Thursday Review: Ben Wright's Spinning Reel Reference & Value Guide

Thursday Review: Ben Wright's Spinning Reel Reference & Value Guide

Back when I was a choir boy of 10+ years experience, we used to really get into singing spirituals. One of my favorites was a moving number called "Great Day (for Righteous Marching)."

What's that got to do with the price of fishing tackle?

It's a great day, that's why. Ben Wright's new book is out.

2011 is really a banner year for fishing books, and it's only April. Why don't you go and add Wright's Spinning Reel Reference & Value Guide to the list of the year's excellent books.


Ben Wright is a pioneer, who saw that the collecting world was ignoring a huge piece of its history--spinning reels--and decided, almost single handedly, that this injustice should not stand. So he took it upon himself to start chronicling the history of spinning reels, and creating a guide so collectors would have a starting point to build collections and establish trade value.

Take a minute to reflect on how many spinning reel makers and models are out there. Then start thinking of where, given the task of outlining the history of spinning reels that date back 100 years, you might start. ABU? Mitchell? Ryobi? Start adding hundreds of names and it becomes overwhelming unbelievably fast.

But Ben persevered and his original book was a landmark achievement, followed by several supplemental volumes. Always, Ben promised to give us a single volume that contained all of this information under one cover. And here it is.

Great day! Great day for righteous marchin'.

Wright's Spinning Reel Reference & Value Guide is a massive tome containing the history of over hundred reel companies and over 6000 separate spinning reels. It's amazing in many ways. How many of us get spinning reels and don't have any idea of their, age, scarcity and value? I just got an email last week asking for information on an Orvis 350 and Ambidex No. 1 spinning reels. With Ben's book, I was able to know immediately the relevant information of both reels.

Organized in alphabetical order, it gives manufacturer, model number, approximate date, and value for each of the reels surveyed.

It is an 8.5" x 11" softcover of 526 pages, with 575 black-and-white illustrations. A self-published book, it is quite polished, although it would have been nice to see the images integrated into the text rather than in an appendix at the end. The images could have used a bit of work, but it's an incredibly minor quibble in a book that offers so very much information that is simply not available anywhere else.

I would suggest that this book should be a standard volume for any tackle collector, whether they collect reels or not. Spinning reels are perhaps the most commonly found item of this kind in the field, and to know the value and date of these reels is to know the difference between a $10 reel and a $250 one. No serious collector should be without this book.

It is the definitive work on the subject and will rightly elevate Ben Wright from a pioneer to a legend in the fishing tackle world.

The book is $59.95 (plus shipping) and available only from the author spinrite@rochester.rr.com. Email for order details.

Great Day, indeed! Hit the music:



-- Dr. Todd

Thursday Review: Joe Cermele's The Complete Guide to Surfcasting (2011)

Thursday Review: Joe Cermele's The Complete Guide to Surfcasting (2011)

Joe Cermele's new book The Complete Guide to Surfcasting (Buford Books, 2011) could not have come at a better time for me personally or for the fishing community as a whole. Cermele, who was recently named Fishing Editor of Field & Stream magazine (replacing the legendary John Merwin), has painstakingly put together what is sure to be one of the enduring works on a subject strangely neglected in fishing literature: surf fishing.


It arrived at a most opportune time, as I was digging through the history of surfcasting and surfcasting reels. As I was going through my library and researching the back issues of the major magazines, I was stunned at how little lasting literature has been written on the subject. As a specific style of fishing, surfcasting has been around since the 1890s, but really took off in the 1910s with numerous clubs and organizations dedicated to the sport.

The classics of the sport include works by saltwater angling titans such as Harlan Major, Ollie Rodman, Erwin Bauer, and Joe Brooks. For the specialist there were writers like George Wynne, who's Tournament and Surf Casting (1950) was a technical guide to the intricacies of surfcasting itself. But after the 1970s, there were few enduring contributions to the literature short of edited and reprinted versions of Bauer's Saltwater Fisherman's Bible and Brooks' Salt Water Game Fishing. Certainly, there were books on the subject, but they tended to be about a specific species (stripers come to mine immediately) or technical guides to certain regions.

About a decade ago this began to change, with the introduction of at least a half dozen general books on the subject. While these books more or less have their merits and drawbacks in equal measure, there remained a major gap that needed to be filled: a well-written, illustrated introductory guide to all aspects of surf fishing that took into account the new trends and tackle in the sport.

This is what Cermele has given us, and it's the first book of this kind in 25 years that can take its place on the shelf with the classic saltwater writers listed above.

As an introductory guide to all aspects of surf fishing, it certainly answers almost all of the questions a novice surfcaster might have, from tackle selection to a general guide to surfcasting destinations. I particularly enjoyed the detailed breakdown of the kinds of lures used for the sport, as there are a bewildering array of baits--both stock and custom made--that have flooded the market of late. You would not expect to run into custom striper lure maker Tom Bottomley, for example, in a book of this kind, but there he is on Page 93 with one of his TB Swimmers, which are taking on a kind of legendary status.

The strength of the book, like all classic works on the subject, comes in the ability of the writer to convey the information in engaging and accessible prose. Cermele reminds me very much of Harlan Major, the legendary saltwater writer of the 1930s and 1940s, in that when you read a passage on sandworms and bloodworms, for example, you get an honest and informative appraisal. "Sandworms and bloodworms easily get the vote for most hideous surf baits," Cermele writes, and I defy anyone to introduce them more aptly than that. But he then goes on to explain why they are effective bait and how to properly fish them. I am man enough to admit they give me the absolute willies.

As an introduction to the sport it is excellent, and as a guide to the surf casting world it joins a small handful of recent books that truly capture this unique culture. There are only a few things I would have liked to have seen added. First, not surprisingly, I would have liked a little more historical overview of this fascinating style of fishing. Second, I would have liked a section (short though it may be) on building your own surf tackle. I know many saltwater anglers who take special pride in pouring their own pyramid sinkers, or carving their own saltwater poppers. A bibliography would have been nice, as well. But these are minor quibbles.

The book itself is 305 pages with around 200 black-and-white illustrations. Published by Buford Books, the list price is $19.95 but Amazon.com is offering it for $13.97 and at either affordable cost, there really is no reason why anyone even remotely interested in the sport shouldn't own a copy. You can read more about this book by Clicking Here.

As an aside, what is it about 2011? I've already read more excellent books in the past three months than I did all last year. 2011 is shaping up to be an epic fishing literature year!

-- Dr. Todd

Thursday Review: Goodwin Granger: The Rod Man from Denver (2011)

Thursday Review: Goodwin Granger: The Rod Man from Denver (2011) by Michael Sinclair

I think I can be excused for saying that I know a little about what it takes to make a book. I've written a few myself, and published more than a few others. So I think that gives me a good perspective on what it takes to put together a book like Goodwin Granger: The Rod Man from Denver by Michael Sinclair. And I have to begin by saying this is one of the best books of this kind to come to market in the last decade.

In this beautiful volume, Sinclair seeks to place Granger and his fly rods into proper historical context. And he has his work cut out for him. Other than his own research on the subject published as part of a larger work nearly two decades ago, there has been very little reliable information about the firm, especially its early years. As Sinclair begins to construct the story of Granger from before World War I through his first rods on Ninth Street in Denver to the coming of Bill Phillipson, the reader begins to realize there is something great going on here.


One of the things that is most interesting about Granger is the early years. From his Mercantile days when he first experimented with fly rods ca. 1917, to his tournament casting success, to his work with Robert Holding on making the rodmaking machinery, Sinclair captures Goodwin Granger and an era that has long since passed. It might seem weird, but when reading this section, I wanted to put my coat-and-tie back on, Sinclair captures the genteel spirit of the age in such a pitch perfect manner.

While my personal interest is certainly more focused on the Goodwin Granger era (like Fred Divine before him, he died early in 1931), the author certainly keeps the reader's attention through the later years up to and beyond the Wright & McGill days. In particular, the bitter animosity between Granger principals Agnes Marshall and Bill Phillipson was surprising, and somewhat sad, to discover. It did lead Phillipson to found his own, highly successful company, but one wonders what might have been if Marshall did not block the purchase of Granger by Phillipson.

Based on more than two decades of research, The Rod Man from Denver shows it on nearly every page. When Sinclair writes that a particular ad is the first large ad to appear in Field & Stream, you can rest assured that the author has looked at every pertinent issue of the magazine for years on either side of this date so that he can verify this claim.

What emerges from all of this research is the rare book that can please multiple audiences. For historians like myself, the book is chock full of fascinating tidbits and information that make the book a delight. For rod collectors, it has numerous color photography and close-up photos that will help them to identify and appreciate Granger fly rods. And for the generalist, interested in fishing cane and reading good fly fishing literature, the book will come off as fascinating read. Trust me when I say this is not an easy triumvirate to pull off.

About the only criticism I have is that as a historian, I would have liked to have seen the book footnoted. However, I understand that this is not everyone's cup of tea, and Sinclair does make an effort to document materials in the captions and text. Additionally, it does have a nice bibliography and supplemental appendix of legal documents and catalog pages.

The book was published by the author, but saying that The Rod Man from Denver is a self-published book is akin to saying that a Stan Bogdan (rest in peace) reel is home-made. The term doesn't apply. The book was published by the author, but it was done in such a professional manner that even the harshest critic would certainly never have noticed.

It is also available in three different formats: a Softcover Trade Edition, a Hardcover Leather Edition, and the Registered Deluxe Edition (which is the one I used for this review). Let me say something about this. Those who read the Friday Funhouse know that I sometimes link to previous tackle Limited Edition books. I can confidently declare that these books appreciate over time to the point that in ten years time, most of us could not afford to buy one on the used market. So I say with confidence that the Granger Registered Deluxe Edition is as nice of a book of this kind as you will find available for sale today, tomorrow, or in a decade. Get one while you can, as they are not going to be available very long.

Sinclair writes in the preface, "I believe this book to be the most accurate and thorough record of Goodwin Granger and his company to date." That is an understatement, in that not only is this the best work on the subject, it is almost certain that it is the best book that will ever be written on the subject.

The Rod Man from Denver is the definitive account on Granger fly rods. It is 8.5" x 11", 360 pages, and contains 300 full color images. All edition of the Granger Book can be ordered through the author's web site by clicking here.

-- Dr. Todd

Thursday Review: Kathy Scott's Brook Trout Forest

Reading Kathy Scott makes me want to go fishing.

I know that is an inarticulate way to begin a review of Scott's latest love letter Brook Trout Forest, but it's true. Like many readers, after three books I feel like I've come to know her through her writings. We've walked along side her through the teeth of a blistering Maine winter, wept over her elegy to a dying dog, and followed her as she explored the rodmaker's craft. This time, we are privileged to experience the kaleidoscopic forest of the book's title, which serves as both a very accurate description of the Maine woods that she frequents and as a metaphorical term for the way in which she views the world. And reading it made me want to grab a 3 weight bamboo rod and start walking until I hit the kind of cool, clear stream that begins and ends Brook Trout Forest.


It's a bit difficult to describe what her latest book is about. If Moose on the Water introduced us to her world, Headwaters Fall as Snow showed us the effervescent life found inside the frozen north woods, and Changing Planes chronicled her quest for contentment, Brook Trout Forest is anchored in the here and now. Of course, you are never far from nature when you read Kathy Scott, but more than her earlier works this book allows us to see a side of her that has not been seen. For example, it is as much a story of her teaching career and how it intersects her fly fishing (in more ways than you may think) as it is about the fly angling world in which she and her husband David van Burgel, a rodmaker of genuine talent, are well known and in demand.

Perhaps because it was written in an older literary form – the book takes the form of a journal, a favorite literary style of the author’s -- it also comes off as a mature work. I don’t mean this in an “adult have-no-fun” way, as there are still the delightful excursions of exuberance, such as when Scott describes a play her students wrote based on one of her books, or when she takes flight for the first time in a de Haviland Otter float plane. But there is a graceful maturity to the prose that is refreshing to see in an author of significant talent. Scott is clearly working hard to become a better writer, and it shows.

There are many examples I could cite but the one that sticks out is a particularly moving series of anecdotes about an elderly man named Wesley Sanborn who over the course of time donates his fly tackle in bits and pieces to Kathy’s student fly fishing club. It is a wonderfully crafted description marked with the poignant contrast of a dying man's tackle finding new life in the hands of novice anglers. The theme of life, death, and renewal is a familiar one in Scott's writings, but is never more carefully crafted than in this section of her new book.

If Changing Planes was about finding your groove in life, Brook Trout Forest is a reminder that life without challenges leads to stagnation. So we discover, to our delight, Scott taking on novel (and sometimes frightening) trials, from teaching middle school kids to fly fish to building (and fishing) a big water fly rod to putting her trust in a guide on a fast moving Canadian river. “My heart said that if I was going to take some risks,” she writes of that experience, “there was no better place to do it.”

In a lot of ways, that one sentence best sums up Brook Trout Forest. In a way, it is a risky book, in that I suspect it was not easy to write. The subject matter goes far afield, from Chicago to Labrador, but fittingly is bookended by the clear water streams of the Maine woods she knows so well. Full circle. Contented sigh.

Kathy Scott is rapidly becoming one of the most distinctive voices in the cluttered concert of outdoor writing, and Brook Trout Forest is a delightful read sure to charm all of the author’s many fans and admirers. If there is any justice in the world, after a few months, her readership will have grown by leaps and bounds.

Brook Trout Forest makes me want to go fishing. Right now. And that may be the best thing I can say about any book, fishing or otherwise.

Brook Trout Forest, as with all her books, is beautifully illustrated by Kim Mellema and is available in hardcover ($24.95) from the Alder Creek Press. Their home page is www.aldercreekpublishing.com.

-- Dr. Todd

Thursday Review: Rapala Legendary Fishing Lures by John E. Mitchell

Thursday Review: Rapala Legendary Fishing Lures by John E. Mitchell

Rapala Legendary Fishing Lures by John E. Mitchell came out in 2005 but I haven't seen very many reviews of it on fishing history sites, so I thought I'd give me two cents on it.


In short, it's about the most thorough history of a major tackle company we are likely to ever get. This is because it was written by John E. Mitchell, a British fishing writer and long-time Rapala employee, and was based almost exclusively on Normark corporate archival material. Research in Finland was conducted by a former Finnish Rapala employee who lived not far from where the founder, Lauri Rapala, grew up.

It's refreshing that the book seeks to put the rather incredible tale of a humble Finnish farmer into the proper historical context, constantly reminding the reader of such things as the Great Depression (during which Lauri Rapala worked so hard to provide for his family) and the incredible impact of World War II on Finland. That Lauri Rapala served as a soldier during the war is not surprising; what is surprising is that he managed to continue making lures.

The Finnish Minnow, Rapala's most enduring contribution, is chronicled from its origins in the mid-1930s through the post-WWII years, when Lauri took the huge gamble in starting a tackle enterprise full time, to the fortuitous sale of Rapala lures to Ground Zero for the Rapala Revolution--Duluth, Minnesota--where Ron Weber would famously stumble upon them and decide to get into the business of importing lures from a man he'd never met living in a country he'd never visited speaking a language he could not understand.

It is on such strokes of fate that thousands of livelihoods--and millions of angling hours--would turn.

Ron Weber and Ray Ostrom went on to found Normark, a company they formed to specifically import Rapala lures (the original letter of introduction is reproduced in the book, one of the most important letters ever written in fishing history). Later Normark Rapala would expand to such items as the Rapala fillet knife, but at its core the company was always about the Finnish lure maker's products. The Rapala family is never far from the center of the story, as first Lauri and then his sons play critical roles in not just running the company but growing it into an international conglomerate.

Mitchell is a deft writer working on solid historical ground. His judicious use of Rapala archival material will be a delight for all tackle collectors and the detailed descriptions of each and every lure ever manufactured by Rapala (including years of manufacture and colors) make this a definitive history of Rapala fishing tackle. Perhaps the most difficult chapters to write were the ones on recent Rapala history, which saw this family-owned company morph into a multi-national giant. Mitchell does a nice job navigating these tricky waters.

There are only a few minor quibbles. Little time is spent explaining Rapala's position vis-a-vis other tackle competitors and allies. Not all lure colors are pictured; in fact, most aren't. Additionally, the historical overviews seem to stop some time around 1950, which is a shame as they are some of the most interesting parts of the book.

A very attractive hardcover with dust jacket, this book is 208 pages and in full color. It is a book that absolutely must be part of any decent fishing tackle or history library. It is currently available from Amazon.com and other outlets.

-- Dr. Todd

Thursday Review: Days of the Dalton by Jeff Windisman

This week, we will start a three week series on recent self-published fishing tackle books. We begin with a neat Florida tackle book.

For several years I've been trying to track down a self-published book by Jeff Windisman. It is called The Days of the Dalton: History and Value Guide of the Dalton Special and its Lookalikes and covers this excellent bass lure in great detail. Although first issued in 2008, it has been unavailable until recently, when I was fortunate to obtain a copy and meet the author at the recent Daytona Tackle Show.


The book did not disappoint. It was chock-full of great information not available elsewhere, and covered a lot of companies and lures I had read about but wanted more information, ranging from the Dazzy Vance Company to the somewhat mysterious Tampa Bait & Tackle Company.

But this book is really about one man and his creation, Phillip Porter Dalton, erstwhile Kentucky resident who would make his mark in the fishing world in 1930s Florida. One of the highlights of the book is getting a glimpse inside P.P. Dalton's tackle box, purchased from his daughter. In it were a number of nifty experimental lures, including some very thin minnows that harken to the Finnish Minnow being developed in Finland by men such as Lauri Rapala. I always enjoy learning about the inspiration from important lure designers, and Dalton was certainly a top notch lure man.

The first mass-marketed Dalton Special was produced by Shakespeare, based on a design patented by Dalton in 1939. Windisman goes into great detail on these lures, showing the many color permutations. Dalton transferred manufacturing rights to Florida Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Co. (makers of Barracuda brand tackle) in 1949, and the author explains this transition well, including differentiating between the Tampa and St. Pete marked baits. By the late 1950s the lure was being made in plastic, and variations like the Dalton Flash and Dalton Twist were being marketed.

The book covers so many Dalton clones it is hard to dispute the author's assertion that the Dalton Special was one of the most copied lures of all time. It is almost surreal to see how many bait makers made a version of this lure, ranging from Paw Paw to Herb Mills. Taking into account a couple of dozen unknown Dalton style lures pictured, I would bet there were at least 50 versions of the Dalton Special made. That is definitely lasting influence!

The book itself is self-published, and we always have special reviewing rules for self-published works. It would not be fair to hold them to the same standard as a traditional publisher, and this book certainly has no more typos, layout glitches, and organizational problems than most self-published works, and in fact is cleaner and more readable than a lot of them I have seen. For those interested in Florida fishing tackle, Dalton-type lures, and the history and development of fishing lure design, this book would make a great addition to your library.

The Days of the Dalton: History and Value Guide of the Dalton Special and its Lookalikes is a spiral bound hardcover, approximately 150 pages, and full color throughout. It is $45 and available directly from the author Jeff Windisman, who can be reached at: jkwlure@tampabay.rr.com or ejeanmcmlas@tampabay.rr.com.

-- Dr. Todd

Thursday Review: The January 2011 FATC Newsletter

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

A Review of Classic Angling (Jan-Feb 2011)

A Review of the Latest Issue of CLASSIC ANGLING

Yesterday the mails brought a welcome distraction from the horrible weather we are having--the latest issue of Classic Angling. It is the January-February 2011 (No. 69) issue and I knew I'd like it because it has a painting of Lord Nelson on the cover.

Back when I was first starting graduate school, I spent a lot of time researching and writing about the Royal Navy--in fact, my Master's Thesis was on the origins of the first all-big gun battleship, the H.M.S. Dreadnought. I have an almost completed book on the subject sitting a shelf waiting for me to return to it one day...

Anyway, it certainly was not a secret that Lord Nelson was an avid angler, but Tony Bird reminds us just how much of a fishermen Nelson actually was in his very entertaining cover story "Lord Nelson, the Keen Fisherman." There's a reason Nelson's Column presides over Trafalgar Square. The article underscores why Classic Angling is unlike any other magazine out there. Only here would you find an article of this kind, and there's a reason the magazine was named magazine of the year by the U.K. Angling Writer's Association.

While there are so many small articles and blurbs it would be impossible to give a full run down, I will concentrate on outlining the features of interest. And no story is more interesting, or sad, than that of Edwin Rist, a world class musician and fly tier at the tender age of 20. In an audacious move, he broke into the Natural History Museum and stole 300 rare bird pelts, ostensibly to use and sell as salmon fly tying material. Now 22, he was captured after selling many of the rare feathers, and now faces sentencing. Very sad indeed.

Geoffrey Bucknall penned an article questioning British pike legend Dennis Pye's record northern catches. It would seem that Britain and Ireland are not immune from the controversy surrounding big catches just like the famous cases surrounding American musky anglers Percy Haver, Art Lawton, and Louis Spray.

Barrie Welham profiled caster Tommy Edwards, the always delightful Neil Freeman on the season of the coarse men, John Bailey on golden times at Magic Lake, and Judith Head on the papers of the Houghton Club.

Finally, Tom Kerr's second of three parts on the Conroys is a welcome piece of research. Classic Angling had earlier excerpted the chapter on the Conroy-Welch debate from my book Forgotten Fly Rods so much of this section will be familiar to readers of the journal.

All in all, it was another great issue. The magazine is ably edited by Keith Elliott, and is available through subscription by Clicking Here.

-- Dr. Todd

Thursday Review: Ed Ries' Tales of the Golden Years of California Ocean Fishing (1900-1950)

Thursday Review: Ed Ries' Tales of the Golden Years of California Ocean Fishing (1900-1950)

Today we review a book recommended by Colby Sorrels, author of the book The Flyfisher's Guide to the Texas Gulf Coast. He'd recently read Ed Ries' Tales of the Golden Years of California Ocean Fishing (1900-1950) (Monterey Publishing, 2007) and recommended it to me.


Well, I have to thank Colby as I had not seen or heard of this book before, and it is delightful. It is certainly a history of the important figures who populated West Coast fishing during its golden years--Zane Grey, Charles F. Holder (who we featured two days ago), Guy Silva and C.P. Morehouse--but it also captures the tackle and fishing styles used to fish during the era. Captain Ries has been fishing the region since the 1930s and lends his personal memories throughout.

As Ries is fascinated with fishing barges (decommissioned vessels moored as fishing piers), we get a lot of history of the boats and hulks that became such popular fishing destinations. Being a tackle nut I appreciated the sections explaining some of the popular tackle of the day, including the Hetzel and Japanese Feather jigs.

There is much to like about this book. Ries writes from real expertise and covers an array of subjects mostly unknown before the publication of his book. The production quality of the book could have been improved; many low-resolution photos are reproduced, showing pixelation in some cases. This should not, however, detract from the overall usefulness of the book.

Tales of the Golden Years of California Ocean Fishing (1900-1950) is an engaging and interesting book that should be a part of every saltwater angling library. The book is 8.5" x 11" trade softcover and has 144 pages, with numerous black-and-white images. It is available from the publisher by Clicking Here.

-- Dr. Todd

From the web site:

Tales… captures the forgotten local history of sport and commercial fishing, including the tackle, boats and people, such as inspiring authors Charles F. Holder and Zane Grey, and personalities like "Santa Monica Olsen," the model for Bob Segar’s Popeye. The book chronicles early tackle, fishing styles and techniques, both sport and commercial, many of which are told through Ries’ own experiences dating back to the Depression. Ries also takes us into the fishing industry, where entrepreneurs seized the opportunity and growing interest in sport fishing by making available small day boats, and later utilized the hulks of at least 37 former sailing vessels, some over 1,000 tons in size. As the southern most ports on the West Coast, Los Angeles and San Diego watched a commercial fishing industry emerge as boats, ranges and fish markets continued to grow.

Thursday Review: Jack W. Berryman's Fly Fishing Pioneers and Legends of the Northwest

Thursday Review: Jack W. Berryman's Fly Fishing Pioneers and Legends of the Northwest


As a regular columnist for a number of fly fishing magazines, Prof. Jack W. Berryman has crafted numerous informative and interesting profiles of legendary Northwest fly anglers. In Fly Fishing Pioneers and Legends of the Northwest (Northwest Fly Fishing, 2006--$29.95) we find a large collection of these articles collected (and sometimes expanded upon). What results is an absolute "must have" for fly angling, fly tying, and fishing history fans.

The subjects read like a who's who of fly fishing. The inimitable Dan Bailey, the fascinating Ted Trueblood, and the legendary Roderick Haig-Brown are included, as well as some figures that might not be as recognizable but are still of great influence and importance, such as fly tier Bill Nation and Bill Schaadt, who has received some interest lately stemming from the epic documentary Rivers of a Lost Coast.

The articles are all about the same length and because they were originally written for magazine format follow about the same formula, which is not a bad thing. Each of the essays are informative, although one wishes there could have been additional illustrations. Berryman writes in an engaging and forthright manner; footnotes would have been nice but of course, in this day and age seem to have gone the way of the Dodo.

It is a pretty book, well laid out and edited and with attractive design. At 206 pages it is the right length for a book like this, and can be digested in pieces, which is exactly how I read the book. I found myself reading one or two chapters, setting it aside for a few weeks, and then returning to read another chapter. Several months later I was somewhat saddened to discover I had finished the book, and was left wanting more. We can all hope Prof. Berryman pens a sequel.

Although this book is about five years old, the subject matter is timeless. Well-written, informative, and filling a badly needed gap in our fishing history, Fly Fishing Pioneers and Legends of the Northwest should be in every serious fly angler's library.

The book is currently on sale for half price direct from the publisher, and a bargain like this should not be passed up.

-- Dr. Todd

Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (Jan. 2011)

Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (Jan. 2011)

We start off the New Year with an issue of ORCA's Reel News -- Vol. XXI, No. 1 to be exact. By the way, the last issue was the final issue of the 20th year of the Reel News! Happy Birthday, and this is a great start to 20 more.

Steve Vernon gives us the always anticipated "Roots o' Reels" column, this time on the bizarre Gyratory reel, sometimes spelled Guy-Ra-Tory Reel. Such an oddball reel, but an influential and interesting design.

Tom Kerr regales us with an awesome article entitled "The House of Conroy," which is a very detailed look at this man's legacy as one of the pioneers of American tackle.

My contribution in "Reels of the Trade" was the final in the trilogy of articles on Milwaukee, Wisconsin trade houses. This one featured William Frankfurth, a very large and prosperous wholesale hardware who sold a ton of tackle under the "Neptune" name.

Bob Miller gave us another solid "Pflueger Pfacts" column, this third in a series called "Pflueger vs. the Backlash," a title that is like an episode of the tv show Chuck. This one features the new design Supreme.

Really wonderful news from Stu Lawson, who appears to be recovering quite nicely and who promises to publish parts of his long-awaited Pflueger fly reel book in The Reel News in 2011.

Jim Schottenham winds things down with his always anticipated "Auction Report." I'm always stunned at how many great reels get sold and I don't ever notice them.

Another great issue. If you are not an ORCA member--and why aren't you?--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is lovingly edited by Richard K. Lodge.

-- Dr. Todd

Thursday Review: Jean Lane Cresswell's Made For Fishermen By A Fisherman: The Phillips Fly and Tackle Company

Thursday Review:
Jean Lane Cresswell's Made For Fishermen By Fishermen: The Phillips Fly and Tackle Company

Today I am going to review a book published a couple of years ago but  flew under the radar. Jean Lane Cresswell's Made For Fishermen By A Fisherman: The Phillips Fly and Tackle Company, Alexandria, Pennsylvania (Huntingdon County Historical Society, 2007) tells the story of one of the unsung tackle firms of the mid-20th century. Phillips was a surprisingly large tackle firm that left an indelible impact on the Huntingdon region, even if it is not well known today.


The author's father was a frequent fishing companion of George Phillips Jr., the founder of the firm, so she writes from a position of personal authority. The company was founded in 1937 in Alexandria by local fishing aficionado Phillips. A former Firestone Tire salesman, he learned fly tying from George Harvey and went into business as a commercial tier, soon after hiring 18 women to do the tying for him. By the start of WWII Phillips Fly & Tackle was a success.

Creswell is best in describing how Phillips was one of the first firms to adjust to the post-war boom in spin fishing. Having moved into plastic lures, they soon became noted for their small (quarter ounce) spin sized lures. By the early 1950s Phillips was selling a full line of fly rod and spinning lures, including the Forty-Niner, Flash-o-Minno, and Crippled Killer. This was in addition to 3600 kinds of flies in all sizes. At it's height Phillips produced 200,000 lures per year.


1950 ad for Crippled Killer.
Sadly, George Phillips Jr. died of cancer in 1955 at the age of 43. The company came under new management and continued producing lures, moving to Hartslog Valley in 1960. Phillips introduced one of it's most popular lures in the early 1960s with the Rainbow Runner. The firm continued on until 1981, when it was purchased by Tom Gaines. Gaines still markets several Phillips lures including the Crippled Killer today.


Phillips Crippled Killer.

Phillips Rainbow Runner.

Phillips Forty-Niners.
Despite some rather glaring errors that reflect Miss Cresswell's lack of experience with the tackle field (including references to "Haddon" and "Creek Club" tackle), the book is a marvellous glimpse at a mid-size American tackle company and it's impact on a small American town. Profusely illustrated, this little gem deserves a wider audience among tackle collectors and fishing history buffs alike.

The book is 58 pages and has color and black-and-white images. It is available in a limited print run from the Huntingdon County Historical Society at a cost of $14.95. It is well worth the price.

-- Dr. Todd

Thursday Review: The Reels of Julius vom Hofe, 1885-1937 by Don Champion

Thursday Review: The Reels of Julius vom Hofe, 1885-1937 by Don Champion

Today we review a rather unique new offering, The Reels of Julius vom Hofe, 1885-1937 by Don Champion. First off let me state this book is only available to ORCA members through the ORCA Library.

The book itself is a detailed compendium of catalog materials relating to Julius vom Hofe and his reels. The book includes a short biography and a list of Julius vom Hofe related patents, as well as a compendium of Forest & Stream ads, but the bulk of the book is an amazing selection of catalog pages from a wide variety of tackle catalogs that feature JVH reels. Champion has culled hundreds of catalogs to come up with the JVH reels featured in 56 catalogs, ranging from the 1885 Kiffe to the 1937 William Mills.

While some of the catalog copies are a bit hard to read, this is an absolute must for anyone who collects Vom Hofe reels. It will certainly help you to identify, and to date, a huge number of Julius vom Hofe fishing reels.

The book is unbound and 172 pages, and the price is $25.50. The funds go to benefit the ORCA Library.

For more information on the book, Click Here.

-- Dr. Todd

A Review of Classic Angling (Nov-Dec 2010)

A Review of the Latest Issue of CLASSIC ANGLING

Today, we get a review of the latest issue of the British magazine Classic Angling. It is the Nov/Dec 2010 issue (No. 68) and includes a ton of great information.

As always, the magazine starts with news of use to classic angling fans, and it leads with the sad news that noted angling book dealer Judith Bowman is retiring. Judy has run her angling book store for 30+ years, but has finally decided to close up shop. Very sad news indeed. Another story of interest is the piece on The First Five Waltons, covering in some detail the great set of early Walton books sold by Sotheby's. There is, of course, all the latest updates on tackle auctions from around the world.

Feature stories include "The Man Who Almost Won" by David Hall, about the shock election that saw Bird become president of the U.K.'s National Federation of Anglers; Keith Elliott's "Now Its Time For Another 1000" about remarkable angler Steve Wozniak, who has caught 1000 species of fish; Neil Freeman's "My Quest to Find the Right Man to be My River Keeper"; John Bailey's "Is this the End of the Line for the Cauvery?"; and regular columns by Judth Head (Books) and others.

There are two particular articles of note. First, Tom Kerr's "John Conroy: The Early Days" which is a detailed look at this fascinating character. Tom's research is world-class and he definitely deserves great credit for helping us better understand these early tackle makers.

My favorite article is Elliott's in-depth analysis of why the Freshwater Fishing Hall-of-Fame reinstated the Walleye world record. A really informative and fascinating piece that shows that things are never as they appear; new photos show this walleye was indeed a freak of nature. But 25 pounds? Speculation still runs rampant.

All in all, another solid and fascinating issue. The magazine is ably edited by Keith Elliott, and is available through subscription by Clicking Here.

-- Dr. Todd

Thursday Review: Manitoba Fishing Tackle, 1920-1980

Thursday Review: Manitoba Fishing Tackle, 1920-1980

Today we review a new e-book by Dr. Richard Rounds of Brandon, Manitoba entitled Manitoba Fishing Tackle: 1920 to 1980 (Self-Published, 2010).


The product of nearly ten years worth of research, this work contains much information that has never before been seen in print. Take for example the popular Canadian Bait Manufacturing "Royal Brand Baits" of Winnipeg, Canada. Founded as early as 1919, this company produced fishing lures and reels alike, including a fluted spinner that I've been trying to pin down history wise for some time. They made a full line of wooden lures that have surely been almost impossible to ID before the arrival of this book.

While CBM may have been the largest Manitoba tackle maker, it was far from the only one. Other companies such as Platt Lures, Jasper Lures, Rain-Bo Lures, Mid-Canada Tackle, Charron Lures, Sokolowski Lures, Kaluzniak Trout Jigs, Expert Fishing Company, and S&W all made tackle, and there is even a chapter on Manitoba Folk Art baits. All companies are covered in as much detail as possible.

There is a great deal to like about the book. The author is a fine writer and solid researcher and there is abundant new information in here that makes the purchase price well worth it to both Canadian and American collectors alike.

The major criticism, of course, will be the choice to make a CD-Rom rather than a traditional book. I'm sure price considerations came into play, but the author writes in the introduction also that "The decision to produce a CD rather than a book was made to allow for easy updates in the future." There will likely be a whole host of "mom-and-pop" Manitoba makers that will come to light in the following months and years as a result of Dr. Rounds' research.

The book is 88 Pages and in full color with quality images. Overall, this is an excellent book and a solid start (along with the Hex book) on unravelling Canadian-made fishing tackle. It is available from the author at the Manitoba Lures Web Site and costs $25.00 postage paid.

-- Dr. Todd

Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (Nov. 2010)

Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (Nov. 2010)

The mailbox brought a welcome site, the latest Reel News, the bi-monthly magazine of the Old Reel Collector's Association (ORCA).

Bob Miller gives us a wonderful Pflueger Pfacts column entitled "Waste Not, Want Not" in which he opines on the interchangeable parts for Pflueger reels. Another magnificent epistle from the dean of Pflueger reels.

Stu Lawson offers up a welcome column entitled "Scams and Other Fun Stuff" where he tells some tales of woe from his selling days, as well as gives us a great update on his health. We're all thinking of you, Stu!

Charlie Tanner gives us a wonderful article, "The Men Behind Wright & McGill" which is both a history of W&M and their various reels. Nifty job, Charlie!

Ben Wright, the resident spinning reel guru, gives us an article on the Cargem 33 Mignon Ultra-Lite spinning reel. Like all of Ben's work, it is accurate, concise, and easily understandable.

My own contributions this issue included a discourse on one of the rarest Chicago trade reels: Foss Brothers. It tells the fascinating story of a pair of brothers from a wealthy Chicago family who ended up starting a high-end sporting shop that sold some incredible high-end reels.

I also sent in a short little piece on a tour of the French spinning reel factory Centaure from a 1950s Fishing Tackle Trade News. It's a nifty little piece.

Jim Schottenham gives us the eagerly awaited "Auction Report" which just underscores how little I get to see on eBay every month.

Finally, there are three pages devoted to a letter from British tackle writer Graham Turner, who takes great umbrage at British reel historian John Drewett's recent commentary about Graham's latest book.

Another fine issue. If you are not an ORCA member--and why aren't you?--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is capably edited by Richard K. Lodge.

-- Dr. Todd

Thursday Review: Mark Miller's Hooked on Life

Thursday Review: Mark Miller's Hooked on Life

I can't think of a more fitting book to launch during the World Series than Mark Henry Miller's Hooked on Life: Hooked on Life: Reflections on Fishing, Baseball, and the Other Stuff of Life (Whitefish Press, 2010). This is a book very unlike any I have published before, but is something I have been meaning to do since I started the Whitefish Press five years ago.

It's a book about fishing and faith. It's also a book about baseball and faith. By now, if you've spent more than a couple minutes perusing my blog, you'll know these are three things I love.

And Mark knoweth what he speaks, having recently retired from a 44 year ministry. A graduate of Stanford (where he played baseball) and Yale, Miller writes in an engaging and direct style, as if he is standing in a room speaking to you. He is also a very accomplished angler, and the majority of these stories involve the life lessons we learn from being on the water.


At its core, what Mark teaches us is to celebrate life, to revel in the little blessings -- whether they are a rainbow in a stream, a salmon from the back of a charter boat, a crisp breaking ball, or the joy one gets from helping another in need.

Don't you think we need more of that in life?

By the way, Mark was such an accomplished pitcher he was invited to spring training by the Dodgers in the 1960s and got to be in camp with Sandy Koufax and other legends...

There are more than enough fishing stories for those whose primary goal is a good book about fish; there is an abundance of inspiration for those who seek it. For most, the combination of the two will be a delight. If you read this book and don't come out feeling better, start over--you've missed something.

The book is $14.95 and more information can be found by Clicking Here.

-- Dr. Todd

Thursday Review: Jordan the Rodmaker by William H. Jordan

Thursday Review: Jordan the Rodmaker by William H. Jordan

It is very rare when we get the opportunity to hear the inside story about one of our fishing tackle legends. But this is exactly what we get with William H. Jordan's new book Jordan the Rodmaker: A Biography of Wesley D. Jordan at Cross - South Bend - Orvis. Wes Jordan needs no introduction to anyone who has done any serious fly angling. Maker of incredible (and ahead of their time) fly rods from 1921-1926 at Cross Rod & Tackle at Lynn, MA, he moved to South Bend, Indiana and set up the rod shop for South Bend Tackle Company, which he ran until 1938, producing upwards of 5000 rods per week. In 1939 he moved to Manchester, Vermont and joined a moribund Charles Orvis Company as one of just three employees. He rebuilt the rod shop, revolutionized the rodmaking world with his impregnated rods, and set Orvis on the path to becoming the giant it is today. He retired after over four decades as the most celebrated rodmaker in the country.


Bill Jordan is Wes Jordan's son, and in this book he gives us unique insight into his father's life and career. Complete with dozens of family photos, this book will give the reader clear insight into the history of Cross, South Bend, and Orvis, including their internal workings, their innovations, and sometimes their conflicts. Refreshing and engaging, you'll see a side to Wes you never knew existed, as well as a reminder of why he is considered one of the greatest rodmakers alive.

I've rarely enjoyed working on a book more than this one. It is a truly delightful work and one that will stand as the definitive biography of Wes Jordan for the indefinite future.

This hardcover with dust jacket is 200 pages, with color photos, and a high-quality Smyth-sewn binding. It is $49.95 and only 600 copies of the hardcover will ever be printed. More information including ordering info can be found by Clicking Here.

A signed and numbered Limited Edition Hardcover with Slipcase (and additional matching signed-and-numbered copy of Bill Jordan's speech about his father given recently at the Catskill Fly Fishing Museum) is available for $99.95. More information can be found by Clicking Here.

-- Dr. Todd

Thursday Review: Classic Angling (Sep-Oct 2010)

Thursday Review: Classic Angling (Sep-Oct 2010)

Every two months we will be reviewing the fine British publication Classic Angling. A lot of collectors in America are unaware of this magazine, but it is certainly the largest circulation periodical dealing with antique fishing tackle in the world, and covers a ton of material on both American tackle and fishing history in general. It is an indispensable addition to your library.

The current issue is No. 67 (September/October 2010) and covers a lot of territory. In addition to numerous pages devoted to the latest fishing and tackle news--including previews of the upcoming Lang's and Angling Auction's auctions and a warning on faked 1st model Mitchell reels--there are a number of feature articles, too.

For example, Roger Still gives us "Easy to be Fooled by These Fakes" which covers fake Hardy reels. Articles like this are invaluable in making the collector world safe for both novices and advanced collectors alike.

David Beazley gives us a great historical piece in "The Fishing Monks of Dendy Sadler," which details this artist's wonderful foray into his fishing images.

Neil Freeman gives us "Rainbow's End on Our Bit of the Test" which is a great fishing piece in the long tradition of British chalkstream trout writings.

John Bailey penned "The Delights of Long Trotting" which centers on the traditional British form of fishing known as centrepin float fishing.

Book maven Judith Head deconstructs the life of Sir William Jardine, author of British Salmonidae, in "Inspired By Travelling Around Scotland in a Wheeled Boat."

Tom Kerr and Charlie Fleischmann give us a rare jewel in "Maria, Queen of the Ustonsons" in which they deconstruct this fascinating female and place her in the context of angling history.

I sometimes contribute to this fine magazine, and my own contribution this issue was "The First Big Match" which detailed the battle between Jamison and Decker and how it was recreated by NFLCC members this past summer.

Simon Runting ends the features with " Chub, on a 90-Year Old Allcock Aquatic Spider" in which the author finds, fishes, and ultimately loses this beautiful fly while fishing for chub.

This magazine is an absolute must for anyone interested remotely in fishing tackle and fishing history. It is ably edited by Keith Elliott and you can learn more about it by Clicking Here.

-- Dr. Todd

Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (September 2010)

Thursday Review: ORCA's Reel News (September 2010)

The mail brought a welcome gift--the latest edition of the ORCA Reel News. And no news was more welcome than the note from Stu Lawson that his treatment for cancer has been going well. All of us send our best wishes out to Stu, who is one of the truly nice guys out there.

The issue did not disappoint. Bob Halver gives us "The Airex VIC Spinning Reel," a nifty analysis of this ever-popular Airex model. Lots of detail and the kind of work you'll come to expect from the author of a forthcoming book on Airex tackle!

Bob Miller gives us "Think Big! Pflueger's Largest Capacity Reels" about the wonderful Pflueger saltwater models, including the Dixie, Kihoga, Avalon, Sea King, Atlapac and Templar. All fun reels, but the latter two legendary in the big reel world.

Jim Madden gives us "South Bend #1201: A Masterpiece Mechanically and in Beauty." This covers one of South Bend's most rarest models, the first model made with a bakelite spacer. Nifty stuff.

Ed Slane wonders "Where did the Time Go" in his bi-monthly epistle. I did not know that Ed was an airline pilot!

Jim Schottenham gives us the always anticipated "Auction Report," and again, tons of stuff I missed out on. It's always great to see these wonderful pieces.

Finally, RIchard K. Lodge (ORCA's editor) gives us a great article on L.W. Holmes of Oronoque, Connecticut. Most people don't realize Holmes made everything from fly reels to massive saltwater models.

All in all, a great issue! Kudos to editor Richard Lodge for putting this all together.

-- Dr. Todd