Thursday Review: The January 2011 FATC Newsletter
I'm always excited to get a copy of the FATC Newsletter, the official publication of the Florida Antique Tackle Collectors. While it might seem to some that the focus of the FATC might be too narrow, I have always found that Florida seems to have attracted so many different kinds of tackle makers that no matter what your collecting interest, you'll find something to like in every issue.
Take the most recent January 2011 edition. Some changes have occurred under new editor Gary Simpson, and they should be popular ones. Starting with this issue, there are now two regular columnists--Johnny "The Bagley Fanatic" Garland and Dick "That Zebco Guy" Braun. How exciting to be able to hear from these gentleman three times per year! I have often recommended the NFLCC Gazette hire regular columnists, so it's nice to see this idea get traction.
The articles themselves were, not surprisingly, interesting and diverse. "Earl Robinson Perfects His Baits" by our friend Joe Yates is another great article about this Florida legend. Ed Weston's nifty "The Florida Surprise Minnow" is a great piece as well, and Mike Mais' "Murphy Kelly--Kelly Hand Made Lures" introduced me to this fascinating lure carver. Editor Gary Simpson's "Fishy Patchwork" was a neat look at tackle clothing patches. Finally, Paul Snider offered up tips on how to drum up leads in his "Want Tackle Leads? Go to the Fair."
Our new columnists did not disappoint. Johnny Garland profiled the Bagley Salty Dog, and Dick Braun gave us a bit of Zebco history as they enter a fourth generation.
The FATC Newsletter is published three times per year, and is edited by Gary Simpson. Information on joining the FATC, including back copies of the Newsletter, are available by Clicking Here.
As a note for those attending the great Daytona International Tackle show in two weeks, stop on by the Whitefish Press table and say hello!
-- Dr. Todd
Showing posts with label FATC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FATC. Show all posts
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The Florida FATC Travelogue
The Florida FATC Travelogue
The past weekend I attended my first Daytona FATC show. Usually teaching keeps me away from trips like this, but I was able to get away from the awful weather we've been having of late here. The first picture was taken the Monday before I left.
My dog Gandhi loves the bad weather--me? Not too much.
Driving along with my friend Steve Lumpkin made the time fly by, although I must admit I was a bit surprised by the I-40 debacle in North Carolina. I did not know there had been a major rock slide that had closed the road. Despite our detour along the picturesque French Broad river, we made our destination on Thursday afternoon. We were delighted to find we had somehow lucked into the penthouse sweet (14th floor). Here is a picture from our balcony.
Ah, you have to love the Florida weather, even if it never got above 70.
The first person I met was none other than Joe Yates. We had a great talk and I was able to spend the rest of the evening "room trading" -- although most of my time was spent conversing with friends old and new. It was terrific talking to Johnny Garland, Bill Stuart, Dan Basore, Dick Braun, Norm Pinardi, Joe Hilko, Ed Pritchard, Ralph Hecht, and of course the infamous Chris "Buzz" Labuznik. We went to bed late and very tired.
The next morning was a whirlwind as set up was a breeze. The FATC surely knows how to run a show like clockwork. Friday is the FATC only crowd, but you would not have known it. The show attracts a huge number of people from across the globe. Even the Brits showed up.
Tackle dealers abounded.
We were fortunate that the FATC gave ORCA their own block, so all of the ORCANs were set up by each other. Roger Schulz, Terry Ow, Andy Foster, Steve Knier, Steve Lumpkin, Dan Marini, Henry Caldwell, Ed Pritchard, and others were all within spitting distance. A few ORCAns like Ed Slane and Dick Braun were sprinkled elsewhere. We estimated 45 ORCA members were in attendance.
Roger set up the ORCA display.
ORCA member Ed Slane brought his great Vom Hofe display.
Captain Dan Marini's nifty accumulation of classic reels.
Fellow Golden Gopher alum Steve Kneir posing with his great classic reel display.
Close up of part of Steve's display.
Henry Caldwell is the King of all he surveys!
Friday was a hugely busy day and when we left the show floor near six o'clock to take dinner with Chris Labuz and his son, we were all exhausted. It was good to see Chris' son James, who I introduced along with Nick Comjean to the joys of Plants vs. Zombies on my iPod Touch.
Dawn broke the next morning and we were ready for the second (and sadly, last) day of the show.
An early morning photo showing the beautiful beach.
This show is big. I can't express to anyone who hasn't been here just how big it is. Second only to the NFLCC Nationals in size, it is almost impossible to take it all in over one day.
A shot showing the many tables in the second room.
There were so many great displays and Joe Yates has already posted photos of many of them. Here are just a couple of my favorites.
An excellent display of Heddon's Natural Scale.
A great display of Charlie Tanner showing scalers.
Rick Osterholt had an incredible Shur Strike display.
My favorite display was Ralph Hecht's fly rod displays -- here his lovely wife stands behind these incredible shadow boxes.
Saturday, noted outdoor writer Bill Baab came down for a book signing for his new book Remembering George W. Perry about the world record bass caught in 1932. Bill brought down the actual replica mount that used to hang in George Perry's office. Over a hundred people came by to have their picture taken with this incredible fish and meet the author. A great time was had by all.
Steve Lumpkin poses with the massive fish.
Me and Bill with the fish that launched a billion casts.
Sadly, our fun came to an end on Saturday at four, when we had to break down and hit the road. But I won't soon forget what an incredible time I had down in Florida, and can't wait to return!
Many thanks to Larry Lucas and the volunteers for such an incredible show. It was a true blast!
-- Dr. Todd
The past weekend I attended my first Daytona FATC show. Usually teaching keeps me away from trips like this, but I was able to get away from the awful weather we've been having of late here. The first picture was taken the Monday before I left.
Driving along with my friend Steve Lumpkin made the time fly by, although I must admit I was a bit surprised by the I-40 debacle in North Carolina. I did not know there had been a major rock slide that had closed the road. Despite our detour along the picturesque French Broad river, we made our destination on Thursday afternoon. We were delighted to find we had somehow lucked into the penthouse sweet (14th floor). Here is a picture from our balcony.
The first person I met was none other than Joe Yates. We had a great talk and I was able to spend the rest of the evening "room trading" -- although most of my time was spent conversing with friends old and new. It was terrific talking to Johnny Garland, Bill Stuart, Dan Basore, Dick Braun, Norm Pinardi, Joe Hilko, Ed Pritchard, Ralph Hecht, and of course the infamous Chris "Buzz" Labuznik. We went to bed late and very tired.
The next morning was a whirlwind as set up was a breeze. The FATC surely knows how to run a show like clockwork. Friday is the FATC only crowd, but you would not have known it. The show attracts a huge number of people from across the globe. Even the Brits showed up.
We were fortunate that the FATC gave ORCA their own block, so all of the ORCANs were set up by each other. Roger Schulz, Terry Ow, Andy Foster, Steve Knier, Steve Lumpkin, Dan Marini, Henry Caldwell, Ed Pritchard, and others were all within spitting distance. A few ORCAns like Ed Slane and Dick Braun were sprinkled elsewhere. We estimated 45 ORCA members were in attendance.
Friday was a hugely busy day and when we left the show floor near six o'clock to take dinner with Chris Labuz and his son, we were all exhausted. It was good to see Chris' son James, who I introduced along with Nick Comjean to the joys of Plants vs. Zombies on my iPod Touch.
Dawn broke the next morning and we were ready for the second (and sadly, last) day of the show.
This show is big. I can't express to anyone who hasn't been here just how big it is. Second only to the NFLCC Nationals in size, it is almost impossible to take it all in over one day.
There were so many great displays and Joe Yates has already posted photos of many of them. Here are just a couple of my favorites.
Saturday, noted outdoor writer Bill Baab came down for a book signing for his new book Remembering George W. Perry about the world record bass caught in 1932. Bill brought down the actual replica mount that used to hang in George Perry's office. Over a hundred people came by to have their picture taken with this incredible fish and meet the author. A great time was had by all.
Sadly, our fun came to an end on Saturday at four, when we had to break down and hit the road. But I won't soon forget what an incredible time I had down in Florida, and can't wait to return!
Many thanks to Larry Lucas and the volunteers for such an incredible show. It was a true blast!
-- Dr. Todd
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
