them for a short unscrew the large locking screw on the face plate time, maybe only one year? at about 6:00 until it is loose and then turn the MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

589 All these reels are out there at very low The Privateer No. 300, The Corsair No. 700 and prices, (Except the Sea Wolf No. 400) So you can The Falcon No.800. Again some of these reels easily start a collection of some very ine reels came in different spool sizes. (Our Opinion) and not have too much $ invested In 1942 Bronson closed down the reel in them. Bronson continued to make these SW making and started making war products for our reels up to the beginning of the war! They made Country. After the war Bronson did not make any other models than what we show here after 1934. more of these larger SW reels with their name on The others are The Raider No. 200, The Traveler them, from then on JA Coxe was branded to all of No. 210, The Torrent No. 250, The Tracer No. 150, their SW reels!

Pirate ship trademark for Bronson’s early saltwater reels. MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

The metal pirate ship insert found on all Bronson saltwater reels in this family before World War II.

590 TOM JACOMET The Miami Metropolitan Fishing Tournament

WWW.LURELORE.COM THE DILLON-BECK QUIVER-LURE If imitation is the greatest form of lattery, Dillon actually marketed the Jamison Quiverlure then the Quiver-Lure bait by Dillon-Beck Mfg. Co. as it has been found advertised in Dillon-Beck is certainly a leader in that regard. Seems back in advertisements. 1940 or so, a fellow named Dillon left the employ This lure came in a red and blue box with of the W. J. Jamison Company of Chicago and the company name listed on the front as opened a ishing lure company of his own called "Dillonbeck" but on the back as "Dillon-Beck". Dillon-Beck Mfg. Co., of Irvington, New Jersey. The company lasted only a couple of years and by Dillon-Beck produced a line of ishing lures which 1942, was gone, having produced only one other went under the trade name "Sport-A-Lure", one lure during its brief lifetime called the Killer- of which was the "Quiver-Lure", an almost Diller. MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY identical lure to Jamison's "Quiverlure", both in The value range for this lure is estimated shape and obviously, in name! In Carl Luckey's to be between $30 and $40. Old Fishing Lures and Tackle, he indicates that

591 MICHAEL HACKNEY FROM THE REELSMITH’S BENCH

WITH MICHAEL HACKNEY The Meisselbach Patented Featherlight Reel

I like simplicity. wheel, a click spring Humans, by their encircling the said nature, tend to want to click wheel and formed make things more with opposed ends to complicated than they bear upon opposite really need to be. sides of the said click MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY Albert Einstein said and having a crook “Make everything as intermediate to its simple as possible, but ends, straight pins not simpler.” (I like projected outwardly quotes too!). In the from the cheek plate at case of ishing reels, opposite sides of the the Meisselbach crook but upon one brothers, August and side only of the spring, William of New Jersey, and a screw applied to were practicing that the cheek plate within philosophy while the said crook to retain Einstein was still a boy. the said spring in This month’s contact with said pins Reellections takes a and secure the same look at one the removably upon the Meisselbach brother’s cheek plate, as and for early patented reels - Figure 1: US Patent #553,069 Drawings the purpose set forth. the Featherlight. US 2. In a ishing reel, the Patent #553,069 was granted to August F. combination, with the reel frame formed with a Meisselbach and William Meisselbach on Jan. 14, suitable cheek plate carrying an axial reel 1896. The patent drawings are shown in Figure spindle, a spool mounted upon the said spindle 1. The Meisselbach brothers were savvy and provided with a click wheel adjacent to the businessmen and innovators, you can learn more said cheek plate, a reversible double headed in Phil White’s well-researched Meisselbach and click pivoted upon the inner face of the said Meisselbach-Catucci Fishing Reels.1 cheek plate and adapted to engage the said click The claims made in patent #553,069 are: wheel, a click spring encircling the said click 1. In a ishing reel, the combination, with the reel wheel and formed with opposed ends to bear frame formed with a suitable cheek plate upon opposite sides of the said click and having carrying an axial reel spindle, a spool mounted a crook intermediate to its ends, straight pins upon the said spindle and provided with a click projected outwardly from the cheek plate at wheel adjacent to the said cheek plate, a click opposite sides of the crook but upon one side pivoted upon the inner face of the said cheek only of the spring, and a screw applied to the plate and adapted to engage the said click cheek plate within the said crook to retain the

592 1. said spring in contact that both lightens the reel with, said pins and and looks attractive. The s e c u r e t h e s a m e foot is a simple stamping removably upon the riveted to a itting cross cheek plate, as and for brace, simple and quite the purpose set forth. strong. Finally, the sliding Claim one check button on the back describes the click spring, allows the angler to which is bent and disable the click. Simple, retained by a screw and functional, and very cost two pins. It is rather effective to manufacture interesting as we’ll see in in high quantities. the internal photos of the The spool is held in reel. Claim two describes place with a simple a reversible click pawl, it retaining screw. can be rotated 180° if/ Removing the spool when one end wears Figure 1: Front Side of Meisselbach Featherlight reveals the patented down, doubling the life of check mechanism shown MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY the reel. The brothers in Figure 4. contend that this arrangement of spring and The click wheel is pressed onto the tube double-ended pawl is simpler and doubles the life that comprises the hub. It is made of steel. The of the reel. interesting and patented spring design and pawl Let’s take a look at a Meisselbach are shown in the close-up in Figure 5. The spring Featherweight reel that is stamped with this is wishbone shaped as per the patent description. patent “PAT. JAN. 14 ’96”. Figure 2 shows the It is attached to the back frame plate with a single front face, Figure 3 the back face, and Figure 4 screw and is retained by two small pins. This is the bottom of the foot. the simple arrangement described in the patent. The reel features a simple but attractive In addition to being simple to manufacture, it stamped raised pillar frame and spool side plates. allows the spring to be unclipped from one of the Decorative porting features the six petal design as springs without tools. The pawl can then be that shown in the patent but adds a little extra rotated 180° to present the other end, which is cutout between the petals. This is a nice feature properly shaped. Although inexpensive to manufacture and purchase, the reel was designed to give long service and value - trademarks of the Figure 3: Back Side Showing Click Slide Button. Meisselbach brothers.

Figure 4: Bottom of Riveted Foot showing 280 size

593 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

Figure 5: Close-up View of Spring and Double-ended Pawl

Figure 6: Featherlight disassembled.

594 p

JUNE IS STRAWBERRY TIME IN MICHIGAN MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

Yes, June is strawberry time in Michigan and The oldest published use of the name as you can see, strawberry can have a second Strawberry appears in Kimball’s early reference meaning. This would be the classic Heddon books. The book says, the #11 had white with red and “Strawberry” inish, to be exact. Heddon called it green decorations- referred to as “strawberry.” spotted, or simply “S” if you were ordering a lure in I checked with a few collectors who have been this color. collecting for years and none of them knew who Where did this name come from and who was coined the name. One collector has even been an the irst collector to coin it? As we look at the lure, it is advanced strawberry collector from the 1970’s. easy to see where the name came from. The color I will now open the question up to you, the seems to show up for the irst time on the 1911 collecting fraternity. Who was the irst collector to use Swimming Minnow. The next lure to use this color the name, Strawberry? If anyone has a good answer, was the 1913 Dummy Double. The name spot or please write or call me so I can post it for everyone to spotted was the cataloged color for both lures. I was see. -- Doug Bucha ([email protected]) unable to ind the name Strawberry used in any Heddon catalog throughout the years. 595 p

WRIGHT & MCGILL NOTE PADS Two men opened their own ishing tackle the front of the notebook. Besides a product company in 1925 under the name of Wright & graphic on the cover, each notebook has a McGill. Stan Wright and Drew Mc Gill were those calendar and about 15-20 blank pages for writing two men. They were located in Denver, Colorado notes. The notebooks were perhaps included with then and the company remains headquartered a dealer kit for shops or were an item shops could there today. Most, if not all, isherman are familiar give to customers making a purchase. I have

MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY with their ine products. founds notebooks with dates from 1954 through I don't remember when or where I picked 1965. up my irst Wright Mc Gill notebook. I just know If you have more information regarding that I really liked it. The pocket sized, 3"X6", pad these collectibles please write me at caught my eye because of the ishing graphic on [email protected].

596 597

FISHINGFORHISTORYMAGAZINE July 2013 p

BEN WRIGHT’S SPINNING REEL REPORT JUNE 2013 RAIN, RAIN AND MORE RAIN WITH MORE Airex: INTERESTING REELS !!! Astra ewb @ 26.15 Vic green e-wb @ 102.50 Featured Reels: Abu Record 500 exc+ extra spool w/itted leather Daiwa: case @515.81 GS30 ewb @ 127.50 Abu Record 500 same as above @ 753.00 SS3000 nib @ 151.88 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY Rare Early Mepps Vamp exc @ 1924.94 Dam Quick: Reels of Interest: Super 270 nib @ 58.00 Ocean City 350 yellow like new @ 81.00 listed as a Super TWO SPEED nib "BUT" all Swiss Esquire nib @ 224.26 photo's showed the reel as a SINGLE SPEED ??? @ check out the prices for these Orvis Ulta-Lites 110.55 50A Like New @ 299.50 50A nib @ 400.00 English: 75A nib @ 332.26 Loncast S.E. Cook exc @ 97.20 75A nib @ 535.00 holy cow !!! French: Reel Deals: Dopeer exc- @150.00 Alcedo Micron curved Leg exc @ 51.03 Centuare Carbie green ewb @ 79.00 Feurer Bro's Astra 414 exc- @ 14.50 Croizix inish wear @ 89.10 Flo-Line exc+ w/poor box @ 42.00 Mepps Super Vamp exc @ 53.55 Heddon: odd ball Mustomatic CF exc- @ 9.99 100 CF nib @ 69.01 Penn Special 430 CF nib @ 41.00 200 SCF nib @ 89.05 South Bend Sup-Matic 606 ewb @ 33.60 260L nib @ 37.55

Other reel----- Japanese: Abu: Karmann 41 Gold color exc+ @ 140.00 wow Abumatic 155 CF exc @ 164.13 Grant Sport exc starting @75.00 NO BIDS 700 third version ewb @ 220.65 1000 second version nib @ 229.60 Johnson: Suveran S2000M e+wb @ 385.00 710 CF exc @36.50 Cardinals: Centurary 100A CF nib @ 45.00 C33 nib @ 79.95 Pink Princess 100AP CF exc @ 110.00 52 nib @ 256.00 54 nib @ 171.38 Mitchell: 55 exc @ 191.70 3rd version paint wear @ 194.06 752 nib @ 76.01 Garcia 300 nib box marked 300X @ 255.00 755 nib @ 71.00 common 308 e+wb @ 76.00

598 Custom 308 w/one tier tournament spool all polished @196.22 Zebco: 410 Special ewb @ 97.20 44 Cf nib @ 103.50 MPU only for 302 nib @ 53.00 55 CF Ewb @ 43.00 Cardinals--- Penn: 7X nib @ 120.00 700 3rd version exc+ w/poor box @ 156.50 557 exc+ @ 90.00 716Z nib @ 195.72 More reels: Italian: Sea Martin mk 2 exc @ 142.01 Alcedo-- Tamco by La Salle exc @ 132.50 2C/S bronze exc @ 114.08 Uslan 500 ewb @ 162.53 Jupiter e+wb @ 202.55 Ranger Lime Tamer 33 nib @ 158.49 Mercury last version exc @162.00 odd ball James 3 in 1 CF nib @ 66.98 Nautilus B1 exc- @ 152.50 Nettuno marked Foreign exc @ 127.50 Last two Zangi--- Waltco ny-o-Lite boxes with papers only

Pelican 50 gary exc @ 194.24 one sold @32.50 one sold @ 12.50 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY " " orange/white cup exc @ 271.93 Have a great summer Orvis 100A e+wb @ 210.50 Ben

p VOICES FROM THE PAST

The following epistle is from the great But there are quite a few dry ly purists who Raymond R. Camp, long-time outdoor editor of would seriously consider some other sport if Jim The New York Times. In an article entitled Payne stopped making these rods exactly as he "Production Line Equipment Fails to Dim made them when father was a lad. Popularity of Old-Fashioned Fly Rod," published In the midst of production line tackle, it is on March 11, 1955, he opined on the great refreshing to ind a rod that has a quality bamboo rod maker Jim Payne: undimmed by time. Custom rod makers are aging, and apprentices are few. So many anglers are Many new tackle items are being displayed worrying about the future source of this and tested at the booths and pools at Kingsbridge equipment. Prices for custom rods have increased, Armory, many of them fabricated of plastic, iber, but who ever met a wealthy rod-maker? glass and assorted materials. But it was a relief to ind one angler at the casting pool with an old- A nifty love letter to the bamboo ly rod fashioned ly rod. from one of the most respected writers in the This man was dropping a ly lightly on the outdoor ield. water with a Payne rod, a precisely engineered and fabricated wand formed of six carefully selected strips of bamboo. It cannot be "thrown" in a boat. You can't arc the tip around until it touches the butt. No angler would try to stretch a cast to 100 feet with this old-fashioned but far from obsolete item of tackle. 599 STEPHEN L. LUMPKIN

ILLINOIS’ TACKLE HERITAGE with Stephen L. Lumpkin

WOODY ESTES: LURE MAKER All of us from time to time wish we could make our own lures and many of us do this very thing…..some better than others. I personally haven’t taken the time to try this daunting MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY but intriguing task. Some day though, I’m gonna make the plunge. A Chicago, Illinois man by the name of Elwood “Woody” Estes was a man who always wanted to make his own lures. This is a story about him and some of the lures he ingeniously designed. Elwood Estes was born in Kentucky on December 1, 1912. By 1930, he and his mother were living with his step dad, Jessie Williams, at their home at 2219 N. Lincoln Avenue, in Chicago. By 1940, Woody and his recently widowed mother were living in a rear apartment at 2709 Magnolia Avenue. Woody was 28 years old and had inished his 2nd year of college when his step father passed away. He needed to ind a job to support his mother. Woody had always been a isherman from his childhood in Kentucky to his living in Chicago. While in Chicago, he would travel to Wisconsin on a regular basis to ish for bass

Ike Walton Camp, Webster, Wisconsin, c1946. Woody Estes with a couple of nice largemouth bass.

and pike. His son, John Estes was nice enough to provide a photograph of his dad during this time period and a picture of the camp they used to ish from during the 1940’s and 50’s. Woody’s son was not certain but he though that his dad started making his own lures during the 1940’s and steadily continued to make them for the remainder of his life. Some of the irst lures he made were more traditional in shape and function but Woody would put his own twist on the classic shapes. 600 Three Flatish/Lazy Ike type Estes designed lures.

Two Shakespeare Mouse type Estes designed lures. MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

Another lure design Woody came up with was using a unique metal lip mounted to the front of the wooden body. The lip could have been a take-off of the Arbogast Jitterbug but with the Estes touch. He tried several body designs, two of which are shown here. It was during the 1960’s and 1970’s that Woody started trying out another new lure design and this time a completely unique concept. This was the start of his plastic spoon built lures. The concept was simple

enough. Just put two ordinary plastic spoons together, cut off the handles, and you’ve got a lure body. Rig a hook through the hollow plastic body, weighted or un-weighted, add spinners, tail dressing, or not, and glue the whole unit together for a super duper ish-catcher.

601 Woody used a variety of sizes of spoons; tea spoons for spin casting, and soup and table spoons for bait casting, along with a variety of hook sizes, lengths, and spinner sizes. He also didn’t just paint them one color but tried many colors and patterns that it the situation.

Surface Tea Spoon w/rubber skirt

Sub-Surface Tea Spoon w/rubber skirt MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY Sub-Surface Tea Spoon w/attached grub worm

Surface Tea Spoon w/belly spinner & up-turned hook Surface Tea Spoon w/weighted belly spinner & up-turned hook

Woody also used larger plastic spoons for regular some with extended wires with spinner blades, bait casting size applications. Various rear spinner blade mounts, and propeller blades combinations of belly mounted spinner blades, mounted fore and aft.

Surface Table Spoon w/propellers fore and aft Surface Table Spoon w/rear spinner blade.

602 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

Nine color patterns of Tea Spoon Baits

Underwater Table Underwater Table Spoon (side mounted Spoon w/keel and wire & spoon) spinner on wire

603 Woody Estes found that his plastic spoon lures were great ish catchers and he would always take them on his regular trips to the Wisconsin lakes. He never marketed them or even tried to get them into sporting goods stores. Friends would gladly share his well kept secret lures and Woody was satisied knowing that he could make his own lures and bass would like them as much as he did. Elwood “Woody” Estes retired from Teletype in the 1980’s and died at his home on April 4, 1992 at the age of 79 years. Thank you for your contribution to ishing tackle history Woody.

(RIGHT) Elwood “Woody” Estes in his later years with a nice bass caught on one of his plastic picnic spoons. MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

(BELOW) Two sizes of Surface Tea Spoons w/weighted belly spinner

604 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

1000 WORDS

In this 1000 words we have a great post card made from a photo of ca. 1910-1920 surf casting in North Carolina. It's a really striking image, and a great post card to boot!

605 DR. TODD E. A. LARSON Annotated Tackle Catalogs By Dr. Todd E.A. Larson

THE PETERS ARMS & SPORTING GOODS CO. 1900 Catalog -- REEL SECTION

The The Peters Arms & company was Sporting Goods located at 119 Company of East 5th Street Cincinnati, Ohio in Cincinnati on was founded in what is known February 1900 as Government and incorp- Square, a block

MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY orated that year west of the by O.E. Peters, more famous the president of Fountain Square the famous in downtown. Peters This was about Cartridge 25 miles from Company of the the Peters same city. The Cartridge company was Company incorporated factories located for $100,000 at Kings Mills, and had as its now known as oficers four Mason, Ohio. men who were It was also executives for the parent irm: S.M. Peters, not a very successful company, closing its doors O.E. Peters, J.H. McKibben, and F.C. Tuttle. in 1909, despite the fact that the company was an Thomas Schiffer, author of Peters and King: The active advertiser (the ad shown here is from Birth & Evolution of the Peters Cartridge Co. & the 1905). It did carry King Powder Co. (2002), writes that the irst a full line of ishing oficers were: E.O. Peters (president), A. L. Peters tackle from the (treasurer), F. C. Tuttle (secretary), and A. R. Roll beginning, as (sales manager). Notices of incorporation were evidenced by this printed everywhere from Hardware Age to Catalogue #1 from Industry Week. 1900 and its line of ishing reels. The Peters Cartridge Company remained a titan of the ield for many decades after their aborted attempt to enter the sporting goods ield.

606 Peters Arms carried a full line of Kentucky Reels, as you can imagine. The reel to the left is the “Raised Pillar” or “Top Hat” #33 Blue Grass by Meek & Sons. Note that the jeweled wide spool version was $24.00 -- the equivalent of $677.00 in today’s terms, according to eh.net. Although later reels, compared to the earlier hand-made bench Meeks, these Blue Grass models are still incredible fishing machine. MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

There were several different models of the #33 Meek.

Note the nine sizes of the Milam reels listed in the Peters catalog to the right. The very rare #9 was available for $30.00, which rose to $32.00 for a click and drag version. This was the equivalent of $903.00 in today’s term. A full set of eighteen Milams would have cost you $11,800 in today’s terms in 1900. How much would a collector pay for such a set? $100,000? $200,000?

607 The full line of Julius Vom Hofe reels were still There are 37 different sizes and styles of popular, even in the middle west like Cincinnati. Vom Hofe reels on this page alone! MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

Note that you could buy a dozen of these JVH reels for $120 at the time wholesale.

These hard rubber with metal plate reels are very popular with collectors today; note the huge number of sizes/ styles available.

Note that jewels cost an additional $2.50 each wholesale per reel -- that’s an additional $70.50 in today’s terms! 608 Hendryx made so many reels its almost impossible to keep track of them, selling everything from utility reels to big saltwater models. Here is a pretty standard representation of baitcasting reels from the turn of the century.

These Hendryx reels were $.67 each -- which is $18.90 in today’s terms. MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

There are many “tells” for Hendryx reels, but few as easy to spot as the center click on the face plate.

The most expensive reel on this page was $4.50 each! 609 DR. TODD E.A. LARSON LOST PATENTS REDISCOVERING FISHING’S LOST TREASURES

THE ARCTIC CREEL OF 1951 The Arctic kept the inner Creel is an enduring temperature much MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY design invented by cooler. With an Robert P. Gutshall in inner (made of the immediate post- water and air- World War II era. impervious nylon) Gusthall, a Denver, and outer (lax Colorado native, canvas) casing, the applied for his creel utilized heat patent on March 17, conductivity by 1947 and it was immersing in cool awarded as stream water to 2,555,128 on May create a chill effect 29, 1951. As his on the interior, patent claims, "this better preserving invention relates to ish. a c r e e l f o r It was a clever ishermen, and has invention, which for its object to apparently is still in provide a light, production today as durable and sanitary Orvis' "Arcticreel." carrier for ish While there are which preserves some differences them in a cool and between the two, essentially dry the general principal condition." He remains the same. It assigned the rights was highly reco- to the Colorado Tent mmended in its day, & Awning Company and as they appear of Denver, who regularly up for manufactured it. auction, must have The novelty been fairly popular. of the Arctic Creel They sold for was that it provided around $5 orig- evaporation of moisture on the outside, which inally, and today can sell for 20x that much.

610 The original Arctic Creel came with a December 2002, Field & Stream magazine green canvas shoulder strap, a button lap, and a recommended the Arctic Creel (at the time green nylon lining. The exterior was canvas and manufactured by Cortland) as one of their “Great there were three large circle vents at the bottom Gear under $100.” It stated: “The Arctic Creel’s of the bag. It was also designed to be more vinyl lining and Scotch lax canvas cover keep ish comfortable when worn. clean and cool, and there’s a big pocket for tackle The Artic Creel was favored by a lot of and other people’s streamside trash.” It retailed notable ly ishing writers. Harry Middleton, for for $40 at the time. example, writes of using one in On the Spine of Not much is known about Gutshall Time (1991), and Al Kyte recommended its use in (1903-1992) except that he appears to have been his Fly Fishing, Simple to Sophisticated (1987). a lifelong Denver resident, and was married to a Even The Explorer’s Source Book (1973), a guide woman named Nancy. Gustshall’s invention, book for extreme exploration edited by Alwyn T. however, was a lasting contribution to the ishing Perryn, recommended the Arctic Creel as word. superior to any other creel on the market. In MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

611 BIG NEMO TACKLE TIPS with BIG NEMO MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

A SILVER CREEK RESTORATION This c. 1921 Silver Creek Minnow same brass Stanley hardware found on the case Salesman sample case came out of California when it was made, as it is still made today. from a gentleman who found it in his garage, in Then the inside reconstruction began with an old beachfront home. It was in a Steamer a bed of cork and museum quality cotton cloth. trunk that also had some old quilts or blankets New kick boards were made and covered and that had mildewed and rotted and most likely installed as well. Each lure was placed in the case added to the corrosion as did the salt water as thay were and signage added for each lure as exposure. to factory pricing at the time it was originally It‘s believed to have been in that trunk for made. This 90+ year old restoration was done so decades before it was discovered and sold to a the ages after us can enjoy it for years to come. collector in Georgia, Rob Pavey. I was commissioned by the present owner Here is Bob Beebe’s view of the Bob Beebe to restore the case and stop the decay restoration: of the case and lures. The lures were encased in rusted and I have collected Moonlight for a long oxidation a virtual environmental hazard. All the time...almost 25 years so I knew when I acquired hooks were near if not totally eaten by the salt the Silver Creek salesman display that is was a exposure and it had started to invade the special, one of a kind item. Silver Creek was in integrity of the inish of the lures as well. business for such a short time as best we know and All the lures were removed, held in place there isn't much in the way printed material on the with two to ive eye screws imbedded into the company ... a small 4 page catalog or two, a few wood case, and wired to the lures. Then the box inserts and some correspondence between stripping of the mildewed fabric on the outside Heddon and Paw Paw Cos concerning Silver Creek and interior of the case began. After that, the is about all. removal of the hardware began and the repair of So here I had a pretty good sample of the the wood that had been damaged. Silver Creek line in this little case. However, while Each lure was cleaned and the hooks the painted lure bodies were well preserved, the replaced as close to the exact originals as hooks, hook hangers (screw eye) and the cloth case possible. The case was then recovered in a lining had deteriorated to the point that they vintage material that closely resembled the were a visual detraction from this otherwise original. All the hardware was replaced with the stunning collection of Silver Creek lures. As time 612 marched on over the m e t a l a n d t h e ive or so years I have materials they come had the case in a into contact with. Also, conditioned room, the it may have helped him rust and corrosion that I was in no hurry slowly continued to the for the return of the point that if I tried to case and that I would clean the hardware, get it at the National in some of it would not KC some 9 months survive even a gentle later. Part of the cleaning. restoration of this I guess I heard many lures is the about Joe Nelson the tedious and careful restorer on Joe's board removal of the lures (how appropriate!) although we had met before at and their hardware from the case. I am sure Joe the Knoxville National show. I talked to Joe on the has more than 100 hours of his time invested in the phone and by email to get an idea of what he could project. do to preserve the "collection" including the case The only thing noticeably different from the MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY and return its appearance to as close as possible to as found condition of the display is a brass label the original state. In our discussions, I sensed that entitled "Silver Creek" on the outside of the case. It he and I as lure collectors and preservers were "on looks good to me but whoever may own it in the the same page" when it comes to what one should future can take that off if they want. In summary, I and shouldn't do. am very pleased with Joe Nelson's restoration of Also, Joe has a good appreciation for the vintage ishing items and the preservation value science aspects of the interaction of the lures, the for the future he brings to our hobby.

613 FISHINGFORHISTORYMAGAZINE July 2013 614 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

What am I?

What is this tool that no self respecting 1880’s Trout Fisherman wouldn’t be caught dead without.

TURN TO PAGE ___ FOR ANSWER

615 p VOICES FROM THE PAST

CHEWED OX BRAINS FOR FISHING BAIT (1903) The following exchange, reported by had an intolerable aversion to chewing raw Henry Cholmondeley-Pennell in 1903, gives the material of this kind, we never got any further with background on the subject of Chewed Ox Brains it.' Now, Mr. Editor, every angler will know by this for bait…it's the irst time I've ever seen this announcement what is meant, and that it is an subject broached. I think I'll stick to #16 nymphs unequivocal denouncement of the uses of ox brains for Chub… and' pith' as a bait for chub. Anglers, in verity, have quite enough to refute on the score of habits A winter bait which has found many scarcely reined, when the impalement of worms, advocates of late years is the 'pith' or spinal frogs, gentles, beetles, snails, and even cockroaches, marrow of a bullock or cow, with bullock's brains is in question; but it is a Uetle too bad to add to this

MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY as ground bait, as described at p. 234. In the category of uncleanly handlings that of a process 'Modern Practical Angler,' I have observed that, hitherto conined to Otaheite. Too hot to eat these 'For this mode of chub-ishing the colder the brains may sometimes be; for let me tell you, in weather the better, provided only that the water spite of the italicised 'raw,' they are irst boiled, is not discoloured. . The pith should be used with and many an Italian considers them, with the Nottingham tackle, so as to ish the stream for accompaniment of a little melted butter, as ine a fourteen or ifteen yards down, the most dish as is brought to table. I know of no work favourable position being deepish water close to where the instructions are that these brains should boughs and 'rooty' banks. The bait should swim be masticated in a raw state: and if any exist, the about three or four inches from the bottom, as writer must have been wholly ignorant at the time nearly as may be, the brains being thrown in from that they would be useless, for the simple reason time to time above the swim. In this mode of that they could not be separated by the teeth into ishing it is not advisable to bait any one swim that state of ineness of particles necessary to form beforehand, as chub are shy ish and it is seldom the most tempting ground bait—if that can be that more than two or three can be taken out of called so that does not sink—that was ever offered the same place without scaring the rest; to a chub. But as some doubt does exist upon this consequently it is better to move from place to subject, let me, for the sake oi decency, irst remove place, throwing in a small quantity of ground bait the prejudice against this bait entering the mouth at each. By this made of ishing the largest chub of the most fastidious. I have here a recipe from my are to be taken; and when used by skilful hands, I late friend M. Soyer, who, it will be admitted, was have known a punt well to be half illed with ish. not altogether an unaristocratic gastronome: 'Lay The following correspondence on the the brains in lukewarm water to disgorge, then subject of ox brains and pith as bait, took place carefully take off all the skin : put about a quarter some years ago in the columns of the Field, of a pound of butter in a saute- pan, rub all over between 'Greville F.' and the editor. As the the bottom, cut the brains in slices, lay them in the correspondence, besides giving some valuable pan, and season according to liking. Many prefer hints, presents the pros and cons of the question the brains as a dish by itself, plain boiled, and in a picturesque way, I here quote it. merely lavoured with salt, pepper, and perhaps a slice of lemon.' Here, then, we have the luncheon Sir—In reply to' E. R.,' in notices to correspondents prepared for the chub, minus the condiments. They in last week's Field the following paragraph are not raw, as stated, but scrupulously cleaned appears: 'We never used it, as one of the irst and skinned. Many a poor man gets a worse dinner, directions given by those who use it is to chew it and there are well-fed ishermen on the Thames— and spit it into the water as ground bait; and as we puntsmen spoiled by over indulgence—who labour

616 under a shrewd suspicion that, when they recommend provide accordingly, or you may ind yourself brains, it is one word for the chub and two for brainless before half the day is over. themselves. My only personal objection to their use is dental; and if it be so in others, they must choose their -- Greville F. ishermen like a horse, by his teeth. When Colonel S. irst saw 'Nottingham George' go through this [The process of chewing ox-brains, whether cooked process, and witnessed the cargo of chub that was or raw, and sputtering them into the water all day brought to punt by its application, he is said to have long for ground bait is certainly (at least in our astonished the company at dinner at the palace in the opinion) one which might raise an objection to the evening by accounting for his fatigue with the use of such a bait on the part of any angler troubled statement that, while he was ishing, a man in the with the slightest feelings of delicacy in the same punt 'blew out his brains'—the surprise being following of his amusement. Perhaps we are over- only allayed when his friends were assured that the fastidious, but we cannot help thinking that, even at fellow did it for his living. In using brains, the the expense of a slight reduction in the weight of our essential is that the particles should be so minute that bag, we should prefer some other bait. We fancy we they should be capable of being extensively dispersed know something about chub ishing, having made upon the water. If too large, the chub would be some tremendous bags of them in our time; and if satisied with this gratuitous offering, and not come chub are in the least inclined to feed, we do not MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY to the hook—Master Chub being somewhat like the believe that the superiority of brains over greaves or guest of Count Beaulitte, an eminent gourmand of cheese, &c would be so great^s to make it worth our Louis XIV.'s reign, who, objecting to the fricassde not while to undergo such a process. We might like to being suficiently minced, was answered, 'Oui, je pense eat ox-brains cooked; we cannot say, however, for la denture de mon chef actuel n'est pas si bonne que certain, as we never tried them. We do like celle de mon dernier.' But what is ' pith'? This is sweetbreads, for example, but we might have a well- simply the spinal marrow of the ox, which requires founded objection to chew them and spit them in some little skill to manipulate for the hook, and is the the water all day. It is perhaps a matter of taste after bonne bouche of the repast, the brains being but an all, and 'Nottingham George' and the renowned appetising whet or preparation. It will be found that 'Bendy,' though no doubt capital ishermen, are after the pith is taken from the vertebrae it possesses hardly the Mentors whom we should select to two skins. The outer one, which if boiled would be too instruct us on a matter of that kind. As regards the tough for the hook to penetrate, is removed by irst question of cooked or raw, we certainly have seen it cutting the tube the entire length on one side with a recommended that they should be masticated raw, sharp pair of scissors, and then with the inger and and we well remember that precisely the same thumb pulling it off the pith, which is now perfectly objection was raised to them as we have made. We white, but when boiled for a few minutes the inner believe that a short correspondence embracing skin becomes brown, and is then consistent enough to these points took place in the Field some years ago; hold on to the hook. This is, perhaps, the most killing and we well recollect, that the answer of the bait for chub in the winter months, even when the advocate for chewing the brains raw was that 'they snow is on the ground, that has ever been discovered. were very sweet.' As we have said, we never used 'The Angler's Instructor' on this head says: 'Bullock's them, having an objection to them, as already brains, when nicely cleaned and cooked, are as white expressed; and perhaps it would have been better to as a curd, and fully as sweet to eat as sheep's brains. have simply chronicled our want of experience, The renowned " Bendigo" when he goes chub ishing instead of adding thereto the reasons for it. We fear —and he is no novice at this game— takes half a that even now, when we do know they are to be hatful with him, and he is obliged to chew the brains cooked, that want of experience is likely to continue, before he throws them in; nor can he prevent, as he unless, indeed, our friend 'Greville F.' has any says, a portion going down his throat, they are so sympathy with the puntsman whom he quotes, and sweet : so, you see, he ishes with one part and would really like to do the masticating and blowing swallows the other. Two heads of brains are quite part of the process for us; in which case we will test suficient for a day's chub ishing.' If, however, you the infallibility of the bait with the greatest pleasure. have an epicure in the punt with you, it may be well to — Ed. Field.]

617 Hollywood Goes Fishing MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

Tis mont in 1000 Words we contnue our "Holywood Goes Fishing" teme wit a great studio photgraph of starlet Leila Hyams. Hyams was one of tose silent film stars who tansitoned int talking pictures. Beginning in 1924, she began as a supportng charactr in silent films but by te lat 1920s had graduatd t speaking leads. In 1930, she co-starred wit Robert Montgomery and Walace Beery (bot ardent anglers) in Te Big House. She retred fom films in 1936 but remained actve in Holywood as te wife of notd agent Phil Berg. Here she poses for a studio stl ca. 1930 wit an Ocean Cit surf reel.

618 FOCUS ON FULL PAGE ADS 1970 ABU Garcia Lee Wulff Advertisement MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

619 p

LETTERHEADINGS

with Jim Jordan MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

Fishing Tackle Company Bass lies in his irst catalog. I would love Letterheads often turn up with content to see a sampling of the different grades discussing the availability of their for comparison. companies catalogs. Many times company Weber mentions that his catalog will letterhead are included with the catalog be available January 1. That would make when mailed. These letterheads tend to 1922 the irst year for a Weber Life-Like have a format of bland content which Fly Company catalog. I have never had the usually includes an introduction to that pleasure to see a 1922 Weber catalog. I bet years catalog, a request for an order and a it is beautiful. thank you. An article in a 1921 Sporting Goods This 11/9/21 Weber Letterhead is Journal describes the Weber catalog as much more interesting than those having 32 pages and included detailed letterhead which are typically associated illustrations of silk worm gut, also, over with tackle company catalogs. one hundred illustrations, showing trout, The beautifully colorful outdoor ly bass and salmon lies in natural colors. ishing scene and the letters content The article also stated the catalog would makes this letterhead really enjoyable. It be offered to jobbers and dealers upon even has an illustration of Oscar Weber's request. signature spider web in the lower left corner. The spider web would be found on Weber packaging for many years to come. Weber's opening words signify the beginning of the Weber Life-Like Fly Company. He goes on to discuss his product line and packaging. I ind it amazing that Weber was offering six grades of Trout lies and ive grades of

620 621

FISHINGFORHISTORYMAGAZINE July 2013 p VOICES FROM THE PAST

AN INDIAN ROD by A.H. PERTWEE (1907) The following kind, fully mounted with passage comes from snake rings and brass Ceylon Marine and reel ittings, and Estuary Fishing: Notes measuring, say, 12 to 15 on a Neglected Pastime feet (mine are 14 ft.), by A.H. Pertwee cost about R10 at (London: Caper & Sons, Allahabad, or one-eighth 1907), a nifty account of of what you would have ishing in India around to pay for a new English the turn of the twentieth salmon rod of the same

MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY century. It's particularly size. I have found that for interesting because of spinning purposes, they its reference to a hollow are not only lighter than rod -- and its emphasis English rods, but are on the importance of a A T.P. Luscombe & Co. spinner marked Allahabad dating from much quicker in one piece rod in general. the early twentieth century. I have several marked pieces of "recovering."… Of course, the principle Luscombe tackle. But to return of the hollow rod would to the Ringall. Like most later be fully explored in good things, it is not the 1920s and 1930s, and today hollow building quite perfect; there is ore disadvantage about it is commonplace in the bamboo ly rod world. But that has probably lost it more admirers than all its at the time, the idea of a hollow rod was pretty good features has attracted, and that is, you must novel. I also like this passage as it references take it all in one piece. It is no good at all if you cut Luscombe, and I have several spinners marked it and make the ordinary ferule joints you've got to with his name. take it whole or not at all. I hear the chorus of disapproval that will When I irst took seriously to ishing— greet this fact, as also the enquiries as to why it which was many years ago, and in India—the fates cannot be cut, so I will tell you why it can't, and directed my footsteps to a shop in Allahabad kept also why it needn't be. The Ringall being, as I have by a Mr. Luscombe who was, and for that matter already mentioned, hollow, depends for its strength still is, not only a true artist with rod and line, but a chiely on the fact that at the moment of striking, practical ishing tackle-manufacturer to boot. and during all subsequent strains, all of the rod gives, and that from tip to reel it forms a perfect A Wonderfully Cheap Indian Rod. unbroken curve. Now no jointed rod does this, for Here I was introduced to a new kind of rod the simple reason that the parts bound by the brass which deserve to be much better known than they ferrules are kept perfectly rigid, and the under side are, and which, in my opinion, are far superior for of the curve a* those points does not contract as it general all round ishing to the most expensive should do; in other words, the under half of the weapons made at home. These rods are known in joints remain the same length as the upper half, Northern India as Ringalls, and are, I believe, the consequently the under edge of the ferrule cuts same thing as Messrs. Oakes & Co. of Madras sell through the very thin wall of the bamboo, and a under the name of Labeo Rods. They are a sort of bad smash-up follows. That is why you cannot bamboo reed, hollow, and very light, but of most successfully joint any hollow rod and retain its full astonishing strength and lexibility. A rod of this strength. 622 A "Carrier" For The Rod at each end, and tack three or four short buckled straps round it so as to form hinges on one side and The reason why you needn't is simpler. When not, fastenings on the other. You now have a case very in use, hang up your rods tip uppermost, from a light, strong, and perfectly safe, it will go into the loop, and not from the top ring. When transporting guard's van if you are travelling by rail, or the them from place to place, or from your house to smallest podian can carry it. river or sea, carry them (or rather get a cooly to do I have frequently carried mine in rickshaws, so) in an ordinary bamboo carrier. These cost ticca gharies, bullock carts, and even on a bicycle, about one rupee each, and with ordinary care will and hope to do so many a time again. If you are last a lifetime. This is how to make one. Take a very particular you can have a teak case made, for female bamboo, the kind used for scaffolding will out here, where none of us march for miles across do, of about, three inches diameter, and a few country carrying our own rods as we might at inches longer than your longest rod. Split it home, a few pounds weight more or less is neither lengthwise and knock out all the joints except those here nor there.

BUCK’S SHOTS: WITH pG. BUCKLEY JUHASZ MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY EPISTLES ON FLY FISHING THE CASE FOR THE SHORT FLY ROD Although the was not particularly best American ly rod suited for ishing with makers had offered a "midges" as he had few rods as short as 6- originally claimed in foot early in the his catalog. Perhaps a previous century, it degree of confusion wasn't until the 1960's would have been that ly rods under 8- avoided if he had foot began to catch on instead called this rod generally. At least part the Midget. of this trend surely had Nonetheless, something to do with because of its those anglers who had versatility and surrendered to the pleasant handling siren-call of spin- characteristics, the ishing, but were now Young rod soon gained returning to their old Dr. Todd Larson landing a 12” brown on a 4’ 8” Banty made by a dedicated following, love of ly ishing. rodmaker Chris Lantzy. including the erudite While they were editor of Esquire serious about again magazine, Arnold taking up the challenges of our ancient sport, they no Gingrich. In the angling books and articles that he longer wished to do it with their old 9-foot bamboo ly wrote on the side, Gingrich touted the Midge, and rods. They simply had become too accustomed to the shorter rods in general, with a zeal and charm that light weight and shorter lengths of their iberglass was dificult to resist. Anglers and rod makers alike spinning rods, and now wanted ly rods with a similar slowly began to understand that ultrashort short ly heft and feel. rods could well have a viable place in just about any There were three noted individuals in serious angler's battery of rods. However, as all this particular who took up their cause. On a number of was rather new to most of the makers, it took them occasions the legendary Lee Wulff demonstrated that some time to understand the requirements and to even large Atlantic Salmon could be cast to, and come up with tapers (and especially in glass) that landed, by a proicient angler using a ly rod as short were on the mark. as six foot. In Michigan, a maker of ine bamboo rods named Paul Young had developed a nifty little bamboo Note: The second half of this article will appear here ly rod that he labeled the 6'3" Midge, even though it next month.

623 Dr. Timothy P. O’Brien BIG GAME FISHING HISTORY with Dr. Timothy P. O’Brien

ADEQUATE FISHING TACKLE ... NOW WHAT?

For the past several “By the time they could be brought about to draggers. These boats were months we have been follow the trail of a hooked blue in or blue adapted to conigurations discussing the development of marlin, those ish would have broken the line more suitable for big-game heavy ishing tackle, which and gone on their way, hardly knowing they angling, and while seaworthy, was required for angling had been hooked.” they were not well suited for success when seeking the the purpose. These early --Erl Roman, The Miami Herald, 1940. large pelagic species. A inal iterations lacked the piece of the puzzle, adequate outriggers, towers, dual MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY boats, skippers, crews, and tactics, were also controls, and many of the other items that would necessary for angling success. Since the large become commonplace in boats for deep-sea gameish like tuna, marlin, and swordish dwell in angling, hampering the sport immensely. Tommy the deep waters far from shore, it became Aitken wrote in The Saturday Evening Post, “The apparent early-on that a proper vehicle was marlin, the sailish, the tunas, the makos, and required to get to the ishing waters, chase ish, many others, demand a boat sturdy enough to go and return the angler safely to port. Having an into the open sea. They demand expert guiding, adequate boat was not enough; a properly trained unless you have learned the art yourself from the and skilled crew to complement it was necessary, guides.” as well. In the 1920s and early 1930s, there were Prior to the mid-1930s, often the boats some boats up to the task, but most were slow, used for tuna and swordish were simple cumbersome, and almost unmanageable because rowboats and dories, which were dispatched they only had a single engine. In those days one from a larger vessel. When ish were spotted, the engine was a particularly risky proposition when small boat would be rowed into position to traveling far from shore because they were slow present the bait to the ish. Once hooked, tales and un-maneuverable, weather could change abounded of ish pulling these small boats great suddenly, and radios for communication were distances. S. Kip Farrington, Jr. wrote, “He went scarce. Erl Roman wrote in The Miami Herald, “By offshore about ive miles, doubled right back, and the time they could be brought about to follow carried me some ten miles the trail of a hooked blue in or further…” Stories like this blue marlin, those ish would were very common in the day. have broken the line and gone While the ride may have been on their way, hardly knowing exciting, it was not practical they had been hooked.” and dangerous. The captains Further, most of the boats and crews realized the lacked the amenities shortcomings of this method necessary for any type of and began to use larger, comfort. Modern day angling powered boats for the sport. author Mike Rivkin wrote, Most of the early boats “Fishing boats of the day were used for deep-sea angling (L-to-R) Michael Lerner, Captain Tommy primitive affairs with few nods were boats that had been Gifford, and Larry Bagby land a 601-pound to comfort. The sweeping designed for other purposes, Broadbill Swordish with a dory. Nova Scotia, bamboo outriggers often like trawlers, cruisers, and Canada 1937. (O’Brien Family Collection) wound up in the water, and 624 ‘the crow’s nest’ was prominent as those of little more than a some of the precarious perch high pioneering anglers. above the foredeck.” Men like Tommy Once boats Gifford, Lloyd McNeil, were improved, Larry Bagby, “Barrel” qualiied crews were Bowen, the Cass needed to Brothers (Sam, complement them. Johnny, and Archie), These crews typically and others were the learned their trade on irst to go after the big the waterfront and at ish in Bahamian sea through hands-on waters. There they experience, being became more mentored by experienced and came someone with more to understand better experience. Robert the habits and

McDowell wrote, behaviors of the great MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY “Tuna have been game ish, and at the caught by green same time, changed ishermen helped by the sport. good crews and they In the end, have been caught by angling success would ine anglers in spite come from a of poor crews. But for combination of consistently good elements and catches and frequent components. Perhaps records it takes an expressed best by Michael Lerner Broadbill Swordish caught from a modiied expert isherman, in commercial ishing boat. Nova Scotia, Canada 1938. (IGFA Ralph Whitaker in tuna illed waters, Collection) S o n g o f t h e aided by a shrewd Outriggers: Big-game adept staff.” Fishing on the Ocean Many of these crews devised or made the Surface, “Big-game ishing is a concerted effort improvements to the boats and the methods and and becomes more proicient as the members of a tools for angling success out of necessity. For team, angler and crew, work together.” So, this example, Captain Bill Hatch was credited with the was the world of big-game angling in the early drop-back method of baiting making it possible to 1930s. While many improvements and hook billish. One of the most enduring innovations had been made, it was still a world innovations was the introduction and where it was more common to see broken tackle development of the outriggers by Captain Tommy than to see stories of record ish. It was still a Gifford. Originally, Gifford made them from long world where it was common to have a noble lengths of bamboo that he called, “the crudest ighting ish challenged and fought only to be lost damn things you ever laid your eyes on.” Later he to the mutilation by sharks. The challenge was would add spreaders and guy wires to stiffen clear and innovative minds created the entire them. Eventually, outriggers would be made from package: rods, reels, lines, boats, methods, crews, more durable materials like aluminum. The list of and captains to achieve angling success. improved appliances would grow to include Next month we will begin to look at ishing ighting chairs, baits, rigs, and many other and ishing tackle from a more philosophical innovations. approach. By the mid-1930s, the names of some of Let’s go ishing! the pioneering captains and mates became as

625 p VOICES FROM THE PAST

R.S. Stringfellow (1904) Although the style of this poem is With jocund song, right merrily antiquated, I kind of like it. It's from R.S. They pass the time away! Stringfellow and was published in the June 1904 "I go a-ishing!" Three ishers bold Recreation magazine. Now emulate the saints of old.

I GO A-FISHING. To mountain stream and shady nook, R. S. STRINGFELLOW Afar with rod and line and hook. They make their way; through hot sunshine. Somewhere I have read of an angler, To where, 'neath shady cliff and pine, W'ho gained a wondrous fame.

MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY He lived in the land of Israel; They hope, if fortune prove so kind, St. Peter was his name. On speckled trout they soon may dine! So lived the saints of old! "I go a-ishing." he said one day "I go a-ishing," now each one said. To his friends in Galilee; "The spot we've reached and camp is made": "I go a-ishing." And soon beneath the cooling shade, So says the Book; With boots waist-high, the stream they And off he went with line and hook, wade! A-ishing in the sea. The joyous time lies all too fast. Since then along that storm-beat shore While here and there with ly they cast; Many a wave and billow roar; And in each boiling crystal pool Some wily trout would play the fool— And in the rush of wave and blast Many a life has breathed its last. Much to the angler's joy! But still the anglers go! But all too fast the moments ly, "I go a-ishing." 'tis often said. The time has come to say good-bye. Rack to town and dusty street, Although St. Peter's long since dead. Back to sun and sweltering heat. But the words of this reverend saint and sage, There on the good Book's sacred page, But memory sweet shall still be mine, Live on and on from age to age, I'll think and sing of auld lang syne; And the good old angler of Galilee And still the ishers go! My guardian saint, I trust, will be! "I go a-ishing!" Three ishers, this time, Will be the subjects of my rhyme. 'Twas in midsummer's sweltering days;

The sun beat down with scorching rays, When off to the West these ishers went, With heart and mind on pleasure bent, Away to the West, these ishers three.

626 p

THE FISHINGOF THE MONTH NEWS JUNE 2013 In vintage tackle owning an American tackle news, Old baits still catch company, read this article. ish. Fishing tales from days In tournament ishing gone by. And Big Lou news, Dyess & Crawford McEachern casts a lead bring in a big creel. Three weight over the Astrodome. anglers catch a record Mako

MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY Remembering Bill Dewitt, shark. S o m e p e o p l e , tackle man. Field & Stream's however, aren't happy with vintage tackle of the week this catch, but they should winner comes from Canada, read Ted Williams on the while this one is a Dalton subject. Read about a Special. generational ishing derby. In ishing news of New rods from Redington. the weird, 13 year old boy New Texas catish record charged with ishing tackle on a ly rod. Take the IGFAs theft. While one angler is Sharks and Recreational assaulted by gang of thugs. Angler survey. Is this why a ishing rod In international was brandished as a ishing news, Jeremy Wade weapon? Thieves steal is jealous: local native lands $5000 worth of tackle. 6 foot Wallago, while an In general ishing orca steals an angler's catch news, one angler is going off the line. Speaking of the for most ish caught in 24 devil, River Monster's hours record. This is a nice Jeremy Wade gets asked the great grandfather-and- tough questions, and grandson ishing story, while this 5 year old is responds brilliantly. A new study shows the much better angler than you, catches 10 & 12 Skeena river once held 50X more chum salmon. pound bass--on the same day. A 93-year old In ly ishing news, the Dietrich Brothers angler is not ready to retire. A lead ban makes it are making split cane rods. Dry ly ishing hooks through the New Hampshire house, which is why fathers and sons. Fly angler in Russia is living the small tackle shops fear the lead ban. Why ishing dream. Fly ishing the stock market: a new with dad can be reel fun. A crowd funded book. electronic one-handed ishing rod is off and Finally, in celebrity ishing news, Prince running. Bull sharks in the canal are no fun. An William was spotted in a Hardy & Grey's hat; Irish story about how one grandmother fed a world implodes. And Bloomberg TV inally family on the river. A very cool cutthroat is caught discovers who Johnny Morris of Bass Pro Shops in Pyramid Lake. There is always a good tackle is, use word "avuncular" to describe him. ind at a garage sale. And if your planning on

627 1930 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

THE CASE OF THE EARLY ENGLISH Wayne LeBoeuf of New Braunfels, Texas send me the following email and pictures:

In the early seventies, my father, brother and I were guided by Rudy Grigar in the Galveston area. Rudy gave me two handmade baits that I thought he had made. After purchasing the book, PLUGGER, and reading a bit of it and doing some research, I think these baits look more like Doug English colors. They're made out of hard, white plastic and appear to be hand molded.

So, my Texas friends, are these early Doug English hand molded lures? The colors ARE reminiscent of English lures, but perhaps someone out there can ID them for Wayne. He can be reached at wjleboeuf AT att DOT net.

628 BLAST FROM THE PAST Dr. J.A. Henshall as a Fish Culturist

By Clyde E. Drury

FIRST PUBLISHED WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 17, 2008 ON THE FISHING FOR HISTORY BLOG In 1865 while working as a medical doctor Henshall, James A., Dr. "Contributions to the Ichthyology of in New York, Henshall began studying the Ohio: No. 2." Journal of the Cincinnati Society of Natural scientiic and life history of ishes as a means of History 11 (January 1889): 122-126. rest and relaxation. His study of the writings of all Henshall, James A., Dr. "On Some Peculiarities of the Ova of the leading ichthyologists of the day served him Fishes." Journal of the Cincinnati Society of Natural History well in the scientiic section of his “Book of the 11 (July-October 1888): 81-85. Black Bass.” It was there that he established priority for the scientiic names gives to the Henshall, James A., Dr. "Some Observations on Ohio Fishes." largemouth and smallmouth bass. Journal of the Cincinnati Society of Natural History 12 (January 1890): 114-125. When he moved to Oconomowoc, MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY Wisconsin he began to study the ish up close. He Henshall, James A., Dr. - Report Upon A Collection Of Fishes stocked a pond on the property with adult bass Made In Southern Florida During 1889. 4to. Pages 371-389. and studied their breeding, spawning, and feeding 1891. U. S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries. Document 167. habits for several years. He also studied the bass Washington DC. Extracted from the Bulletin Of The United in several other nearby lakes and another States Fish Commission, Volume ix, For 1889. hatchery run by Colonel George Shears of Beaver Henshall, James A., Dr. - Notes On Fishes Collected In Florida Lake. In 1892. 8vo. 15 pages. 1894. U.S. Fish Commission Bulletin The months of February, March, and April, for 1894, Article 17. Softbound. Washington DC. Reprinted 1889, were spent by Henshall in making an 1987. ichthyologic exploration of the southern coast of Florida, together with the U.S. Fish Commission Henshall, James A., Dr. - A Plea For The Development And Protec¬tion Of Florida Fish And Fisheries. Taken from schooner Grampus. Proceedings And Papers Of The National Fishery Congress During the months of January, February, held at Tampa Florida, January 19-24, 1898. Ex¬tracted from and March, 1892, he was engaged in collecting a U. S. Fish Commission Bulletin for 1897. Article 8, pages 253 series of the salt-water ishes of Florida for use in to 255. preparing the exhibit of the U. S. Fish Commission at the World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, Henshall, James A., Dr. - A List Of The Fishes Of Montana With Notes On The Game Fishes. 8vo. 12 pages. 1906. University of 1893. Montana. Missoula MT. A descriptive paragraph on Some key dates in Henshall's ish culture Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. Indicates that Bass had career: been planted in the western portion of the state where the waters were warmer. He also says “The colder waters of the 1886-1892 – secretary and then President of the Ohio Fish eastern part of the state are totally unsuited to black bass; commission moreover, they should never be planted in ponds or streams 1891-1892 – President of the American Fisheries Society containing trout.” Four pages are devoted to trout, and 1897-1909 – for 12 years Superintendent, Bozeman Montana grayling with a short paragraph on the Rocky Mountain Hatchery, US Fish Commission whiteish. Reprinted 1985. 1909–1917 – Superintendent of Tupelo Mississippi Hatchery Henshall, James A., Dr. - Culture Of The Montana Grayling. Here is a brief list of works written by 4to. 7 pages. 1907. Fisheries Document #628. U. S. Dept. of Henshall on the subject of ish culture: Commerce and Labor. Washington DC. Softbound.

Henshall, James A., Dr. "Contributions to the Ichthyology of Ohio: No. I." Journal of the Cincinnati Society of Natural History 11 (July-October 1888): 76-80.

629 THE FRIDAY FUNHOUSE

THE FRIDAY FUNHOUSE JUNE 2013 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

06.24.13 Herbert Hatton of Britain Fly Rod FVP: $89.99

630 06.09.13 Heddon Punkinseed 06.07.13 Unknown British Bait FVP: $491.87 FVP: $1225.90 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

06.12.13 Ford Fender Collection FVP: $172.19

06.08.13 Tycoon Fin Nor Glass Trolling Rod FVP: $308.11

06.10.13 Playfair of Scotland Fly Reel FVP: $200.00

631 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

06.13.13 Shakespeare Glass Minnow Traps FVP: $585.75

06.10.13 Pflueger Sea Shell Spinner 06.08.13 Heddon Musky 350 FVP: $355.01 FVP: $443.00

632 06.12.13 Inuit Fishing Lure FVP: $305.00 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

06.09.13 CCBC Musky Wiggler FVP: $1225.00 RNM

633 06.14.13 Nat Uslan / Airex spinning rod FVP: $204.50

06.16.13 Heddon 740 Punkinseed FVP: $192.41 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

06.15.13 A&F Phillipson Passport FVP: $223.49

06.17.13 Winston 7' Fly Rod FVP: $1527.50

06.22.13 Penn Catalog #11 FVP: $230.00

634 06.19.13 3 Tins Marked "Maggots, Baits, Worms" FVP: $47.00 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

06.15.13 Heddon Dummy Double FVP: $318.00

06.16.13 Air-Fed Minnow Bucket FVP: $174.50 06.16.13 1927 Sports Afield FVP: $510.00 635 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

06.14.13 Pflueger 4 Bros. Underwater Minnow FVP: $228.16

06.15.13 3 Crazy Crawlers FVP: $350.00

06.23.13 Unmarked Birdcage Fly Reel FVP: $610.00

636 06.23.13 Wagtail Chub in Goldfish FVP: $128.49

06.23.13 Bagley DB3 FVP: $666.77 RNM MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

06.21.13 Piro's Water-Whacker FVP: $248.49

06.29.13 Shakespeare #7715 Glass Minnow Trap FVP: $229.49

06.20.13 Heddon 150 FVP: $871.00

637 06.22.13 Cabo Blanco Ashtray FVP: $399.00

06.27.13 Farmer's Corpus Christi FVP: $429.24 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

06.23.13 Pink Princess FVP: $110.00

06.23.13 Wright & McGill Baby Crab Box FVP: $527.99

06.21.13 K&K ANimated Minnow FVP: $213.50

06.25.13 Heddon Simson Line Spool FVP: $67.00

638 06.29.13 Heddon Crazy Crawler FVP: $293.00

06.30.13 3 Dolly Bobbers FVP: $164.51 06.30.13 B.C. Milam #3 FVP: $1482.57 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

07.02.13 Bagley World Bass FVP: $310.00

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06.30.13 Pflueger Kent Floater FVP: $686.86 06.30.13 ABU Matic #72 FVP: $380.00

639 06.26.13 Tycoon Regal rod FVP: $256.00

07.01.13 Heddon Lucky 13 FVP: $820.00 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

07.04.13 Hardy St. George FVP: $1301.87

06.30.13 DAM Everready FVP: $611.00

06.29.13 Philip Geen FVP: $507.24

640 THE AUCTION OF THE MONTH

Occasionally a hand-made reel shows up on the internet. They often show the results of home craftsmanship; in other words, they are “crafted with mother’s loving hands” as the old saying of my grandmother would go. This home made spinning reel, however, was made in a prison in Belgrade, Serbia, and shows just an incredible attention to detail. Honestly, this reel -- made from solid block aluminum -- is one of the inest bench made spinning reels I’ve ever seen. It really is a great work of machining and I’m sure it works wonderfully well. 06.29.13 home made spinning reel FVP: $288.89 MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY

641 PHOTOp ESSAY The Automotive Fishing Ad By Dr. Todd E.A. Larson

THE CENTURY LONG LOVE AFFAIR BETWEEN CARS AND FISHING The long love affair between the Thus, the sport of angling could not have had a automotive and airline industries and ishing has better, or more powerful, proponent than some of reached into its second century. From the very the largest companies in world history, including beginning -- when cars irst became mass Ford, Chevrolet, Esso, Mobile, American Airlines, consumer products at the turn of the twentieth and others. century -- companies touted the freedom that the These major companies, all of them served automobile (and the motorcycle) gave the driver by the largest advertising irms on Madison to explore the great outdoors. For this reason, Avenue (including Young & Rubicam), also many early sporting magazines carried an worked with some of the leading sporting artists MAGAZINE July 2013 FISHINGFORHISTORY “automotive” section, and many automotive of the day. Thus everyone from legendary pinup stores carried ishing tackle. S&M Auto Parts, artist George Petty to Saturday Evening Post icon Western Auto, Oklahoma Tire and Supply Co., and Norman Rockwell painted ishing advertisements others became staples of the tackle trade. published in all of the leading journals of the day, As the industry matured, ishing became a from McCall’s to Cosmopolitan to Country Life in standard theme in the advertising of everything America. This is the irst of a four-part series on from luxury automobiles to airlines to gas the ishing advertisement in American culture. stations to spark plugs to large oil companies. As you’ll notice perusing the ifty plus full page advertisements, the motif that emerges most often is that ishing a wholesome family activity.

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658 FISHING FOR HISTORY ADVERTISING SECTION

A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION FEATURING THINGS OF INTEREST TO READERS OF THE BLOG! Advertise Here For Free (In Most Cases)

As you may or may not know, despite particular product, service, or book other fishing-related services are the (relative) success of the Fishing for they’ve created. Authors who have welcome to contact us for details about History blog, I do not take advertising written books will get a free quarter potentially advertising their wares in on it. However, this does not mean I page advertisement; tackle makers the Fishing for History magazine. If you think it is a bad idea. This is why I (rod, reel, lure, misc.) can also get a free are interested in learning more, feel created this special section so that ad (contact us for details). Show hosts free to contact us directly at people can let all of us know about a get free advertising. Tackle dealers and fi[email protected].

CUSTOM TACKLE MAKERS FREE! SHOW ADVERTISING FREE! BOOK AUTHORS FREE! Noted blogger and fly fishing writer Erin Block just had to make a bamboo fly rod from scratch. As she writes: Although I couldn't put my finger on just why, exactly. This, unlike most emotions regarding fly rods, wasn't a want, it was a need. To find out for myself why people fish bamboo, and why when they do, it verges on a religious experience. And also, to discover why, in a society that measures worth from profit and efficiency, do people still build bamboo rods. Bamboo rod makers appeared to take the long way around -- putting more miles on the odometer, so to speak...But as I came to find out, they also happen to have very rich eyes, and very full hearts. And as George Black writes.."Once they've put down roots, they tend to become trees." What resulted is a personal, passionate, and unique journal of not just how a bamboo fly rod is made, from culm to varnish, but the motives of the people who make such works of art. The View from Coal Creek is a reflection on fly rods, fishing, and life seen from the vantage of a canyon in Colorado, but these are props in a larger story about life, love, and tradition. Erin Block is a young, powerful voice carrying the torch and passing on lessons, values, and history of this great, literary and vibrant sport. If you love fly fishing, bamboo fly rods, and the long way home -- you will love this book.

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Bill Plummer (1922-2007) was one of the greatest bass fisherman who ever lived. His influence on the sport is great; Alex Langer, inventor of the Flying Lure, calls him "one of the quiet fathers of modern fishing," and his best-known lure, the Super Frog, is considered on the finest fish-catching baits ever invented. Yet the actual fishing philosophy that Bill Plummer espoused--and more importantly lived--has been revealed only to a few close confidants. Here, for the first time, the Reverend Norman Helm (a friend and fishing companion of Plummer's) details Bill Plummer's bass fishing philosophy, from equipment to weather and everything in between. This book will be a revelation to new bass anglers, but even old hands can learn much. For Bill's philosophy was not just about catching more and bigger fish, it was a philosophy of life. In this book you will meet the Magic Man--and if you take to heart what it can teach you, your fishing, and life, will be improved. The book includes an outstanding foreword on the life and legacy of Bill Plummer written by Thomas P. Fusco, author of the acclaimed The Complete Guide to Bill Plummer Lures and the Vintage Tackle of Harrison Industries, available from The Whitefish Press.

WHITEFISHPRESS.COM or AMAZON.COM THE HISTORY OF THE L&S BAIT COMPANY by Stephen L. Lumpkin ABOUT THE BOOK the 63 year period from 1937-2000. This is just the This definitive history of the L&S Bait Co. – the first part of the book. second volume in the History of Illinois Fishing Tackle In Part II, the collector reference section of the – began as a simple continuation of historian book, Lumpkin covers all of the models produced Stephen Lumpkin’s first book, The Jointed River (over 150 different models and sizes) and shows over Minnow. After several months of research, he one hundred and sixty colors produced during this determined that this book would be an enormous time period. Dozens of incredibly detailed charts and task that needed to chronicle the history and illustrations help the collector identify product and document all of the products of a company that was learn more about when and for how long it was at times the largest fishing lure maker in the world. made. Over 500 full color, high quality photographs The result of Mr. Lumpkin’s efforts is A Million are a major part of this book and add to the overall MirrOlures. The reality is that L&S sold many, many impact of the fishing tackle made by an impressive millions of MirrOlures, and this 220 page reference and world class fishing tackle company still in book covers all of them. It sets new standards on business today. books that are devoted to documenting the history of fishing tackle. It includes the Harold LeMaster story, BOOK DETAILS the inventor of the Shiner Minnow that began in 8.5" x 11" Softcover * Full Color Throughout * 500+ 1937, the start-up of L&S in 1946 in Kankakee/ Images * 220 Total Pages * $44.95 Bradley, Illinois, the story of the partnership between LeMaster and Phil Shriner, the beginnings of the Available from: MirrOLure, the start up of the Florida operation in Clearwater in 1951, and many fascinating facts about whitefishpress.com and Amazon.com ORCA The Old Reel Collector’s Association

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WE WANT YOU! WANTED: Information and/or photos about historical tied flies and fly tiers for book on Join ORCA at http://orca-online.org/ subject. Please contact G. Buckley Juhasz at [email protected]

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THE WORLD’S LARGEST TACKLE COLLECTING RESOURCE JOIN THE NFLCC BEN WRIGHT’S SPINNING REEL http://www.nflcc.org REFERENCE & VALUE GUIDE

$59.95 (plus shipping) and available only from the author at:

[email protected]. QUESTIONS? Email for order details. Email Dick Braun, the Zebco Guy, at: [email protected]

JOHN ETCHIESON -- LINE SPOOL COLLECTOR & HISTORIAN

If you have any questions or comments on line spool and their history, or any rare spools for sale or trade, contact me at [email protected] NOW SHIPPING

FROM THE WHITEFISH PRESS 8.5” x 11” 334 Pages Softcover $44.95

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Te Voice of Fly Fishing’s Past, Present and Future

From well-known fly fishing authors like Mike history, you’ll find unique, fascinating, and thrilling Valla and Hoagy Carmichael Jr. to exciting new works on fly angling throughout our catalog. names like Bill Lambot and Perry Palin, The Our books are available from Whitefish Press strives to publish vibrant voices whitefishpress.com, Amazon.com, and finer book that are in step with the great tradition of fly fishing and tackle stores. We are always interested in literature. With over 30 books available on hearing from prospective authors and look forward everything from Catskill Dry Flies to bamboo fly rod to publishing many more quality fly fishing books!