(Vintage) Lure Porn

[John Milford]

Last of the Mohicans.

The bulk production of wooden Creek Chubs ended with the closure of the Garrett factory and sale of the company to the Lazy Ike Corporation.

Ten years later, around 1987/88, wooden Creek Chubs were re-introduced, briefly, by the Dura-Pak Corp. of Sioux City, Iowa.

They were in the range when TG Lures started dealing with Dura-Pak, but were deemed too expensive to carry, compared to the plastic Pikie models.

I came across this #5500 (5") 'Snook Pikie' last week and added it to my collection, as these Sioux City wood models represent the 'end of an era'.

(Nice enough baits, but they don't quite have the class of the originals. ).


IMG_20211207_100438_816~2.jpg

Lure snob.

You know, I would actually have to agree with you on the statement in brackets John.
And buy the way, I am beginning to think that you are the man in your avatar, fez and all Please remind me who it is ?

Will.

He's Henry Leonidas Rolfe 'The Scaly Painter' (1823–1881). One of Alfred Jardine's piking chums.

(A splendidly louche looking fellow! ).

[Will Smith]

Obviously this isn’t “vintage” but on the creek chub theme.
Just Come up for sale on the bay.
Rather cool musky xxx custom creek eating a river runt.


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Ha ha Andy, love it.

Will.

[Will Smith]

Last of the Mohicans.

The bulk production of wooden Creek Chubs ended with the closure of the Garrett factory and sale of the company to the Lazy Ike Corporation.

Ten years later, around 1987/88, wooden Creek Chubs were re-introduced, briefly, by the Dura-Pak Corp. of Sioux City, Iowa.

They were in the range when TG Lures started dealing with Dura-Pak, but were deemed too expensive to carry, compared to the plastic Pikie models.

I came across this #5500 (5") 'Snook Pikie' last week and added it to my collection, as these Sioux City wood models represent the 'end of an era'.

(Nice enough baits, but they don't quite have the class of the originals. ).


IMG_20211207_100438_816~2.jpg

Lure snob.

You know, I would actually have to agree with you on the statement in brackets John.
And buy the way, I am beginning to think that you are the man in your avatar, fez and all Please remind me who it is ?

Will.

Two lure snobs!

John's headwear (for it surely is he) could be a smoking cap.

You are probably correct on all counts Dave .

Will

[Will Smith]

Last of the Mohicans.

The bulk production of wooden Creek Chubs ended with the closure of the Garrett factory and sale of the company to the Lazy Ike Corporation.

Ten years later, around 1987/88, wooden Creek Chubs were re-introduced, briefly, by the Dura-Pak Corp. of Sioux City, Iowa.

They were in the range when TG Lures started dealing with Dura-Pak, but were deemed too expensive to carry, compared to the plastic Pikie models.

I came across this #5500 (5") 'Snook Pikie' last week and added it to my collection, as these Sioux City wood models represent the 'end of an era'.

(Nice enough baits, but they don't quite have the class of the originals. ).


IMG_20211207_100438_816~2.jpg

Lure snob.

You know, I would actually have to agree with you on the statement in brackets John.
And buy the way, I am beginning to think that you are the man in your avatar, fez and all Please remind me who it is ?

Will.

He's Henry Leonidas Rolfe 'The Scaly Painter' (1823–1881). One of Alfred Jardine's piking chums.

(A splendidly louche looking fellow! ).

Just had to google that word John and as the saying goes, "if the cap fits" .
Although I am sure you are not a louche type of chap.

Will.

[John Milford]

Not my usual thing, but then I don't stumble across truly vintage musky baits very often.

I bought it just because I liked the look of it - and a suspicion it might not be quite as 'new' as it looked.

To cut a long story short, I got a photo lead from a US collector and the trail led me to the name Krizenesky - and quickly to an NFLCC article about the brothers Robert and Allan.

https://nflcc.org/wp-content/uploads/20 ... enesky.pdf

Krizenesky Brothers 'Mr. Muskie Bait Company' (est. 1969) Peshtigo, Wisconsin.

7" Musk-A-Luck.

IMG_20211223_103428_366~2.jpg

[davelumb]

Not my usual thing, but then I don't stumble across truly vintage musky baits very often.

I bought it just because I liked the look of it - and a suspicion it might not be quite as 'new' as it looked.

To cut a long story short, I got a photo lead from a US collector and the trail led me to the name Krizenesky - and quickly to an NFLCC article about the brothers Robert and Allan.

https://nflcc.org/wp-content/uploads/20 ... enesky.pdf

Krizenesky Brothers 'Mr. Muskie Bait Company' (est. 1969) Peshtigo, Wisconsin.

7" Musk-A-Luck.


IMG_20211223_103428_366~2.jpg

The 19-book set
The Encyclopedia of Old Fishing Lures Made In North America and The
History and Collectible Fishing Tackle of Wisconsin.

[John Milford]

I bought a bunch of lures recently - an odd assortment of very usable baits, plus this little beauty!

A 'Gopher' musky bait, originally made by Elmer Deuster of Milwaukee, Wisconsin during the late 40s/ early 50s, eventually becoming the Gopher Bait Co of Sheboygan, WI.

Later, they were sold by the Marathon Bait Co., of Wausau, WI. - a company well-known for making some of the more 'far out' musky lures.

The splashing paddles on each side are fixed at 90° to each other and the lure is wood with a wired-through construction.

Mine is the 4 1/2", 1 oz. 'Baby Gopher' - not one of the really early ones, but a very collectible bait nonetheless.

IMG_20220114_112714_030~2.jpg

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[davelumb]

I bought a bunch of lures recently - an odd assortment of very usable baits, plus this little beauty!

A 'Gopher' musky bait, originally made by Elmer Deuster of Milwaukee, Wisconsin during the late 40s/ early 50s, eventually becoming the Gopher Bait Co of Sheboygan, WI.

Later, they were sold by the Marathon Bait Co., of Wausau, WI. - a company well-known for making some of the more 'far out' musky lures.

The splashing paddles on each side are fixed at 90° to each other and the lure is wood with a wired-through construction.

Mine is the 4 1/2", 1 oz. 'Baby Gopher' - not one of the really early ones, but a very collectible bait nonetheless.


IMG_20220114_112714_030~2.jpg


20220114_113502-COLLAGE.jpg

Are they, or something similar, still being made? The design looks familiar.

[John Milford]

I bought a bunch of lures recently - an odd assortment of very usable baits, plus this little beauty!

A 'Gopher' musky bait, originally made by Elmer Deuster of Milwaukee, Wisconsin during the late 40s/ early 50s, eventually becoming the Gopher Bait Co of Sheboygan, WI.

Later, they were sold by the Marathon Bait Co., of Wausau, WI. - a company well-known for making some of the more 'far out' musky lures.

The splashing paddles on each side are fixed at 90° to each other and the lure is wood with a wired-through construction.

Mine is the 4 1/2", 1 oz. 'Baby Gopher' - not one of the really early ones, but a very collectible bait nonetheless.


IMG_20220114_112714_030~2.jpg


20220114_113502-COLLAGE.jpg

Are they, or something similar, still being made? The design looks familiar.

I've tried looking for them for sale online Dave, but they appear to be pretty scarce. Any listing I've found, even for relatively modern ones in 'blister packs', say 'unavailable'.

I posted a question about them on an American collectors FB group and immediately got people messaging me wanting to buy it!

[davelumb]

I bought a bunch of lures recently - an odd assortment of very usable baits, plus this little beauty!

A 'Gopher' musky bait, originally made by Elmer Deuster of Milwaukee, Wisconsin during the late 40s/ early 50s, eventually becoming the Gopher Bait Co of Sheboygan, WI.

Later, they were sold by the Marathon Bait Co., of Wausau, WI. - a company well-known for making some of the more 'far out' musky lures.

The splashing paddles on each side are fixed at 90° to each other and the lure is wood with a wired-through construction.

Mine is the 4 1/2", 1 oz. 'Baby Gopher' - not one of the really early ones, but a very collectible bait nonetheless.


IMG_20220114_112714_030~2.jpg


20220114_113502-COLLAGE.jpg

Are they, or something similar, still being made? The design looks familiar.

I've tried looking for them for sale online Dave, but they appear to be pretty scarce. Any listing I've found, even for relatively modern ones in 'blister packs', say 'unavailable'.

I posted a question about them on an American collectors FB group and immediately got people messaging me wanting to buy it!

Did their offers meet your reserve?

[horseshoe3]

Incredible reading and viewing, how far do tobys go back,

[John Milford]

Incredible reading and viewing, how far do tobys go back,

66 years.

The Toby is named after the 'tobis' - the Danish/German name for a sandeel.

[bio-haul]

I bought a bunch of lures recently - an odd assortment of very usable baits, plus this little beauty!

A 'Gopher' musky bait, originally made by Elmer Deuster of Milwaukee, Wisconsin during the late 40s/ early 50s, eventually becoming the Gopher Bait Co of Sheboygan, WI.

Later, they were sold by the Marathon Bait Co., of Wausau, WI. - a company well-known for making some of the more 'far out' musky lures.

The splashing paddles on each side are fixed at 90° to each other and the lure is wood with a wired-through construction.

Mine is the 4 1/2", 1 oz. 'Baby Gopher' - not one of the really early ones, but a very collectible bait nonetheless.


IMG_20220114_112714_030~2.jpg


20220114_113502-COLLAGE.jpg

Nice. Thought it was Japanese at first sight. Would love to see it's action.

[John Milford]

I bought a bunch of lures recently - an odd assortment of very usable baits, plus this little beauty!

A 'Gopher' musky bait, originally made by Elmer Deuster of Milwaukee, Wisconsin during the late 40s/ early 50s, eventually becoming the Gopher Bait Co of Sheboygan, WI.

Later, they were sold by the Marathon Bait Co., of Wausau, WI. - a company well-known for making some of the more 'far out' musky lures.

The splashing paddles on each side are fixed at 90° to each other and the lure is wood with a wired-through construction.

Mine is the 4 1/2", 1 oz. 'Baby Gopher' - not one of the really early ones, but a very collectible bait nonetheless.


IMG_20220114_112714_030~2.jpg


20220114_113502-COLLAGE.jpg

Nice. Thought it was Japanese at first sight. Would love to see it's action.

I get where you're coming from Dom, Japanese baits and the more radical musky baits are where two worlds collide.

[horseshoe3]

Incredible reading and viewing, how far do tobys go back,

66 years.

The Toby is named after the 'tobis' - the Danish/German name for a sandeel.

Thanks for that

[John Milford]

Not mine, unfortunately, just something I found on the net

9" 'Chair leg baits' circa 1940s, made by the Chair Leg Tackle Company of Williams Bay, Wisconsin.

Apparenty they really were constructed from 'repurposed' chair legs!

FB_IMG_1643205798564~2.jpg

[davelumb]

Not mine, unfortunately, just something I found on the net

9" 'Chair leg baits' circa 1940s, made by the Chair Leg Tackle Company of Williams Bay, Wisconsin.

Apparenty they really were constructed from 'repurposed' chair legs!


FB_IMG_1643205798564~2.jpg

Upcycling in action.

[nick the grief]

Not mine, unfortunately, just something I found on the net

9" 'Chair leg baits' circa 1940s, made by the Chair Leg Tackle Company of Williams Bay, Wisconsin.

Apparenty they really were constructed from 'repurposed' chair legs!


FB_IMG_1643205798564~2.jpg

hmmm wonder if the wife would notice if I lop 6 inches of the chair legs ...

[Will Smith]

Not mine, unfortunately, just something I found on the net

9" 'Chair leg baits' circa 1940s, made by the Chair Leg Tackle Company of Williams Bay, Wisconsin.

Apparenty they really were constructed from 'repurposed' chair legs!


FB_IMG_1643205798564~2.jpg

As always John, fascinating trivia .

Will.

[Steve Le maitre]

Not mine, unfortunately, just something I found on the net

9" 'Chair leg baits' circa 1940s, made by the Chair Leg Tackle Company of Williams Bay, Wisconsin.

Apparenty they really were constructed from 'repurposed' chair legs!


FB_IMG_1643205798564~2.jpg

hmmm wonder if the wife would notice if I lop 6 inches of the chair legs ...

6” !!, if you are going to the effort make it worthwhile, 12” and don’t skimp on the diameter!!

[nick the grief]

6” !!, if you are going to the effort make it worthwhile, 12” and don’t skimp on the diameter!!

[John Milford]

The likely result If I ever have an MRI scan . . .

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[davelumb]

The likely result If I ever have an MRI scan . . .


Screenshot_20220208-095745_eBay~2.jpg

[John Milford]

1970s Gudebrod 'Trouble Maker'. This is the #1610 1 3/4 oz, 5 1/4" saltwater version - but the best size for pike.

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My favourite memory of this lure is nicking a good fish off Merv Jones on one! 

He'd been casting a Zalt, when he had an over-run. A big pike took a swipe at his lure when it was floating at rest while he was sorting out his reel - but he could do nothing about it.

For some unaccountable reason, he then decided to return to his car for his flask . . . .

He returned just in time to take this snap of me with the culprit - 18-12 on a big white Trouble Maker! 

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[Will Smith]

Great story John, was Merv in any way p****d off with you when he realised what had happened ?
Not that he had cause to IMO.
Could you have got any more sew ons on that fishing vest .
Will.

[John Milford]

Could you have got any more sew ons on that fishing vest .

Those were the days Will. We all wanted to be like Gord.

(Merv took it, like the trouper he is! ).

[stubbojo]

Not mine, unfortunately, just something I found on the net

9" 'Chair leg baits' circa 1940s, made by the Chair Leg Tackle Company of Williams Bay, Wisconsin.

Apparenty they really were constructed from 'repurposed' chair legs!


FB_IMG_1643205798564~2.jpg

hmmm wonder if the wife would notice if I lop 6 inches of the chair legs ...

she would notice 6 inch less believe me .....

[John Milford]

A new addition to my collection arrived today.

A 'Rush Tango' by the J. K. Rush US Specialty Co. of Syracuse, NY.

This is the 5" model in one of the very early 'mottled back' paint finishes.

20220218_155011-COLLAGE.jpg

Dating from around 1915, it is a very obvious forerunner to Heddon's 'Tadpolly' and therefore the subject of quite a lot of litigation!

Rush wasn't the designer of the lure, but was probably associated with his fellow Syracuse fishermen Leroy Yakeley and Filmore Smith who all fished at Sandy Pond. The Tango was the result of their efforts, from around 1913, to improve upon an even earlier lure - the Welles patented wooden floating/diving bait.

When Rush (who had secured both the Welles and Yakeley patents) tried to sue Heddon over their Tadpolly's pretty obvious infringement in 1921, the judgement ruled that Filmore Smith was the inventor!

Nobody takes on the mighty Heddon empire and wins!

[davelumb]

[John Milford]

A couple of nice old wooden baits circa 1930s/40s.

By Horrocks - Ibbotson (HICO) of Utica, N.Y.

They were one of, if not the largest manufacturers of tackle in the USA (mostly famous for their built-cane rods).

Most of their lures were budget-priced models, loosely based on more famous designs or of fairly basic construction. The green barred, scale pattern is one of their more distinctive colours.

They mostly just had numbers rather than names, which seems a pity. I'm still trying to find the designation for this lipless 'runt' type bait and the (Jersey rigged) 'slope nose'.

(HICO were the eventual owners of the rights to the 'Rush Tango', featured a few posts ago).

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