LURE LORE ...

Fish can be fooled with just about anything that is colorful and has some movement to it. Back in my youth we did not have the money to buy lures so we were forced to use our imaginations. Many of my first fish were caught by tearing of the tip of a match just below the red sulfur head and then carefully impaling it on a hook.

 This would be dangled in front of a sunfish and proved to be a very effective lure not to mention that they came twenty to a pack and usually free for the asking!

 Today there is no shortage of fishing lures. The variety of shapes, colors, textures and sizes are endless. Visit any store that sells fishing tackle and the display of lures will dazzle you. I have never walked by a wall of lures without stopping to fondle a few.  Manufacturers go to special lengths to make lures that catch fish. They test and tune lures to perfection. Many company's will supply professional fisherman with their products so that they can be proven to work before actually putting them on the market for us to purchase.

 Lures are given names that will give you some indication of the fish they are designed for. Some are branded with aggressive names like "Killer" this or that. Others might hint at it's unique action like "Twister" or "Spinner". No matter what the name, design or nature of the lure you can bet that the packaging is created to catch you! More money is spent on captivating you then is budgeted for design of the lure itself. This is true for almost any and all products in retail stores. We all have lures in our tackle boxes that have never caught a fish. They are waiting patiently in their space for another chance to prove that you did not waste your hard earned dollar.

Some anglers have taken it upon themselves to design and make lures for their own use. The most popular is probably the good old spinnerbait and of course the tried and true rubber worm.

 A few more talented folks will layout detailed plans and construct lures that are absolute works or art. Although beautiful in every detail, and would probably catch a fish on every cast, they will never be put to the test. They will, instead, be displayed for their artistry and craftsmanship.

 I have a very good friend that happens to be one of those people that can design and create things that should be in museums. Anyway, a good number of years ago he surprised me with a gift that was beyond what I though he was capable of. He handed me a wooden box with a sliding top and I was puzzled as to what might be inside. As I slid the top open I was lost for words and could not believe what was before my eyes. Here, laying in a bed of cedar shavings, were two hand made lures with such detail and perfection I was looking for a manufacturers name. In a few seconds I came to my senses and it was obvious that he alone, had crafted these works of art.

Here is a real beauty that he thoughtfully named, "SWAMP LIZZARD" 

Here is the other that had no given name so I call it the "RIDEAU SPOOK"

 A few years ago he gifted me with another home made lure called "MUSKRAT SUSIE" which I have no doubt would be the best Muskie lure the world has ever seen. Here are a few pictures of that priceless creation.

and now a group photo ...

Without a doubt I will soon find myself in front of a lure display and getting hooked on the new lures and their fancy packages. I just know I have some room in my tackle box for one more!

Thanks for viewing .... Len

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