Chuck's Tackle Box

Another Big Hedd, Another Big Pay-Day

2011-02-22T18:47:00.000-08:00

This auction ended recently... It was for a Model #9330 (Big Hedd) In Color BB (baby bass).
I watched as this one slowly crept up to a whopping $354.oo

See my other posts about past Big Hedd surprises.
Here And HERE

Beautiful Gibbs grab

2011-01-15T05:39:00.000-08:00

I kept my eye on this one whereas Stan Gibbs lures are a local lure company here in the northeast.
This one shot up quickly to 400+ and finally settled at $455.99
Great lure, Nice price.

See my blog on Gibbs History Here

Hedd-Plug un-clogs the money!

2010-11-09T16:58:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post this wowzer that I just finished watching. A Heddon Hedd-Plug in a lunchtime special color. Sold at Auction for a whopping $500.00!

C.D. Mather Frog, Posted here because you wont see them often!!

2010-10-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

Had to post this just for the hell of it. You may never get a chance to see one, so here is a good look at this awesome lure. Very mechanical, very neat!

More from the Runt Front - No Snags snag BIG Money

2010-07-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

I followed these 2 auctions this week for Heddon No-Snag River runt Sinkers. Both were in Rare colors and managed to grab a pretty high price.
Here they are:

This XBW (blue shore) sold at $405.00

This no Snag in PAS (allen stripey) Commanded $836.51

Rare Runt Riot

2010-07-05T04:46:00.000-07:00

This rare Heddon River Runt in red shore, color code XSK. I have never seen one in this color. Posted here for reference and your enjoyment.
Sold at auction for $350.00 Nice piece!!

Four Pennsylvania Fishing license badges - 1951, 1952, 1953 & 1955

2010-06-28T05:17:00.000-07:00

ach one is authentic and highly collectible. Although southern states and earlier types are more highly sought after, these four definitely make a great addition to a collection. Was thinking about holding onto them.
Selling at $28.00 each.

The Pilot - by H.R. Stewart Co.

2010-06-28T05:12:00.000-07:00

I found this little doosie at the bottom of a tackle box last year and it wasn't until recently that I found out what it was. This is the H.R. Stewart "Pilot" the lure dates to 1903. I was able to find and actual ad for the lure from a hardware magazine.Thanks to Tim for his help with the ID of this neat lure.

This Ad shows the Pilot at the bottom with some well-known lures of the time

Couple of other Quick Shots

2010-06-14T19:04:00.001-07:00

Creek Chub Bait Co. Surface Dinger in Western Auto color "Yellow Skunk" $169.16

and then this awesome little bastard.....

Heddon Chugger in a rare color called "Yellow wing black-bird" $202.51

and the "reverse" of this same color "black-wing yellow bird"$550.00

Shoring up on Black Shore - Whew!

2010-06-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

I sat around on a lazy, Rainy weekend to watch some of these recent auctions on some Heddon Lures in color "Black Shore" or Color code: XBW.
Here is a breakdown of some of these amazing sales.

Vamp $272.oo

Lucky 13 sold at auction $297.00

Crazy Crawler with early brush box and flap rigging - sold at auction $177.00

Heddon Punkinseed XBW with early brush box and flap rigging - sold at auction $1,225.00

I'll drink to that!

2010-05-29T05:58:00.001-07:00

Bud_Hitail_2k024_99 (1)
Originally uploaded by ChucksTackleBox

Astonishing!
I watched this auction because I knew the outcome was going to be unpredictable... kind of like waiting for a car accident to take place. The end result was nothing short of amazing.
At the end of this auction this little bastard fetched a cool $2,024.99!

Analysis: This lure, in it's simplest form, is a RH Heddon Hi-tail. As a promotional item for Budweiser, a clear decal was added to the lure with the Anheuser-Bush logo and Budweiser logo as a "saddle" over the back of the lure. The box is correctly labeled and having the two together is a feat within itself.

Aside from the decal and the words "Budweiser Hi-Tail" on the box, this lure is a Boxed, RH, Hi-tail that would typically command a price of $60-110.00! as apposed to $2,024.99.
I am amazed!

Rebel Case

2010-05-26T08:54:00.001-07:00

CIMG5931
Originally uploaded by ChucksTackleBox

Great find on this 1969 era Rebel Salesman's case. The Case is in Excellent condition and in all truthfulness, I would have expected it to be in worse shape. I am pleasantly surprised.
There looks as if there was a repair done to the thin shell and the repair looks as old as the case. The fish, lures case are all beautiful. The latches still function case lining is complete, just an all-round beautiful piece.

Rebel Salesman's Case

2010-05-26T08:49:00.001-07:00

CIMG5929
Originally uploaded by ChucksTackleBox

Yours for the taking. Contact me: chuckstacklebox@gmail.com

Inside the Case..

2010-05-26T08:46:00.001-07:00

CIMG5935
Originally uploaded by ChucksTackleBox

These are the original lures for the case still secured to the backing with light tack to the hooks

Rebel Lure Salesman's Case.

2010-05-26T08:45:00.001-07:00

CIMG5934
Originally uploaded by ChucksTackleBox

The inside of the case is crisp and clean. The Rebel logo is very Vibrant

Oil Spill off Louisianna coast effecting Lure sales.

2010-05-15T21:53:00.000-07:00

It seems that oil is not good even for makers of lures

Muddy Waters - The basics of collecting and tackle sales

2010-05-02T05:51:00.000-07:00

I've titled this post "Muddy Waters" because that is the best term I can think of when discussing collecting of lures and tackle to lay-persons and beginners in collecting or selling of tackle.

First off, let me start by saying that I do not consider myself an expert, nor do I frown upon those who are new to collecting. I am always willing to share what I know. However, I am continually frustrated with individuals who are not collectors, who know nothing about lures and tackle yet they bitch about others offering them "unfair prices" for tackle that they are attempting to sell.

First, I would like to talk to collecting....foremost condition!

Condition is everything! absolutely everything!
I have had people tell me, as an example "This lure is worth $60.00" but what they fail to understand is that this $60.00 is for a lure in EX+ to Mint condition without the box. When you tell them this astounding revelation, you get the funny looks of rejection....as if you told them their baby was ugly or something of that sort.
Condition, condition, condition. Very important.

Simply because you posses a certain lure doesn't make it valuable. period.
Conversely, simply because something is OLD doesn't mean that it is RARE or VALUABLE.

Secondly is type. This is easy. Some lures are rare simply because of the type of lure. An example would be Heddon's "Preyfish"...a short production run lure. Really doesn't matter what color it is, as long as rule #1 applies - Condition!
If it is in good condition or better, chance are it will fetch a good price, regardless.

Thirdly is color. How rare is Heddon's perch, color code "L".... not very.
Now ask me the same question about Heddon's yellow chrome, color code "NPY" and the difference in price is ten-fold!
Nuff said!

Now let's talk about those prices... and those who are clueless about what something is worth, yet think they are sitting on a gold mine.

I recently e-mailed an individual who had a large lot of tackle for sale. This person was looking for "serious inquires only" so, being a "serious" collector, I dropped him an e-mail.
(It's important to note that my e-mails have a custom footer that shows I own a website).

I asked for pictures of the tackle and the response I got was pretty interesting.
It starts like this: "Well If you are a dealer than I do not think you will give me a fair price" I already smelled a problem with the attitude.
This person continues: "I just have had so many people come and offer me a junk price". and then he adds this interesting bit of information: "I do not know the value of these lures, rods, reels, and fly rods".

So, I scratch my head.....You're saying that you don't know the price of these things, yet you have somehow come to the conclusion that others have offered you a "junk price"? How does a person even navigate this thought process.??

I have no willingness to even deal with a person of this nature, even if they have rare lures.... I simply bail on all dealings with people like this. experience has taught me this is an exercise in futility.

My response:

"If you have no idea what something is worth, or you have reservations about selling... there is always Ebay. Then you won't waste a collectors time and you won't need to feel like you are getting a "junk" price even though you don't know what something is worth.

My recommendation based on your own words, is for you to do some homework, find out the price of your goods and then put a firm, fair price on it."

I close by adding:
"Think of it this way....if you do not collect fishing tackle and you seldom fish and do not intend on using this gear yourself what does it matter? Something is better than nothing no?
just a thought."

And I guess that is as simple as I can make it....
Just wanted to share some of my frustrations ~ Chuck

The Pilot

2010-04-28T04:39:00.001-07:00

"The Pilot"

The Pocket Fisherman and other fishing poles gone amuck!

2010-04-20T21:01:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, when you were a kid you watched this commercial daily.... The Ronco ( Ron Popeil) Pocket Fisherman.

This brought a smile to my face while surfing the net and coming across an ad for one of them.
I was surprised to find that The Pocket Fisherman is still sold today!
I thought it would be funny to connect with a piece of my childhood, so I found a vintage outfit still in the box with its instructions and side holster bag... after all, I collect vintage tackle and lures.

Attached is my breakdown of this piece of fishing history, as well as some other "not so successful" attempts to reproduce a similar product (to be discussed later)
I'll start with the box:

The front of the box, showing the 70's icon.

The rear of the box, lets you know its as easy as 1,2,3!
Draw like a cowboy, Hide behind the PF, and thirdly, get a kid to hold the net.

I scanned the manual... always fun to see these instructions and breakdown of the PF.

If you actually take a moment to mess with the pocket fisherman you realize that it is actually made pretty well. These are durable although the rod portion always made me nervous with its click in place rod backing. The pocket fisherman casts pretty easy and goes far for a itty-bitty rod. From shore it is a little clumsy and stupid, but from a boat it can be wonderful.

Mechanically, the PF is of average or better quality than most things you buy today. The reel crank is metal and the storage "clip" on the handle is a witty engineering feat! I took a long look at the clip and found it to be a solid engineering solution for flipping out and locking a handle in place. In fact, I do not think today's companies would take the expense of making such a good metal crank.
Bottom line is that although laughable, the Pocket Fisherman is functional and part of our fishing history.
For those of us raised in the 70's, it is like connecting with an dopey old friend.

Speaking of dopey... let see some of the the other so-called fishing novelties that followed the Pocket Fisherman. While I have not seen these others and I do not have a relationship with these others, It seems that simply reading about others experiences will suffice.

How about this abortion: The Coleman "Fish Pen"

It brags about "Reel in looks of amazement from your fellow fishermen and friends! " They will be amazed that you even bought one!
Now, not to be cynical, but some of the fine print mentions that "product narratives are for entertainment purposes" aside from catching pan-fish, sunfish, or blue gill, I believe this to be something to goof on and play with...not something to fish with.
Positive note: This product does contain metal.... not entirely plastic like this next novelty fishing set up that I am going to SLAM!

This next one was actually endorsed by Roland Martin, who apparently will lend his name to anything as long as it has the possibility of sending a check his way. I am talking about the Rocket Fishing Rod.

Really? Plastic abortion of a fishing rod for fat kids who cant even muster the energy to cast a lure!

One review I read from a disgruntled father says that he bought one and opened it and the whole contraptions fell apart in his hands.... Be brought it back and opened the new one in the store and it "seemed" ok.... He took his kid fishing and on the first Faux-cast the springs and everything shot out of the thing. A complete piece of crap with Roland's name attached to it.

Personally, I would be embarrassed if I were Roland and distance myself as far as I could from this junk.
In short, I do not believe anyone has been able to repeat the success of the Pocket Fisherman.
Although dumb and laughable it is a decent item and a piece of our fishing history.

Stan Gibbs History

2010-04-17T12:44:00.000-07:00

Stan Gibbs Lures are made right here in New England

The Gibbs Story...

Stan Gibbs

Stan Gibbs, the creator of Gibbs Lures, began this company in 1946 when he first whittled unique wooden plugs that had the ability to attract fish. He began what is now the tradition of manufacturing quality wooden fishing lures with an outstanding record of consistently catching fish. More than a half century ago, Stan Gibbs took his love of fishing and turned it into a vocation.

His hand crafted fishing plugs that worked so well for him became the foundation products of this new enterprise. Names like Polaris Popper, Casting Swimmer, Pencil Popper, Needlefish, and Darter are still common names along the beach. Many others have been added along the way as new designs were developed and proven. Each plug had its own distinct characteristics but common throughout was the ability to cast considerable distances into the wind. Stan knew how important it was to reach breaking fish that were out of the reach of other lures.

The manufacturing operation is now located in Cumberland, Rhode Island and owned by Dennis Ryan and Dan Smalley who continue to manufacture quality fishing lures the old fashioned way - by hand in the good old USA. The company has grown steadily since the earliest days when plugs produced numbered in the hundreds. Materials and methods of manufacture have also continually improved and yet still today each plug is hand carried through 50 or more manufacturing steps before shipping to our dealer's stores!

Of utmost important to us, is our direct relationship with tackle shop dealers. In excess of 90% of these are also family owned, and maintaining this direct tie has been a vital element in our method of operation. We do not use distributors nor are we found in discount stores or mass marketing chains.

50 years of hand crafting

For all of its 50 years of hand crafting saltwater fishing lures, Gibbs carries on the tradition of creating plugs from wood and other natural components despite the heavy competitive pressure from plastic manufacturers. This, we believe, sets us apart from those seeking to cut corners by producing a more synthetic product. Gibbs has been, and will continue to be a small, responsive family owned business dedicated to producing top quality lures with careful attention to details which have become synonymous with the Gibbs Lures name.

Authentic Oscar Peterson Advertisement.

2010-04-09T12:41:00.001-07:00

Incredible "Oscar Peterson's Decoys" Tin Sign

This tin-sign is an incredible piece and one that I suspect could complete a Peterson decoy collection. Raised-relief and most-likely dating to around the late 1930's to early 40's I simply cannot put into words how neat this sign is. Absolutely nothing wrong with this sign, no dents, not pits, no rust. Posted here for your enjoyment. - Chuck
Brief history on Oscar Peterson as well as some examples of his work. Here.

Picture taken outside

Picture taken inside showing raised -relief. We all know that outside shots are better.. for whatever reason

Stan Bogdan, Famous Reel Maker Retiring

2010-03-19T06:06:00.001-07:00

Patt Wardlaw with a Chinook caught on a Bogdan reel.

Local to Chuck's Tackle Box is famous reel maker Stan Bogdan who had decided to retire from reel making. Stan's reels are known throughout the world as one of the all-time best fly-reels
Full Story Here

Over the Edge Eger

2010-03-14T06:44:00.000-07:00

I have never seen a large lure like this by Eger. This was an extremely rare lure from the 1930's and I am simply happy to see photos of one. This Eger "large game fish lure", Jointed Mammoth Lure, 3004-4 with the rare glass eyes hit the roof at $2,076.99
This one cam e complete in the original box a super combo and find.

ANTIQUES; Ice-Fishing Decoys Lure Other Species as Well

2010-03-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

By RITA REIF

Published: February 16, 1992

Fish decoys -- lures without hooks vividly embellished with paints, glistening fins, glass eyes and iridescent glitter -- are the closest many collectors come to the sport that spawned them: ice fishing. Made since prehistoric times to attract fish so they could be speared through holes in the ice, these carvings evolved in the 20th century into witty, sometimes weird artifacts.

Ice fishing flourishes around the Great Lakes, the region that produced the majority of items in "Fish Decoys," an exhibition through March 28 at the American Primitive Gallery, 596 Broadway, south of Houston Street. Organized by Aarne Anton, the gallery owner, the show is the most ambitious dealer presentation of this folk art to date.

Of the 200 decoys, more than 150 were made before 1960. Except for three examples from Alaska that date to 2500 B.C, all are for sale. Among them are the American Indian carvings of the 19th and 20th centuries and decoys by major Midwestern craftsmen like Oscar Peterson, Hans Janner Sr. and Leroy Howell. Prices range from $90 each for several of the less decorative decoys to $12,500 for a 1930 spotted trout by Janner.

Fish decoys began to attract buyers other than sportsmen in the late 1970's. Mr. Anton, who has stocked decoys for a decade, said that anglers are still the most numerous collectors, but folk-art buffs of all kinds vie for the choicest specimens.

"Some buyers are vegetarians," he said. "I'm a Buddhist, and I wouldn't even consider catching or spearing a fish. When asked why I handle fish decoys, my answer is that I'm taking them out of circulation so they won't be used again."

Mr. Anton appreciates decoys for their variety, from the elaborately painted to those devoid of decoration, from the minnow-sized to those as large as sturgeons. He prefers the decoys of the Chippewa or Ojibwa Indians. "They're the plainest," he said. "Using the natural wood, the Indians stained or burned the surfaces. Some artisans hung bits of metal on the fins, and one decoy in the show is feathered."

Collectors often specialize in the works of certain carvers. Virtually none are signed, but many have been identified by specialists. "Oscar Peterson's decoys are among the more realistic," Mr. Anton said. "They have an aerodynamic shape and curvature that gives them a certain desirable movement in the water."

Howell's more stylized decoys, carved in abstract shapes and decorated with straight or wavy bands of solid color, also include fish patterned with large dots or flowers. "There's a linear quality to his carving and painting that reflects his trade as a house painter," Mr. Anton said. "He knew how to get sharp, crisp images. The eyes are always perfectly round, incised by a bullet shell."

Many of Janner's more sculptural fish are oiled or unfinished. Others are washed with a thin coat of paint that reveals the grain or are delicately adorned with impressionistic images. "In the water they seem alive," Mr. Anton said. "Janner favored walnut as a wood and used copper to make curvilinear fins that are unlike anyone else's."

In the exhibition, offbeat decoys outnumber the conventional carvings of bass, trout, pike, sunfish, shovelheads and suckers. Among the more unusual is a red and white fish hinged at the center to flip about in the water. A weathered, 29-inch-long sturgeon has eyes of screws and washers, a tin-can mouth and a tail wrapped with wire. There are fish with rocket shapes, leather tails, pearl eyes, mirrored sides and angel's wings for fins. One decoy is a bowling pin, painted orange with black spots fitted with tin fins and marble eyes.

"Others are carved or weighted so that they list to one side, as if wounded or sick," Mr. Anton said. "It's done to attract certain predators."

Prices for many fish decoys soared in the booming art market of the 1980's. Oscar Peterson's decoys, for example, which cost $200 to $300 in 1982, now range in price from $1,000 to $6,000. Prices also rose sharply in 1990 when "Beneath the Ice: The Art of the Fish Decoy," the first major museum exhibition on the subject, opened at the Museum of American Folk Art in New York. Two weeks before the show opened, a nine-inch-long Peterson trout sold at Sotheby's in New York for $18,700, a record at auction for a fish decoy. "Beneath the Ice" is on view through April 6 at the John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, the final stop of its two-year tour.

"We sold more fish decoys than any other category of folk art in our stock at the Fall Antiques Show," Mr. Anton said. "Some people were discovering them for the first time, while others who bought one or two were doing what they do every year."

Heddon Magnum at a Maximum

2010-03-08T13:38:00.000-08:00

Just a quick blurb about this recent e-bay auction for a Magnum Torpedo, Model 362, Color KCH in a vintage 1970's era Victor Comptometer box.
Hard to believe, but this one sold for $2,347.00!

Two Bagley's to Remember

2010-03-08T11:36:00.000-08:00

especially if you cross paths with one of these in the future.
If you are like me, you keep an eye on Bagley's. These lures continue to raise eyebrows. The lure below is no exception. This lure, a Bagley DB-3 in Color R1 recently sold for $440.00. Great colr great lure at a time when a Charmer with its original box couldn't fetch more... see the second one also... Geez
This next example is even more astonishing... A DB-3 in colro R2, managing to close at $880.00.
Color is the key here and I am flabbergasted by the fact that these are Bagley lures.... take that! Heddon guy!!

Wholly Hell-Gramite!

2009-12-08T18:29:00.001-08:00

Found this auction on ebay and was shocked. This lure was found by an apparent non-collector who did "some" homework and knew that it was worth something, but had no idea.

This hellgramite is one of the earliest versions lacking the lathe turned ribs along the body.
This auction was local pick up only and the winner has to extrat the lure in person. For this lure, I am not sure there is any other way!

The Flying Hellgramite, circa 1883

The Harry Comstock Flying Hellgramite is one of the most important lures in collecting. although not as revered as the Haskell Minnow, in my opinion this lure is no less important or valuable.

I had initially estimated its value at $3,300.00 It sold at auction for $3, 150.00. I was off a bit :)

They're Hit'n em' like Bass on Top-water!

2009-11-16T17:50:00.000-08:00

My last list of "quick-fire" auction results was a hit with some folks so I will make it a normal posting bi-weekly here on Chuck's Tackle Box's Blog.

Here goes some from the past few weeks... one word. Anarchy.

Creek Chub Husky Pikie, Model #2330

in color #30 - Orange W/Blk Spots. $530.00

Bagley DB3

in Yellow - Hard to find. $123.00

Heddon Punkinseed #740

in RHF. Needed this for my own collection, but missed it. $432.00

Heddon Model #175 Muskie Minnow

in Rainbow w/ the correct box!. $1,225.00

Shakespeare Revolution - Instant Collection, Just add Money.

$1,125.65 (can't forget the .65 cents)

Shock and Awe - Lure Style

2009-11-08T12:06:00.001-08:00

This Creek Chub Dinger in a brilliant green scale pattern is getting alot of attention over there on Ebay.
This auction SOLD at $2,608.32 - Un-friggan-real!

Lang's Fall Auction 2009 - Send me a memo!

2009-11-08T06:49:00.001-08:00

This week I tried to remember that the Lang's Auction was taking place... but failed.

If you are like me, you work for a living. People who work for a living are usually "working" during the weekdays. This tends to be counter-productive to actually attending the Auction (even if its is virtual). I can only imagine my boss coming to my desk only to see me bidding on fishing tackle.... I wouldn't have a job for long.

This brings up a curious question, which I have brought to the attention of John and Debbie Ganung...."Why the hell does this auction take place during the week!" It makes absolutely no sense at all!

Understand that one day of the auction does fall on Saturday... after half of the items are gone.
The only collectors who are able to attend and bid are those who either work for themselves or the crusty old farts who are retired and have nothing better to do with their time whilst I kick in to the Social Security system to maintain them.... Go figure.

Dear John and Debbie... Is it at all possible to put this friggan auction on a Saturday and Sunday? or would it be a sin to be chasing down lures when I should be in church?... I mean, what gives here. Its seems like common sense to me - have an auction when the maximum amount of people from your targeted demographic are present.

My second complaint will be brief... It deals with the Live auction vs. an auction with both live and on-line bidding. It seems to me that since going on-line ONLY, Lang's auction has lost some of it's luster. I hear complaints about bids not being registered and bids lagging due to delays in computer systems. Suffice to say that if you can get to the auction and attend an actual auction then you have the best chance of securing that item you have been looking for....But that doesnt happen anymore. I honestly believe that if this auction does not get back to a actual "auction" then this will continue to decline until Lang's is no more.

My final assessment:
I work for a living. period. The past three Lang's Auction have come and gone and I have not attended, nor did I watch online. Its basically become futile for me and I am sure I am not alone.

I do buy the downloadable catalogs for reference sake ONLY.
I live in New Hampshire, which is 1/2 hour from the former Auction site in Boxborough MA. Only discovery is held there now. This takes the option for actually attending away.

Lang's Auction has now become a non-issue in my life and not by my own doing. Until this auction is moved to weekends and held at Boxborough for an actual audience, I believe it will steadily decline into obscurity.... Lang's is alienating a large part of its customers/collectors who simply have to work or cannot attend.

Just my 2 pennies!
~ Chuck

Heddon Spin Diver shocker

2009-10-27T18:56:00.001-07:00

A Heddon Spin-Diver in Redscale. Very hard to find. This one still has 6 days to go and is currently sitting at $455.50 ( reserve is set at $694.00 on this one). It will be fun to see what this go for at the end...They'll be slitting each others throats on this one.

A quick fire list of some auctions

2009-10-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

It seems to be quite interesting when you are a collector to just sit back and watch the mayhem.

Below is a list of the carnage left behind - Enjoy!

Heddon Lucky 13 in Bar Perch, Model 2509A

earliest I've seen at $516.01

Creek Chub Surface Dinger, Model #5400

in Western Auto color Sable. $181.39

Coldwater King Lure by The Cold-Water Bait Co.

$299.99 one penny from 300!

Millsite Daily-Double in a Black with Brown spot finish

and with the original box - $167.50

Screwtail - Spiraling out of control

2009-10-25T06:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a nice set up - A Zink Screw-tail complete, in the box with some excellent advertising to boot. Made by Zink Artificial Bait Co. of Dixon Illinois. The lure itself in nice but I believe the interest is in the hard card advertising that comes with the lure and box... The Ad would meake a spectacular backdrop to a lure board.

$429.88 for this beauty.

Nice lure and box combo....

I believe the interest is in the ad.

A Lucky 13.... Nice

2009-10-24T16:16:00.000-07:00

Following up on a few lures that I was watching over the past few weeks.

This one here was on my radar.... A lucky 13 in color VCD - Shrimp Shiner. Tough to find.

Although the Auction did not state color, I knew this color from my Torpedo collection. Sweet addition to someone's collection I am sure. Selling Price - A cool $147.50

Lucky 13 - Color VCD (Shrimp Shiner)

Cats Paw clawing it's way to the top

2009-10-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

A fine example of a cat's paw w/box in near mint condition. Currently sitting at $129.00.

Lures like this are always fun to find.

Eye on Lures.

2009-10-11T06:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when talking with people about lure values it is easy to see that collector to collector value can be much less than the prices realized on ebay.

I have spoken to people who think they are sitting on a gold mine of lures, who are shocked when told that the value of the lure is really based on a number of factors and not necessarily the lure itself.

Color, rarity, lure type are issues that just scratch the surface.

What I will pay for a NPY Heddon is much more than the going rate. This is because I seek it, I collect it and I probably need it in order to complete my case.

This means I am willing to spend much more for these lures than most... not necessarily the actual value. Ebay prices tend to be quite a bit higher than actual worth of the lure, this in turn, gives the public a false sense of lure prices and value

My recommendation to someone looking to make a quick buck is this:

I am not paying that price. if you would like to realize more profit, throw it to the wolves and sell on ebay.

That being said... here are some examples of what I am talking about. Prices not really in line with the lure, yet still commanding a respectable sum. Keep your eye on the ball....

Chuck

A Bagley B-Flat2

in Bass color, Brass hardware etc. Sold on Ebay at $158.26

A Fred C. Young

Nice vintage 70's era bait here in perfect condition worth every penny if you collect it! Sold on Ebay at $512.00 (or half the cost of a NEW sturdy jon-boat) amazing!

Creek Chub - Saltwater Husky
in "got you every-time" gold-fish scale Sold on Ebay at $674.00

and Lastly....NOT true to its name...This NO-snag has in fact snagged someone.
Heddon River Runt ( no Snag)
in that color mentioned above "got you every-time" gold-fish scale Sold on Ebay at $416.00

Rainbow Fire, fire sale!!

2009-10-01T19:40:00.001-07:00

This one is still on the clock, but as of this writing the Auction still has 2 days and 22 hours left but this No. 631 Creek Chub Bait Co. Husky Musky in Rainbow Fire is at $1, 525.00

UPDATE: Auction ended at $1,625.00 with the reserve NOT being met. Love it!

It is very interesting to watch these auctions for more reasons than one. Although sometimes inflated, it does give one and idea of what people are willing to pay for the right lure. This is nothing to sneeze at unless your the Pre-1940's crowd, who thumb their noses at this color and anything else that even looks plastic... Humpf. Lure snobbery.

Hula Popper - Eye Popper

2009-10-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

Never Seen this color before and apparently the same is true with other collectors. This hula popper sold for $202.50 without the skirt, without the box.

Nice lure in an red/orange scale type color. Oddly enough this lure also has a "gill-like" pattern at the bottom rear of the lure. I have never seen that on any lure.

Congrats to the new owner!

Another Big-Hedd, another Big Price

2009-10-01T19:24:00.001-07:00

Love posting these e-bay stunners...
This one floored me.
Nice Heddon Big Hedd in Color "FY" Chartreuse Mullet. Final Ebay pocket-draining price...$385.99 BRILLIANT!

Creek Chub Wiggler

2009-09-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

Record Mako Shark caught off Mass coast

2009-09-14T15:27:00.001-07:00

Local to my area:

Here are some photos of the world record mako shark (male) caught 8/27/2009 by Greg Sear's son on a charter boat out of The Mill Wharf, Scituate, MA. @ 624 lbs. 109". The last picture is the tuna (or what remains of the tuna) that was on the hook when the mako was caught.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/patriotledger/sports/x51930283/A-hefty-summer-catch

The Box.... Just the box please.

2009-09-14T15:13:00.001-07:00

An addition to the last post.

This Rhodes Minnow box went for an astounding $788.00 for the BOX only!

I break it down like this... It's a simple box, cardboard with some paper glued to the lid. It does'nt even have a picture on it of the sweet lure that should be in the box.. its just a box.

The reality is it's a wonderful specimen of a Rhodes minnow box and a fine piece of fishing history that will undoubtedly be preserved in somone's collection and I suppose that's what is important in the end. I only wish it wound up in my collection.

Quick Casts.... Recent Ebay Stunners

2009-09-07T05:56:00.001-07:00

I have had the pleasure of being able to follow a few recent auctions on Ebay and thought I would share in case you missed them.

The first is a Sand Eel imitation from Edward vom Hofe in a beautiful early 1900's box. This would have most likely been used in saltwater fishing, especially for stripers. The box reads "If it's fishing tackle, it's Edward vom Hofe's" Great combo and the price dictated that - it came in at $393.00

The second is a Pflueger Supreme DL, Model CK. Pretty slick looking reel that had me guessing the whole time. By the time it was over it had realized $1345.00 Not bad considering that if most folks saw this at a yard sale it would probably have a tag on it for less than 10 bucks.... I pray for days like that.

Someone got a Big Head for Big money

2009-09-06T16:33:00.001-07:00

Big Head for Big money.
Got home just in time to catch the end of Tom Jacomet's Ebay auction on this Heddon "Big Head" lure, Model #9330 in Color NFL - chrome with Fluorescent red rib. The Lure sold at a whopping $418.00 and some change.

I love lures like this that sell for these astonishing prices, I probably would have missed this one in any tackle box. Nice Lure Tom!

Ted Williams Memorabilia Stolen From NH Auction

2009-06-01T05:38:00.000-07:00

Wish I would have known about this auction! but then again, I would't have been able to bid due to some greedy bastard in Tackle collecting...These Items just walked away.

Someone has a whole lotta balls

Rapala Nation

2009-05-30T19:08:00.001-07:00

I had come across this website on Dr. Todds blog. and clicked over to check out this website dedicated entirely to Rapala Lures.

Rapala Nation has pretty much everything you need and want to know about the famous lures from Finland. While you are there say hello to Ted. Great guy and very personable... unlike that other loser's message board... yeah you know who you are.

The Creek Chub #3401 Snook Pike, Ringed Special

2009-03-01T08:25:00.001-08:00

.... a little back story.

Harry Heinzerling, son of Carl Heinzerling, (one of the founders of CCBC), was one of the main forces at Creek Chub Bait Co. until his retirement in 1978. Harry was a man of great vision. Among his contributions to Creek Chub were the introductions of “Spinning” and “Plastic” lures.

Harry was also instrumental in the design of prototype lures for possible production. Harry was a man who also loved to take his work home with him...literally. Harry took a number of lures and items from the factory and stored them at his home (especially lures that Harry considered putting into production but were never produced).

3401 Ringed Special - From my personal collection.

This lure, the #3401 Series Snook Pikie Ringed Special was one of the lures Harry took home. Not until after his death did a relative find three, New in Box, #3401 Snook Pikie Ringed Specials at the homestead. Up until then, no one knew they existed. These are the only three of these lures that are known to exist; no one has ever found more. These lures were originally purchased from the Harry Heinzerling estate.

The relative that discovered the 3401 Snook Specials, also found two other “RINGED” MODELS.....the 3018 Husky Jointed Ringed Pikie Special and the 700 Pikie Ringed Special. There were only three (3) 3401 Specials, three (3) 3018 Specials, and three (3) 700 Specials made and found.

A total of only nine Creek Chub Ringed Specials are known to exist. Considered a prototype, they were made but never went into production, making them uncatalogued lures as well.

This is the lure shown in Dr Harold Smiths book on page 201.

In the acknowledgements section of his book, Harold Smith thanks the Harry Heinzerling estate and Derek Heinzerling for providing lures and photographs. Derek subsequently sold the lure to Roger Robichau of Texas. I want to personally and publically thank Roger for the sale of this fine Piece.

I have created and optical comparison of the two photos and this is in fact the exact lure shown in Dr. Smiths book on page 201. (see below)

Tackle Box Treasures

2009-02-22T09:19:00.000-08:00

Tackle Box Treasures

Some old lures are worth big money; the rest are nice mementos.

Mike Zlotnicki, Staff Writer.

Modern anglers can have thousands of dollars wrapped up in a tackle box -- lures and tackle designed to catch fishermen as well as fish.
But way back in an attic, garage or shed may be a dusty box containing a single lure worth more than a boat.

The possibility is intriguing.
My foray into antique lures began at a family reunion last year. An uncle, Ronnie Campbell of Sanford, summoned me to his truck. Once out of earshot, he reached into the cab and pulled out two small boxes.

"Your granddad gave me these years ago," he said, "and I put them away and forgot about them. I figured they'd be of interest to you, given your job and all."
In my family, you never know what the walk to the truck will bring. In my case, it sparked a research mission and a little introspection.

Each box contained a big wooden lure -- a Heddon King Basser and a Martin 5KS-12 -- each with two treble hooks on detachable hook harnesses, glass eyes and metal lips. Made about 1950 by the Heddon Lure Co. and the Martin Fish Lure Co., respectively, they were a far cry from today's molded plastic baits.

My first thought? Another thoughtful gesture by a man who always has been full of them.
My second? I wonder what my grandfather was doing with these.
Third? I wonder what they're worth.
That thought has kept me occupied for months.

Lures can fetch hundreds and thousands of dollars -- the world record is $101,200 for a Haskell Minnow made around 1859 by Riley Haskell of Painesville, Ohio.
With any luck, my lures would be a part of that market.

Antique lure and tackle collecting has a small but fervent following, Jim Fleming of Nashville, Tenn., said via phone on Monday.

Fleming is a member of the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club and edits the club's publications, including a quarterly newsletter and a twice-yearly magazine.
"We have about 4,700 members," he said, "and there are probably 5,000 to 6,000 what we call 'closet collectors.' "

Fleming had just returned from the club's annual convention, which was held July 12-14 in Louisville, Ky. He said the event had 600 exhibit tables.
About 15 regional shows also are held each year, Fleming said, with millions of dollars passing among collectors.

The research begins

On the advice of fellow N&O writer Javier Serna, a veteran of Midwest fishing, my first call went to Dan Basore of Warrenville, Ill.

Basore inherited his grandfather's fishing gear, sparking his interest in collecting, and he has built a collection he estimates is worth "seven figures." He also administers the Honorary Member Program for the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club and often fields calls from folks like me.

"All the time," he said, "and I'm happy to do it. That's how I get to see certain things."
Basore shared a story about acquiring one prized lure.

One day he got a call at home from a man who was having a moving sale. He said he had tackle that was too old to fish with but might be collectible. He wanted $400.

"He had a very recent Plano tackle box," Basore said. "I opened it, and, lo and behold, there was a Haskell Minnow. It was like finding the Hope Diamond in a Cracker Jack box."
Haskell Minnows, hollow-bodied copper minnow imitations, start about $30,000 with collectors.
Basore had my attention. I had e-mailed him digital photos of my lures and their original boxes and eagerly waited to learn the total of my newfound riches.

"The Heddon is worth $75 to $80, and the Martin $20 to $25," Basore said.
So it wasn't a fortune, but it still was nice appreciation for lures that cost less than $2 new.
Several factors affect a lure's collectibility, Basore said.

Demand is No. 1. Rarity is another factor, but some lures can be so rare that no one really collects them. Condition of the lure is critical, and original boxes or packaging can boost value.
Still, the collector market is fluid, so values change.
Basore had sensible advice.

"I would keep them for sentimental value," he said. "I'd find a photograph of him [my grandfather] with some fish, maybe an old license of his, and keep it on display as a memory box. What good are they tucked away in a drawer?"

Sure, that sounded reasonable, but I was still thinking about my retirement and three daughters' needs for college funds.

I wanted a second opinion.
Another view

I turned to Wayne Williamson of Chapel Hill.

Williamson, 58, is an outdoorsman who collects a variety of gear -- including side-by-side and over-and-under shotguns; Smith & Wesson pistols; and white-tailed deer racks and mounts -- but his first love is antique fishing tackle, particularly Creek Chub lures

.
Williamson said his collection of Creek Chub Suckers and Gar Minnows is considered among the best around. He also collects a color phase of lures called dace (think rainbow trout hues).
His inspiration was local.

"The reason I collect Creek Chub is a fellow I knew in Hillsborough," he said this spring in the basement of his house, where a full-body brown bear mount presides over his collections.
"Gilbert Petty caught more big bass than anybody I knew, and he used Creek Chubs," Williamson said.

Williamson, whose father, Ernie Williamson, was executive director of the University of North Carolina's Educational Foundation for 30 years, started pulling one display box after another out of three massive gun safes.

"Most of my stuff I keep locked up off my property," he said. "Here, I have several alarm systems, and I'm extremely well-armed."

He brought out four glass cases of dace-colored lures, 29 in all. I said they looked valuable.
"I can tell you exactly how much they're worth -- $85,000," he said without looking up.

Each lure in his collection -- which fluctuates from 1,200 and 1,300 at any given time -- has a tag on it that allows Williamson to research date of purchase, location, cost and other data.
My two lures in a plastic sack felt like bag lunch at a banquet.

Another story to envy

Williamson shared a story similar to Basore's.

"I used to go to this tackle shop, Sid's, when I was the fishing manager at Sports Unlimited. They were good guys, and I stopped in there all the time," he said. "One time one of the guys set a shoe box on the counter and said 'Would you give $75 for this?'

"I looked down and saw four or five exceptional lures. I walked away to compose myself and said 'I'll give $50 for it.' I grabbed the shoebox and headed out the door."

His take: three mint Creek Chub Suckers worth $2,400, a Heddon Zaragoza worth about $250 and several Heddon lures worth $50 to $60 apiece.

"It was quite a good find," he said. "Because they were friends of mine, I went back a few days later and gave them some reference books so they could educate themselves."

Down to business

I could have stayed in Williamson's basement for hours, but finally got the nerve to ask about my lures.

He said the Heddon would go for around $250, but he needed to do some research on the Martin. The next day, I delivered prints of the lures, and I checked back with him several weeks later.

Turns out the Martin was worth a lot of money -- to the Martin Fish Lure Co. -- in 1937. Heddon had been sued by Martin in the 1930s over design infringement. The Heddon King Basser is essentially a copy of a Martin salmon plug, and Martin won "a substantial dollar settlement in 1937," according to "Old Fishing Lures & Tackle, 6th Edition," one of Williamson's reference guides. Today, the lure is worth about $30.

So much for college funds and early retirement. Instead, I'm shopping for a nice display box.

A reward anyway

Regardless of their monetary value, the lures still made me richer.

They gave me another point of reference with Uncle Ronnie, and they made me recall my grandfather, Michael Lyczkowski of Sanford, whom we called "Dziadzio," Polish for "Grandfather."

Dziadzio came to this country in 1950. When he took me fishing, it was cane poles and pinched bread for bream, all of which went back to the house to feed family and cats. What he was doing with these lures I'll never know.

But they opened a door for me to a different side of fishing. I may not ever get as deep into collecting as Basore or Williamson, but I'll never be able to pass a yard sale without least slowing to scan for tackle.
There could be treasure in those tackle boxes.

Credit
http://www.newsobserver.com/
Published: Jul 19, 2007 12:30 AM
Direct Link:
http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/story/641909-p2.html

The Weed-Splitter. More sexy than originally thought.

2009-02-22T08:46:00.000-08:00

I managed to get my hands on a Model 900B - Perch last year, a fine example of this lure. I saw it for sale and tried to figure on a price that was respectable.

While I am sure I might have over-paid slightly for this lure, I could not get around the beauty of this example...a pristine example, brand spanking new, in the box with the original insert!

The box itself is in excellent shape, label is crisp, clear and readable. The insert as if it was printed yesterday.

The hardware...

I don't know about the rest of you, but I just love those hooks with the light spring-loading and "Stirrup" concept. something about it really hits it off with my Quality Engineering background.

The hooks, 2 on each harness, swing free & independently when struck by a fish. At first glance it appears to be a double-hook treble, but each side of harness in autonomous. There are two sets of these on this model held firmly to the lure body by a hinge and two cap screws.

The hooks also appear to have some form of a zinc-chromate type coating on them, giving the hooks a light lime color. Nice!

The Lure...

The Lure itself, Beautiful. A nice Oreno-type body with very sleek lines. The perch color (pictured), is stunning with dark evergreen head and rich red underside. The scale pattern is of a very real gold color.

Check out the combination of these greens/reds/golds.

Although not a lure that collectors will rave about, the weed-splitter is a definite unsung hero of the lure collecting community. It's unique hooks and hardware make it an interesting collector's item.
The paint on this lure is spectacular in my honest opinion and owning a complete example in this condition is rewarding.

You can typically buy a Weed-Splitter for around $20.00-$30.00 and sometimes more in a box. While I won't say how much I paid for my weed-splitter, I will say that it is one of my favorites for whatever reason.

2/25/2009
Chuck - Chuck's Tackle Box.

Rapala & Beer & Lures and Women

2009-02-09T19:29:00.000-08:00

Maybe posting this a little late, but It seems the folks over at Rapala have teamed up with Schells Brewers to make Lake Maid Beer http://www.lakemaidbeer.com/

It has all the makings all that is important... Beer, women, Lures!
They have even come out with a monthly representation of "LakeMaids" for each month of the year Some examples:

These prints are sold as large posters at their website and they are anxious to complete orders correctly. Great group of people over there and at Pocket Hercules. Thanks!

...a Roller-Flasher

2009-01-20T16:17:00.000-08:00

I saw this one sitting at the bottom of an old tackle box at a local auction.

A Roller-Flasher model #110 in color 103 - Green/Silver, 3" long & made of wood.

You don't see many of these, especially in the field.

This one here is in rough shape, but still very nice to see this piece of fishing history. These were made by the Roller Flasher Co. of Detroit in the 1940's. Early models were made of wood and advertised as a plug that had the shine of a spoon. These lures were gone by the 50's.

A rare find.

Jitterbug Goes to War

2009-01-20T16:12:00.000-08:00

Below is a pic of a recent addition to my collection. a WWII era Jitterbug.

As part of the war effort, all metal went towards the military machine, thus leaving our poor Jitterbug with a plastic lip...

Not to be confused with a "wax lip"

Field Finds

2009-01-20T15:58:00.000-08:00

Some decent finds from the field.

The first is a c.1905-1907 Heddon 100 in color No. 2

This lure has the early unmarked props and two belly-weights

The color is technically white, however these lures are actually colored white with a very slight slate color along the back. this color is rated as slightly rare on Clyde Harbin's website.

This is a wonderful piece of history here although it suffers damage in the form of two broken trebles and a small split at the tail.

If you were almost 100 years old, you might look worse.

Condition: G

South Bend Underwater Minnow

The second of the day is this incredible 5-hook South Bend underwater minnow, NIB!

This beauty is unfished in the box with insert. Hard to discern if the insert or the box is incorrect as this box does date to the lure. The insert appears to be for a Oreno type lure.

The box suffers from being on a shelf in the barn, but the lure was protected and remained in pristine shape with very light age cracks and no paint loss off the belly-weight. Truly a spectacular find!

The rare Heddon Wee-Tad

2008-11-14T23:01:00.000-08:00

I have wanted to start a collection of the Heddon "Wee Tad" for a while. I have searched for them and had people contact me with "Widgets" but no Wee Tads. You can imagine my excitement when I found a posting by Donnie Shingler that offered 4 wee tads for sale.
I jumped at the opportunity and secured them from him to kick off my endeavour.

The Wee Tad was made for one, possibly 2 seasons back in 1982. By 1983-84 Wee Tads were gone. They are highly sought in lure collecting and I was estatic to have a 590-VRB, New in the box. Pics Below

What are the chances that a lure made for that short of a run would still be in the box, in a color that is consideably rare, and the box be absolutely perfect. A fine addition to my collection.

I want to thank Donnie for the sale.