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Cuttyhunk Island, Mass./ Photo Courtesy Of John Basil
Cuttyhunk Island, Mass. / Photo Courtesy Of John Basil

~ Antique Saltwater Lures; A Brief History ~

    At the turn of the century in New England, there were a very limited number of saltwater surf fishermen. Most striped bass fishermen at this time believed the fish were strictly bottom feeders and could only be caught on "bait". There were those though who knew better, they started making and fishing with tin squids [metal lures] and doodlebugs [lead bucktails]. But, still in keeping with the thought that striped bass were solely bottom feeders; they fished them deep or as close to the bottom as possible.
    During this same time period in Florida there was something very special going on; saltwater fishermen were using freshwater lures to catch spotted trout, tarpon, barracuda, etc. Casting east with lures was considered the only way to fish by many of the southern sharpies of the time. By the 1920's many of the freshwater lure makers were now also manufacturing saltwater models. 
    The word spread up the coast to "New England's" striped bass fishermen and they started experimenting with the lures being produced at the time. Many found they could catch fish in all levels of the water column while using these baits. By the mid 1930's there were individuals making their own versions of the freshwater and saltwater lures in larger sizes, with stronger hooks and hardware. Some even started to "thru" wire their lures for added strength.
    A new era in surf fishing had begun. But, it was short lived. The country was being thrown into the turmoil of World War II and saltwater fishing had taken a back seat. Also, materials such as hooks, wire, etc. used to manufacture lures; became increasingly hard to get.
    With the war now over, there was a massive surge of people looking for new recreational activities. There was great interest and participation in surf fishing, especially for striped bass. Up and down the coast of New England, bait & tackle shops opened, sometimes two or three in a town. With the great influx of people striper fishing, it didn't take long before those few ingenious individuals who started making lures before the war, and others, capitalized on the situation. This period of time in later years became known as the  "Golden Age of Surf Fishing", it lasted until the early 1960's. On the following pages you will get to view some of the lures that were produced during this time.......   

Pier Fish
Pier Fish

Hello & Welcome
To My Antique Saltwater Lure Page

 Needless to say, I am always looking for lures or boxes  manufactured by the companies and individuals listed below for my collection. For a thorough list of my wants; Please visit my "Contact Me" page.
 It is very hard to do research on these companies and individuals; as most were very small operations. If you have any information on the ones I have listed here or others and would like to share it. Please feel free to contact me anytime; no matter how slight the information may seem.

 Any Help Would Be Greatly Appreciated
Thanks, Tom

                        

                        

Take The Tour
Click On A Link Below:

Striper "X-Pert"

Jerry Sylvester

Fishmaster

J. & H. Tackle Co.

Gamsby's

Howard's "Jet" Plugs

Floyd Roman

E.B Norris

Cap'n Bill's

Atom Mfg. Co.

J. & J. Tackle Co.

Masterlure

E.& E. Tackle Co.

Blue Streak Tackle Co.

Lido Lures

Emmerson & Ruhren Co.

Kenden Products Co.

Chas. Russo

Snook Bait Co.

Charles Murat

Ferron Fishing Products

Surf Tackle Co.

Creek Chub Bait Co.

Stan Gibbs

Bass Bomb Bait Co.

Misc. Companies & Makers

Who Made It ????

Modern Lure Makers [ 1970 - Present ]

The pages below are either new or being given a facelift..............

Bernie Myers

Bass Bomb Bait Co.

Devonshire

Fuller Bros.

Hicky-Do Bait Co.

Point Jude Bait Co.

L. Cooper & Co. Inc.

Braidwood Stamp Co.

Charles Heddon

Paddy's Champion Popper

Whaling City Tackle

E.H. Borg

Ebb Lure

Connecticut Yankee

Rinehart Tackle Co.

K & M Tackle Company

Parmly

Martin Lure Co.

Eel Skin / Rig's / Jig's

Bucktails / Tin Squids

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Need help identifying a saltwater lure? Need an appraisal? Have any saltwater lures for sale or trade?

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