Daylight Savings Time is less than two weeks away! March 13!!!
And rejoice!!
Monday, February 28, 2011
News of the Week: 28 February 2011
Don't have time to read 50+ fishing and tackle collecting blogs and web sites? Well, let us do it for you! Follow all of the latest news, articles, and stories on our Whitefishpress Twitter account! Hint: You don't need to be a member...just bookmark the Twitter Feed Page or click on latest links to the right!
2200 anglers get skunked in big tournament…British angler gang up on killer shrimp…the NOAA starts its survey…using the Ducknose knot…George Orr retires…pick up your litter…British man risks life for fishing rod…interesting fish stories…Jim Scarlata gets profiled..the science and art of bamboo fly rods…nine year old much better angler than you…it must be THE NEWS OF THE WEEK!
The Big Lead: 2200 anglers fish for 3 hours in ice fishing tournament…and catch no fish.
Field & Stream's Weekly Vintage Lure Contest winner this week is the iconic Mud Puppy.
The NOAA starts its national survey of saltwater angling's contributions to the economy.
Lady worries her Heddon Lures appraised at an antique show won't find buyers.
How anglers in Britain are cracking down to stop the spread of a killer shrimp.
Using the Ducknose knot.
George Orr has turned over fish and wildlife battles to a new generation.
Don't be a jackass--pick up your litter.
A new product promises a "fine line" for trophy panfish.
British man loves his fishing rod much more than you.
This rod puts safety first .
Here are some strange and interesting fish tales.
Why you should forget one-size-fits-all rods and reels.
A profile of Jim Scarlata, big fish angler.
The science and art of building bamboo fly rods.
Finishing with a Flourish: Nine year old Florida angler much, much better fisherman than you, lands record fish.
-- Dr. Todd
Sunday, February 27, 2011
What a Catch, Hollydale MM
I've got troubled thoughts
And the self-esteem to match
What a catch, what a catch
1000 Words
1000 Words
Over the next month, we'll feature some stunning photos from Jack Seedhouse from British Columbia, Canada. These photos come from the Charlotte Archipelago, and feature a combination of fishing and wildlife. They are incredible, and we'll feature two per episode. Thanks Jack!
-- Dr. Todd
Over the next month, we'll feature some stunning photos from Jack Seedhouse from British Columbia, Canada. These photos come from the Charlotte Archipelago, and feature a combination of fishing and wildlife. They are incredible, and we'll feature two per episode. Thanks Jack!
-- Dr. Todd
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Deconstructing Old Ads: The Dying Flutter and the Dying Quiver (1958)
The Dying Flutter and the Dying Quiver
Today's ad comes from the April 1958 issue of Fisherman magazine. It introduces the Heddon “Dying Flutter” and “Dying Quiver.” I was aware of the existence of these two baits in 1958 because an adult, who saw my strong interest in fishing at age 14, subscribed to this magazine for me. Also a neighbor had given me his copy of the 1958 Deluxe Heddon Catalog which I devoured on many evenings, dreaming of the day when I would actually be able to afford the many “killing baits” that were offered there. I never actually saw these two baits until many years later. Growing up in rural, northwest Ohio, my only source for plugs at that time was the local hardware store where choices were pretty much limited to River Runts, Flatfish, and Creek Chub Plunkers. When I started to attend lure shows in the mid 1980s it wasn't long before I got my first look at the real items. I had read an account by an author who really sang the praises of the Dying Flutter, but had not run into anyone who had actually used one.
These two baits were fairly common at the National NFLCC Meet about 15 years ago and could be picked up for $5 or less. On the second or third day of that meet, I stopped by my friend Ken Webb's table and as we were talking, I asked him if he had ever used ether of these two baits. Ken leaned forward and in his southern drawl proceeded to tell me that he had gone fishing in the bayous of Louisiana one morning and stopped in a small, backwoods Bait & Tackle store where, on a shelf, he saw one each of these two baits in dust covered boxes. “Bill,”he said, "I bought those two baits and had both of them taken away from me by bass before the end of the day!” That was all I needed to hear. I picked up a dying quiver with the intention of using it at first opportunity. My friend Ken passed away a few years later and the bait went unused and forgotten in the bottom of my tackle box for several years.
I am a evening and night fisherman who likes surface plugs almost exclusively at that hour. About three years ago I was working a great spot at the end of the lake in a foot of water when I repeatedly had strikes from a nice bass who knocked my plug in the air and returned to his lair a few feet away among the lillypads. I waited a few minutes, changed baits, and the whole affair was repeated. In desperation I looked through the tackle box for something “different” --- something he had not seen before. There in the bottom of the box, partially covered by other items was the forgotten, white Dying Quiver. Remembering Ken's enthusiasm, I attached the bait to the line. Three things surprised me: how heavy the bait was and how well it cast; how it floated in a vertical position and reminded one of a bobber as it bobbed up and down: and the last surprise was the vicious attack by the heretofore cautious Bass that resulted in him being landed and released.
Thanks Ken.
-- Bill Sonnett
Today's ad comes from the April 1958 issue of Fisherman magazine. It introduces the Heddon “Dying Flutter” and “Dying Quiver.” I was aware of the existence of these two baits in 1958 because an adult, who saw my strong interest in fishing at age 14, subscribed to this magazine for me. Also a neighbor had given me his copy of the 1958 Deluxe Heddon Catalog which I devoured on many evenings, dreaming of the day when I would actually be able to afford the many “killing baits” that were offered there. I never actually saw these two baits until many years later. Growing up in rural, northwest Ohio, my only source for plugs at that time was the local hardware store where choices were pretty much limited to River Runts, Flatfish, and Creek Chub Plunkers. When I started to attend lure shows in the mid 1980s it wasn't long before I got my first look at the real items. I had read an account by an author who really sang the praises of the Dying Flutter, but had not run into anyone who had actually used one.
These two baits were fairly common at the National NFLCC Meet about 15 years ago and could be picked up for $5 or less. On the second or third day of that meet, I stopped by my friend Ken Webb's table and as we were talking, I asked him if he had ever used ether of these two baits. Ken leaned forward and in his southern drawl proceeded to tell me that he had gone fishing in the bayous of Louisiana one morning and stopped in a small, backwoods Bait & Tackle store where, on a shelf, he saw one each of these two baits in dust covered boxes. “Bill,”he said, "I bought those two baits and had both of them taken away from me by bass before the end of the day!” That was all I needed to hear. I picked up a dying quiver with the intention of using it at first opportunity. My friend Ken passed away a few years later and the bait went unused and forgotten in the bottom of my tackle box for several years.
I am a evening and night fisherman who likes surface plugs almost exclusively at that hour. About three years ago I was working a great spot at the end of the lake in a foot of water when I repeatedly had strikes from a nice bass who knocked my plug in the air and returned to his lair a few feet away among the lillypads. I waited a few minutes, changed baits, and the whole affair was repeated. In desperation I looked through the tackle box for something “different” --- something he had not seen before. There in the bottom of the box, partially covered by other items was the forgotten, white Dying Quiver. Remembering Ken's enthusiasm, I attached the bait to the line. Three things surprised me: how heavy the bait was and how well it cast; how it floated in a vertical position and reminded one of a bobber as it bobbed up and down: and the last surprise was the vicious attack by the heretofore cautious Bass that resulted in him being landed and released.
Thanks Ken.
-- Bill Sonnett
Friday, February 25, 2011
The Friday Funhouse
A really cool video of fly fishing the Clyde River in the 1930s.
12 Things I Would Buy If Only I Could Afford Them
This Weed King is a nifty weedless plug mint in the box.
I have always thought a collection of Bicentennial fishing reels would be a blast; this Wright & McGill 225C would make a great start!
This Leonard Tournament rod from the 1920s is a superb casting tool.
The Heddon Slope Nose is an iconic bait.
A Walton Speed Bait is a bizarre spinner indeed.
How about this Talbot #21 made for Abercrombie & Fitch?
Man, this Heddon is heavy , man, really heavy.
Colorado Classic Cane is example #4991 why you should buy all tackle books available.
Goldfish scale …the prettiest color in Creek Chub's prism.
This is a really nifty creel .
Gotta love this Shakespeare Revolution .
Who wouldn't love this charming ABU 444 in the box?
-- Dr. Todd
12 Things I Would Buy If Only I Could Afford Them
This Weed King is a nifty weedless plug mint in the box.
I have always thought a collection of Bicentennial fishing reels would be a blast; this Wright & McGill 225C would make a great start!
This Leonard Tournament rod from the 1920s is a superb casting tool.
The Heddon Slope Nose is an iconic bait.
A Walton Speed Bait is a bizarre spinner indeed.
How about this Talbot #21 made for Abercrombie & Fitch?
Man, this Heddon is heavy , man, really heavy.
Colorado Classic Cane is example #4991 why you should buy all tackle books available.
Goldfish scale …the prettiest color in Creek Chub's prism.
This is a really nifty creel .
Gotta love this Shakespeare Revolution .
Who wouldn't love this charming ABU 444 in the box?
-- Dr. Todd
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The Early G.M. Skinner by Ken Kerr
The Early G.M. Skinner by Ken Kerr
A few weeks ago, Bill Sonnett wrote about the G.M. Skinner spoon hook. CAFTA Newsletter editor Ken Kerr was kind enough to send in some more information about my favorite lure of all time, the G.M. Skinner Spoon Hook. Take it away, Ken!
Saw your story on Skinner and the old ad so I thought I would send you a couple things of interest.
one is the earliest ad found for Skinner, from the Gananoque Reporter of Oct. 4, 1878. This shows what is thought to be his 2nd store location (Steve Hays says he has an earlier
reference to Skinner in partnership, sharing some quarters on the same street, a few years earlier. It is actually a hand-written entry in a diary or journal).
Second is an 1879 bulletin published by the U.S. National Museum, under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institute. It has G.M. Skinner and his Gananoque trolling lures, listed on page 101. This bulletin is a listing of all the museum's holdings - there are flies and tackle listed from pages 101 to 138 and also on other pages.
Thanks Ken! Some awesome information. I love the fluted spinners so any new information like this is always welcome! By the way, the Bulletin referenced above is a superb resource for tackle of the day, for example fly rods made by Thaddeus Norris.
-- Dr. Todd
A few weeks ago, Bill Sonnett wrote about the G.M. Skinner spoon hook. CAFTA Newsletter editor Ken Kerr was kind enough to send in some more information about my favorite lure of all time, the G.M. Skinner Spoon Hook. Take it away, Ken!
Saw your story on Skinner and the old ad so I thought I would send you a couple things of interest.
one is the earliest ad found for Skinner, from the Gananoque Reporter of Oct. 4, 1878. This shows what is thought to be his 2nd store location (Steve Hays says he has an earlier
reference to Skinner in partnership, sharing some quarters on the same street, a few years earlier. It is actually a hand-written entry in a diary or journal).
Second is an 1879 bulletin published by the U.S. National Museum, under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institute. It has G.M. Skinner and his Gananoque trolling lures, listed on page 101. This bulletin is a listing of all the museum's holdings - there are flies and tackle listed from pages 101 to 138 and also on other pages.
Thanks Ken! Some awesome information. I love the fluted spinners so any new information like this is always welcome! By the way, the Bulletin referenced above is a superb resource for tackle of the day, for example fly rods made by Thaddeus Norris.
-- Dr. Todd
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Pflueger's 1905 Art Print Giveaway
Pflueger's 1905 Art Print Giveaway
In the April 1905 Western Field, Pflueger inaugurated a novel give away program that might help us to identify a number of sporting prints that have been floating around for years. In an article entiled "AN ENTERPRISING PROPOSITION," the magazine wrote:
Western Field is in receipt of one of the metal signs and window transparencies gotten out In eight colors by the Enterprise Manufacturing Company of Akron, 0. for display by dealers who handle their goods.
Both the embossed signs and the transparencies measure 10 by 14 inches. The Illustration herewith gives an idea of the subject, though it can not adequately reproduce the beauty of the colored original.
Both the signs and the transparencies are so handsomely gotten up that they are an ornament to the handsomest sporting goods establishment, and are bound to attract favorable attention wherever seen by anglers.
The Enterprise Manufacturing Company. however, have not stopped at this. They have, In addition, issued a set of certificates which, when signed by both the dealer and his customer, certifying that the customer has purchased $1.00 worth of Pflueger's goods from the dealer's store and mailed to the Enterprise Manufacturing Company, together with 4 cents in stamps to cover postage, entitles the customer to an eight-color picture of the subject illustrated below, measuring 10 by 14 Inches, but entirely free from advertising matter of any kind.
This picture is a work of art particularly appropriate for any sportsman's den and the liberal policy of the Enterprise Manufacturing Company in presenting it to their patrons is bound to greatly help the retailers In Increasing sales.
Realizing that there will be a great demand for these pictures during the coming season, the Enterprise Manufacturing Company positively state that not more than one picture will be sent to the same person, no matter what the amount of his purchase may be.
The metal signs. window transparencies. and certificates will be sent to any dealer In fishing tackle addressing the Enterprise Manufacturing Company and mentioning "Sporting Goods" in his request.
I encourage everyone to commit the above print to memory. I know I've seen it before, and did not know it was an Enterprise Manufacturing print. In fact, I am positive I saw this for sale at a recent tackle show.
I recall they were beautiful and I wish I had bought them! Does anyone own one of these prints?
-- Dr. Todd
In the April 1905 Western Field, Pflueger inaugurated a novel give away program that might help us to identify a number of sporting prints that have been floating around for years. In an article entiled "AN ENTERPRISING PROPOSITION," the magazine wrote:
Western Field is in receipt of one of the metal signs and window transparencies gotten out In eight colors by the Enterprise Manufacturing Company of Akron, 0. for display by dealers who handle their goods.
Both the embossed signs and the transparencies measure 10 by 14 inches. The Illustration herewith gives an idea of the subject, though it can not adequately reproduce the beauty of the colored original.
Both the signs and the transparencies are so handsomely gotten up that they are an ornament to the handsomest sporting goods establishment, and are bound to attract favorable attention wherever seen by anglers.
The Enterprise Manufacturing Company. however, have not stopped at this. They have, In addition, issued a set of certificates which, when signed by both the dealer and his customer, certifying that the customer has purchased $1.00 worth of Pflueger's goods from the dealer's store and mailed to the Enterprise Manufacturing Company, together with 4 cents in stamps to cover postage, entitles the customer to an eight-color picture of the subject illustrated below, measuring 10 by 14 Inches, but entirely free from advertising matter of any kind.
This picture is a work of art particularly appropriate for any sportsman's den and the liberal policy of the Enterprise Manufacturing Company in presenting it to their patrons is bound to greatly help the retailers In Increasing sales.
Realizing that there will be a great demand for these pictures during the coming season, the Enterprise Manufacturing Company positively state that not more than one picture will be sent to the same person, no matter what the amount of his purchase may be.
The metal signs. window transparencies. and certificates will be sent to any dealer In fishing tackle addressing the Enterprise Manufacturing Company and mentioning "Sporting Goods" in his request.
I encourage everyone to commit the above print to memory. I know I've seen it before, and did not know it was an Enterprise Manufacturing print. In fact, I am positive I saw this for sale at a recent tackle show.
I recall they were beautiful and I wish I had bought them! Does anyone own one of these prints?
-- Dr. Todd
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011 4:36 PM, EST
This weekend we had 2 birthday parties for Ally! (If you are keeping track, those would be her 3rd and 4th parties for her 4th birthday!)
On Saturday we had about a dozen friends over with their mommies and daddies. We enjoyed a pancake breakfast, followed by the most delicious Abby Cadabby cake! All the kids played well together and Ally had a great time!
Today all the relatives and adult friends came over. Ally was spoiled with gifts! (Turns out puzzles and books are a big hit with 4 year olds, as well as shopping carts and tools.) Today we had pizza, brownie sundaes and left over cake. Delicious again!
On Wednesday we will find out the results of Ally's HAMA draw. Mommy and Daddy have to work every day this week, but Mommy gets next week off for "February" Vacation! We already have lots of plans in the works.
That's it for now, enjoy the snow again!
This weekend we had 2 birthday parties for Ally! (If you are keeping track, those would be her 3rd and 4th parties for her 4th birthday!)
On Saturday we had about a dozen friends over with their mommies and daddies. We enjoyed a pancake breakfast, followed by the most delicious Abby Cadabby cake! All the kids played well together and Ally had a great time!
Today all the relatives and adult friends came over. Ally was spoiled with gifts! (Turns out puzzles and books are a big hit with 4 year olds, as well as shopping carts and tools.) Today we had pizza, brownie sundaes and left over cake. Delicious again!
On Wednesday we will find out the results of Ally's HAMA draw. Mommy and Daddy have to work every day this week, but Mommy gets next week off for "February" Vacation! We already have lots of plans in the works.
That's it for now, enjoy the snow again!
Voices from the Past: Pflueger Courts the Local Druggist (1906)
Today and tomorrow, we will be relating some small pieces of Pflueger history. Today, we look at how Pflueger worked to court the humblest of tackle merchants -- the small town druggist. In this fascinating article from the March 1906 issue of National Druggist magazine, a very verbose editor for this trade publication extolls the plus side of stocking Pflueger's cheapest line of tackle -- the "O" line.
Fishing Tackle a Profitable Side Line
As quality is the keystone of satisfaction, so is satisfaction the keystone of increased patronage, and the dealer who makes the former his rule finds the latter a constant quantity. Experience has taught the druggist that fishing paraphernalia is not an exception, and that the connoisseur no more than the humblest follower of Isaac Walton knows and appreciates quality and "sticks to" and indulges deep-seated affection for the dealer who shares his enthusiasm and supplies his wants in that particular. The Enterprise Manufacturing Co. of Akron, O. has shown the druggiest how fishing goods can be converted into a handsome revenue, accessory to the drug business, and the quality of their goods has "clinched" the patronage of customers who has used them, from the very start. The immense plant of the Enterprise Manufacturing Co. produces a variety of goods that is nowhere equalled. Their factory has been owned and operated by the Pfluegers for twenty-five years, and enjoys the proud distinction of being the best-equipped and most extensive plant in the country for the manufacture of fishing tackle.
Fishing reels of all kinds and qualities are made for fresh and salt water -- of brass, nickel and hard rubber. Fish hooks, that until recent years were purchased largely in Europe, are now made with improved machinery, and acknowledged much superior in quality to the goods heretofore imported from abroad, resulting in an immense export trade along those lines. Spoons, baits and spinners, flies, leaders, and sneers, phantom minnows, lead sinkers, rubber baits and insects, fishing floats, and a multitude of other goods, all bear the imprint of quality and skillful manufacture, and each and every article goes out of the factory a symbol of perfection. Beginning with their cheapest line, No. 0, being all complete with float, hook, sinker, etc., retailing at 5, 10, 15, and 25 cents, respectively. It is possible to get anything in this line the trade may want, including twisted cotton line, braided cotton and braided linen, cable silk, plain and water-proof. These goods are put up in an especially attractive manner and have proven banner sellers with the drugstore trade.
Briefly told, the goods of the Enterprise Manufacturing Co., of which their new catalogue, No. F 24, lists several thousand of items, are an exemplification of perfect mastery of the business, and reflect great credit upon the makers, whose skillfulness and earnestness to excel has attained that degree of excellence in quality that warrants and deserves the name by which they are so favorably known in the trade. The Enterprise Manufacturing Co. will send their large new catalogue, No. F 24, prepaid, to any druggist desiring their name.
Pflueger didn't get to be the biggest by only courting huge merchants. With tens of thousands of druggists across the country, the majority of them stocking fishing tackle (and a good many of them getting tackle from Pflueger), this was a profitable market for Enterprise to get in to.
-- Dr. Todd
Monday, February 21, 2011
News of the Week: 21 February 2011
Don't have time to read 50+ fishing and tackle collecting blogs and web sites? Well, let us do it for you! Follow all of the latest news, articles, and stories on our Whitefishpress Twitter account! Hint: You don't need to be a member...just bookmark the Twitter Feed Page or click on latest links to the right!
It's Kevin Van Dam again!…Field & Stream's vintage tackle contest...how mono and spinning changed fishing…the NY Times on ice angling…Perfect Duluth Day on steelhead fishing classes…Brandon Palaniuk gets some press…sidearming lures…Iaconelli on Iaconelli…Neal Taylor has passed away…Eagle Rays are hard on reel drags…fishing bamboo…it must be THE NEWS OF THE WEEK!
The Big Lead: It's Kevin Van Dam…Again!
One man remembers how monofilament and spinning reels changed the sport .
Part 2 of Field & Stream's vintage tackle contest .
The New York Times and its annual fishing article .
What's new in fly fishing ?
Perfect Duluth Day gives the 411 on steelhead fishing classes .
Why do it yourself is not the answer in Britain.
Brandon Palaniuk is attracted a lot of attention at the Bassmaster Classic.
San Diego writers takes exception to Manabu Kurita's world record bass mount.
Sidearming lures for big bass .
Legendary angler Neal Taylor has passed away.
Iaconelli on… Iaconelli .
Homemade gear can enhance your experience .
A Kiwi recalls an ocean of fish that got away .
While an Aussie bemoans the Eagle Ray's impact on reel drags.
Why Keith Fraser is the dean of all sturgeon anglers.
Finishing with a FLourish: Fishing Bamboo …give it a try!
-- Dr. Todd
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There is a wind gap on the ridge.
Settlers and immigrants and soldiers
following the indian trading trail
centuries of bringing trade goods
to the rendezvous.
Around the first point there it is,
visible a mile away. A destination.
How far we go for a little ease.
The wind too must have thought it so
down off the glaciers of the ice age
finding the beach of an earlier sea
to move relentlessly century after century.
How far we go for a little ease,
if we are the wind.
One big flood, water cuts a valley, all downhill.
Wind too but not so fast. Relentless the earth spins
ocean steady of temperature as land holds back the glacier
or not, air rushing to and fro, lifting falling.
Falling, falling, falling off the ice onto the ridge
pushing the beach of the earlier sea
into the valley. "There." "The gap."
A marker as much as an ease perhaps,
directions are always helpful. "Turn right."
"Exit here." voice on dash, wind listening
to ancient beach and distant ocean,
what moves us to turn. To go a mile to ease a climb.
Relentless in that search we no longer
use our eyes, we do not see,
the voice in our head, our car
says turn right and we do not see.
So blind now and turning right
still taking the easy way we join nature
relentless down hill or up, on the way to the beach.
As was the wind, as was the wind.
By Phil Specht on Feb 28, 2011