ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
By Dan Zemke
Guest Editor
The interest in fishing for the elusive musky has been
around since fishing itself. Commercial lure manufacturing of
musky lures began in the early 1900s. It was a time of contraptions,
innovation and ideas was manufacturers tried to tweak the interests
of early musky anglers. In the earliest fishing product catalogs
were musky-sized lines of tackle: rods, reels, lures, etc. Mostly
these implements were scaled-up versions of the manufacturer's
bass tackle.
Commercially produced and marketed fishing tackle in
those early years was very expensive. The cost of a bass-sized
wooden minnow could be equal to a couple weeks' wages for the
average worker. Musky tackle prices exceeded that by a multiple
of three. Add the cost of travel, food, lodging, guide service
and it was apparent that early musky fishing was truly for a
select few sportsmen. That did not, however, deter the lure manufacturers.
Since 1900 hundreds of tackle manufacturers, from the
individual in his garage to large assembly line factories, have
contributed greatly to the musky fishing industry. Although many
of the individual artisans (and even some of the mass producers)
have closed their doors, the product of their craftsmanship remain;
resting in tackle boxes and lining boat house wall throughout
America.
Antique fishing memorabilia collectors have gained much
notoriety over the last several years with interest in collecting
lures, rods and reels accelerating greatly. A few of these
historical lures are commanding three and four digit prices
in the collecting market. A few of these historical examples
are shown below. We encourage you to gander at these marvels,
imagine the life stories each could tell,and remember the significance
each has played in the sport of musky fishing.
We encourage your participation in this web site. Contact
Us through the web site or go to our antiques and collectibles
bulletin board and let us hear from you.
Shakespeare "Muskie PAD-LER". A wood
body floating muskie lure. Circa 1935
"Huskie Muskie". Wood body diving
bait with glass eyes made by Creek-Chub Bait Co. circa 1925
"Underwater Muskie Minnow". Large wood
body lures were available from many companies. Multiple hook
configurations can be found. Manufactured from 1905 and into
the 1940's.
Shakespeare "Wobble-tail Spinner".
A fine example of an old muskie trolling spinner. Similar versions
were produced by many companies, some dating back to the 1850's
