Almost all casting reels had the cast control on the back plate (palming side) until the original Shimano Lew's Speed Spool came along. Many reels had permanently mounted front bearings and an adjustable bearing on the rear. Others, like those shown below, had the front bearing removable only to oil...

I have a hard time understanding the use of these "new" style hoods on reel seats. This style reel seat was rejected by fishermen over 100 years ago, when sliding and locking seats were patented and used on almost all quality rods. These "new" hoods are bulky and uncomfortable in...

Anyone familiar with Northland Whistler jigs? They are basically a darter head with a prop on them. I don't know if they are still producing them, but they used to be availible in a kit that had several different colors and sizes. Yep, I fished Whistler Jigs for smallmouth in lakes and did OK. I st...

Underwater prop plug baits have been around since the late 1800's. Heddon became a famous lure company through their No 100 (3 hook) and 150 (5 hook) underwater minnows. Many of the biggest collections of early US lures are found in Japan. I'm sure that Japanese lure makers are well aware of the his...