Since Old Fishing Stuff came on-line in
late June 1999, we
have had a number of interesting letters from web-surfers. Here's a sampling from those
who took the time to walk to the mailbox, or sit down at the computer. Most
recent letters are on top..
Send your comments to: editor@oldfishingstuff.com
February 2004.
Hi:
Just want to tell you that I really enjoy your site. I especially
enjoyed your rundown on Herb's Dilly, among others also enjoyed. Keep
up the good work.
I'm a long-time outdoor writer, lure collector, and also have an
extensive collection
on historic fishing items. Need assistance on anything, feel free to
contact me.
Good luck and best wishes,
Myron R. Fischer
January 1, 2002.
Mr. White,
For what it's worth, I would just like to convey
my appreciation for the job you are doing for the tackle collecting
community. Providing information that I hope and believe is without a
monetary hidden agenda to inform those like me that have lot to learn
what is being bought and why it is of significance.
I have been recognized in your reports a time or
two on lures I have added to my collection but I don't collect
thinking I will be mentioned in the reports or get mad if I don't, as
I have seen other do. I try to look at the bigger picture, so to
speak, and learn what has been reported not only now but in the past
reports. I'm glad I had the good sense to copy the reports for the
last two and a half years since I started reading your web site.
Sincerely,
Timmy Johnson from North Carolina.
December 12, 2001
Hi:
Thanks for putting out this web site. I am new to
collecting fishing "stuff", and I enjoy your e-bay report. This is the
most honest site on collecting I have found. Have a Merry Christmas,
and a Happy New Year.
Lloyd Palmer
Phil,
I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate
your website. I was unable to attend the National this year, and
other than talking to other collectors about what I missed, I was able
to go to your site and actually view some fantastic pics. The content
that you continue to provide keeps me checking on your site on a
regular basis. I have a website dedicated to old lures and I know how
difficult it is to continue to add new material. www.StrangeLures.com
The next time I update my site, I will add a nice big link to your
site, which is definately one of my favorites.
Regards,
Stuart Strange
Phil
Hello! I noticed your post on Joe's and decided
to explore your site. I enjoyed looking over the EBAY reports for the
month. It was entertaining, and also informative.....I just don't have
time to view every auction...... so it is interesting to see some
items I missed viewing and other baits that I don't specifically
collect. My ebay user code is xxxxxxx....I purchased the
Shurkatch display and hope to find more. I know a collector (private)
who has five display cards! Hoping, they will be offered to me in the
future. Again I enjoyed your site!
Chris labuz pawleys island, sc
(In reference to Dan Basore's April Fools day story)
April 1, 2001
Phil,
I thought it was for real up to the end! Reminded me of watching
COPS!!!! Ha!! I loved the story!!
Van E. Cochran Martinsville, Illinois Owner Cochran Gun & Tackle since 1985!!
December 27, 2000
Phil,
I just wanted to take a few seconds to tell you how much I enjoy
your
page. It is very informative and I can tell that you are very dedicated
to
preserving the history as well as the various fishing items you have. As
a
punkinseed collector that goes nuts over a plastic bait produced barely 20
years ago in some cases, I admire your ability to acquire the knowledge and
some truly classic early fishing items. I guess there are areas of
interest
for everyone but you truly are more than a collector. Thanks for the
ebay
reports and keep up the good work.
Bill Whitesell
October 17, 2000
G,day.
My
name is Ted Sala I would just like to thank you blokes for such a good and
informative site. I stumbled into this lure collecting when I
inherited a bunch of old lures some 20 years ago not knowing what they were
just had them getting in my way in the garage and trying to give them away but
could not get any takers but then the computer and internet came to us aussies
and I stumbled across Joe's page one night and to my delight I seen some lures
that looked like the old stuff I had in the garage so thats how I got
interested. I must say I have met some really nice blokes and had few
dealings with them especially Terry Drish whom helped me with my
lures.So just a quick thank you and I look forward to your report.
Ted
Sala JP
April 17, 2000
Hi Phil,
Maybe your question for do you fish? should have been.
a. Have you ever fished in your whole life?
b. Have you fished in the last 10 years?
c. Have you fished since you have been collecting?
d. Have you fished in the last 2 years, last year, last 6 months?
e. Do you lie to your spouse and say you are going fishing?
f. Never fished, hate fishing, hate eating fish.
Ha ha Robbin from Wyoming
Phil:
I really do enjoy surfin' (or as i prefer to call it
"trolling") your site! The ebay reports are informative and
entertaining. The news stories are a treat and make good reading. You add a
great deal to the "collecting fever" that seems to be gripping soooo
many of us.
Thank you,
Mark Boyd, Kimberly, WI
March 17
Hi;
I"m Frank Salazar, a collector of CCBC for 2 years. I
wish to comment on your op-ed on the Las Vegas show. I find it unusual that
there have not been more tables rented, BUT, the reason may be in your
article. Those collectors from the east may not feel comfortable bringing
their collections, or even a part to the west. They may be attending the show
with a small portion of their collection, or none at all. Transportation of
their collections must be a concern. I'm not trying to defend these people,
I'm just trying to understand why Rick and Terry can't sell more tables. I
sincerely hope this show is the biggest and best in the west ever, so that, as
you said, more consideration will be given to us collectors on the west side
of the river. I, personally, am looking forward to the show.
Also, your opinion concerning what collectors take to shows, I
found VERY interesting. At first, I was taking only those baits I wished to
sell. At Bartlesville, I took everything, and was very happy with the response
I got. Over half of the baits I took were for display, and possible trade, but
as you mentioned, many people were at the table looking, asking questions,
picking up my card, in other words it was the most productive show I have ever
attended. Hope to see you in Las Vegas, I got a room at the Imperial, look me
up.
Frank Salazar, NFLCC AZ
March 10
Hi.
WOW! Just wanted to let you know what a GREAT site you have here.
Entertaining, as well as informative.
Thanks & great work.
Stew (fishnutts)
February 17
Love your site, the new format is very
nice. Love the idea of rod, reel or lure articles. Thanks for all
the Fake item information, too. There are those individuals who will do
anything for a dollar, unfortunately.
Robbin Sinclair
February 16
Hi:
... You don't know how much info I have gleaned off your site!
I just wanted info as to where lures, reels, and other fishing stuff got it's
origin...Your site is a godsend!!! One of these days...maybe I'll venture into
the realm of trading....selling...not yet.
Thanks!!!
Mary Ann'gler
February 8
Hi
Just found your web site. It has some unique features that I really like. The fakes and Ebay reports were very informative. The Ebay report archive files
were also an unexpected treat. I could relate to your comments as I remember seeing alot of the items you mentioned. Were there reports made this fall and
summer? Is there any chance of getting back copies if they exist? Still learning.
Thanks for a great web site.
Stu
Stuart Ramert
muskiemania@aol.com
January 20
A very interesting and informative site! Thank you. I
agree wholeheartedly with respect to your opinion on cleaned and polished
antique tackle. It is something that can be done to the piece at any time so why
bother to destroy the patina, (which by the way often has a 'pretty' appearance,
especially brass). Unfortunately when the item is extremely rare that preference
has to be sidelined sometimes. Hopefully, as more people visit your site and
read the comments, the practice will decrease in popularity. As far as 3 lucky
13's costing as much as a Milam, I believe it just shows how undervalued good
reels are at the present time.
Dave Williams
January 19
Just got my computer a month ago..four weeks..Shudda done it years ago..The
Kids, the Grands and the Great Grands have had a big to-do to instruct me how to
even get in and get off the net. Still learning how to surf for old fishing lure
information. Just enjoyed your great information website,
Take caare and...Keeeppppa Plugggin..
Clydebassman@aol.com...Clyde A. Harbin, Sr.
January 10, 2000
Hi Phil
Just finished reading your Around the Campfire for this month and appreciate
your giving us your thoughts on whether to "spruce up" those old reels
and lures that we are fortunate enough to get occasionally. Of course, I am
interested primarily in reels, and read with interest your preference of having
the reel retain its original patina so as to maintain its "character".
Another reader has agreed that he likes his stuff to "look old".
I do not agree with these views, but I appreciate your expressing them
because it gives me something to think about--and to perhaps consider in the
future. Personally, I do not feel I have to have a Milam reel "look
old" in order to appreciate its age and all the history that old reel has
seen. When that reel has been cleaned to its original state, I simply sit and
marvel at the craftsmanship that went into building that reel--and how it can
still be so beautiful after all these years. Yet--I understand your tastes
also--and I am not criticizing.
I am relatively new to the reel collecting world--having only been involved
"on purpose" for about 3 or 4 years. One thing that is very
interesting --and enjoyable for me--is to go back and read about reel collecting
in the late 80's and early 90's--and what reels were selling for in those days.
I am amazed in many instances to find that certain Meek, Milam etc reels sold
for almost as much in 1990 as they do today. In other words, reels have not
undergone the same type of appreciation, in general, during the last decade as
lures. So--if we accept that proposition as true--we might ask ourselves--why?
Why has the popularity of reel collecting not kept up with popularity of lure
collecting? Most likely answer I would get is that it is harder to get into
collecting reels because the "starting" prices are higher. We could
debate that for awhile---I tend to disagree in light of all the reasonably price
Shakespeares and Pfluegers out there. There aren't many of us that just
immediately started collecting Milams and Talbots. I personally think the answer
is that most collectors do not think reels are "pretty"---and
therefore are just not motivated to collect them. They are advised by reel
collectors that the reels should be left in "as found" condition---and
that is dog ugly in most cases (in my eyes:-))
And to support my reasoning---look at Ambassadeur reels. Unbelievable growth
in popularity among collectors during last 10 years and even during last 12
months the prices of these reels continue to sky rocket. Why?--Sure we have
foreign buyers that help push up the prices--but still a lot of good Americans
collecting these reels. Reason for popularity? Most likely because they are
"pretty". I know that you will respond that "beauty is in the eye
of the beholder". And that is 100% correct. BUT--beauty may also be defined
in accordance with the way the MAJORITY view an item--and I really wonder if the
majority view that patina as beautiful. Could it be that patina is something
that you have to acquire a taste for?
Well---enough of my rambling thoughts. Keep up the good work--I find
something interesting each time I visit your site. Thanks for all that you do
for our hobby.
Joe Klaus
Joe and I discussed this further by email. He learned that I don't like
dirty reels, or polished brass reels. Many of you obviously do, and that's fine.
My main gripe is when I see a plastic bait sell for more than a Milam reel. What
is your opinion?
January 10, 2000
Thank you so much for the wonderful show reports on your web site. I recently
moved to Las Vegas from the mid-west and I'm not able to attend shows like I use
to. Your reports were just the "fix" I needed until I can get to my
next show. Thank you again!
Stuck in the Desert,
Brent
January 2, 2000
Hi Phil,
What a site you have. More info for both the novice and seasoned collector
than one can imagine. I especially like your eBay reports. Having been an eBay
user for over 3 years, it has gotten to be quite a task to keep up with what`s
"news" there. I used to go to the main category for fishing
collectables and watch what is up and coming. Since eBay has gotten so big, I
pretty much only look at the sub-categories I have pulled up through eBay
searches and popped them into my favorites lists. Having your site and its
reports keeps me informed as to "what`s up".
Kudos, and thanks for all the hard work!
Brady Mitchell aka ZaraHedd
December 22
Hello,
I just purchased a UV black light based on some commentary I've seen on the
web. I took it to approximately 20 lures I’ve bought off Ebay....and found
about 20-30% had touch-ups on them (no total repaints however).
Just how widespread is this problem? I'm willing to bet most of the people
that sold them to me didn't have any idea that had been touched-up since they
were fairly minor and well done. How do I prevent this? Should I send an email
on every lure I ever bid on asking for verification the seller has checked this?
I haven't seen anyone put in descriptions "verified touch-up free",
but I"m considering doing it for anything I put up for sale.
Comments? Thanks! (and great site by the way)
p.s. Helpful hint to others....when buying a black light, do NOT buy the
incandescent bulb kind...it has to be the UV fluorescent version. (Found that
out from personal experience)
(I'm not sure who wrote this letter, for it was unsigned, and the return
address had a alias on it, but there is merit to a discussion on this problem,
Ed.)
December 19
Editor,
What's all this brue-ha-ha about collectors being selfish people?? With the help
of this web site, I have met, talked to, helped and gotten help from so many
people, It makes me quite proud to be involved. Phil, You have brought us a
service that can't be replaced. We now have a place where sane people can air
their griefs, voice opinions, get basic questions answered and reach others that
share the same interests as ourselves. I Think I speak for all the collectors in
saying that the last six months has been great. We would never have thought that
this would be such a success. I know myself how much effort and time a project
like this takes and hope it only grows.
Again, Thanks for the time and a place to call a second home.
Your buddy,
Harvey Garrison
December 18
Hi Phil
I agree!!!! (with your around the campfire editorial). I
collect Historically important lures from the 1800's to about 1920. Most lures
made in the 1800's are metal. Every time I see an auction on ebay and the lure
is polished back to its original finish I shake my head in disgust. It took over
100 years for mother nature to put that patina on the lure and 5 minutes for
someone to remove it. Even wooden lures that are in mint condition have very
little character.
I know I am in the minority on this. Look at your collection
from a non collectors point of view. If every lure in your collection was bright
and shiny, no cracks chips or pointers, or sign of age. How would it be
believable that they are old at all. If I add a lure to my collection I want it
to look old!!! I prefer my lures to have some age crazing and don't mind if they
have some small chips and signs of use. If I wanted bright and shiny I would
make my own.
On plastic lures, Back in the late 70's I bought 3 Heddon
Plastic 210's from the local fishing tackle shop. I bought them so I could fish
with them and because I wanted to fish a facsimile of Heddon's first lure. I put
the boxes in the attic, in a grocery bag and fished the lures. Whenever I buy a
new lure to fish with I always put the box in that same grocery bag. My wife
came across the grocery bag full of boxes. Knowing my passion for collecting
lures she knew why I kept the boxes and said "Throw the boxes out, the
lures will never be worth anything in your lifetime." At the time I had to
agree, but kept the boxes anyway. How wrong she was, a couple of months ago I
sold those 3 Heddon Plastic 210's with the boxes for over$600.00. I used the
money to buy my daughter a computer for college.
Rick White
October 26
Hi Phil:
SUPERB REPORT & PICS on the Allentown meet! I had the pleasure of attending
and it was great to revisit the show and renew old acquaintances via the
Internet. I was also able to pick up information from your report which I missed
due to a late arrival. Thanks and KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!! Best regards,
Bernie Mason, NFLCC Canadian member
October 15
Phil:
Just a note to let you know how much I enjoy your pages. Love
the eBay report, and just saw the BOMBER page and it's great! In case you did
not know, I have been collecting Bombers for over 16 years and have over 800 in
my Bomber collection. Jim Bourdon was the person who signed me up with the NFLCC
in 1983 and he said I bought his last copy of his book. I have been a NFLCC LIFE
MEMBER for many years and Dick Streater dubbed me THE BOMBER MAN, in 1983 or 84
when he signed the old BIBLE of his. (At that time, they said I was the only one
crazy another to collect BOMBERS).
Many years ago, I found in two different warehouses about 7
to 8,000 Bombers NIB and bought them over 3 or 4 years. Of the 8000, I have sold
or traded all but about 300. I do plan to do a book on Bombers in the future,
TIME< TIME<TIME. Jim did a great job at the time, but we have learned a
great deal more since his book.
John has a great Bomber page, and I will also do one as I
have TIME>TIME. I would be glad to answer any questions about Bombers.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, You have one the very best Web Sites
that I have seen.
Thanks, Darwin Stewart, THE BOMBER MAN, NFLCC LIFE MEMBER
September 30
Hi Phil:
Just would like to tell you how much I appreciate your site.
It's done a lot for the hobby of collecting. I've been collecting for only over
a year, and in this time, I've already seen a lot of good and some bad come into
this hobby. I've met a great bunch of people over the net who have been
extremely helpful. I'm learning as fast as I can! Thanks again, and I'd like to
be placed in the e-mail address book.
Sincerely, John Watson
September 1
Editor:
Your web page is a
panacea for me. My wife and I are beginning collectors, and a huge obstacle is
finding where to get information. I really appreciate what you have done
here.
Many, many thanks.
Best regards,
Lynn & Linda Montgomery
August 10
The most awesome and information packed fishing related page on the web,
excellent job and a lot of work, excellent format and have bookmarked it,
Thanks for sharing,
Al Unger
August 9
Hello Phil,
Well done on creating the best tackle collecting website on the net. As a reel
collector with an interest in old (pre 1910) catalogs there isn't another that
caters so well with the dedicated sections. I'm a UK based collector of Vom Hofe
reels, especially Edward fly reels, with more than a passing interest in similar
by Zwarg & Walker.
Thanks & regards,
Steve Brown (Talwg@aol.com)
A great site Phil. My comments on the Nationals. Always a good time even if the air
conditioners don't work and you have to ride a big yellow school bus a half-mile in heat
and humidity from the Hotel to the Lure Show. Attention all Western States People: It's
time we did something like the Florida boys and start having some big shows out our way
instead of carting all our good stuff 2,000 miles each year. It is quite obvious that the
NFLCC will NEVER consider having the Nationals West of the Missouri River. Henceforth the
good stuff stays out West and only the styrofoam board stuff goes east. There, I feel a
whole lot better...
Gabby Talkington
July 13
Phil:
Just a note of thanks for a fabulous job of covering the Nationals. I was blown away by
how fast you put together your pages covering the show. It is greatly appreciated by us
who could not attend. This type of information is just not available anywhere else and I
for one am truly greatful for your efforts.
Regards, Hugh Fisher
July 11
Phil, I thought I would send you a quick note to tell you how impressed I am with your new
web site "Old Fishing Stuff". I checked it out and think it's fantastic. Great
coverage on the Nationals. I doubt our own magazine will have a fraction of the coverage
that you have done, plus we'll have to wait until September to read about it. I only saw
you a couple of times in Louisville, but trust you had a great meet. Again I wish
tremendous success with this venture.
Regards, Bill Roberts (hednfrog)
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