STRINGERS ...



We are now in the age of "Catch & Release" and a good old' fish stringer is pretty much a thing of the past. However, there was a time that no angler worth his weight would venture out without one. Research tells me that patents were granted for stringers as early as 1907 and probably even before that but I did not dig to deep into it's history.  A stringer was used as a way to keep fish alive, display them for the all important photograph and of course carry your catch home. In 1984 this stringer of Largemouth Bass and Crappies made on heck of a photo! This stringer was a rope type.

Stringers can still be purchased where ever fishing tackle is sold. You will find them made from metal like this...

 Or even a length of nylon rope with a metal loop at one end and a large strong needle on the other as pictured here ....

 Also there is a wire basket that serves well and collapses for easy storage when not in use. Just drop 'em in the spring loaded lid and they are secure and safe from predators ...

 Way back in my youth we improvised by using a small tree branch. Broken off so that it formed a "V"shape with one side of the "V" shorter than the other. We would insert the longer end through the gill and out their mouth and slide them down toward the shorter end for easy transport.

Maybe I should patent that idea!

Here, again back in the mid 80's a heavy stringer of Striped Bass was a real show stopper! Here they are displayed on the more common metal stringer with individual snap hooks.

In the spring I do make use of a stringer when the Yellow Perch or Crappies are biting and a fish dinner is on my menu. Another time you will see stingers in use will be the first day of trout season. Anglers will have them attached to their belts hanging heavy with their catch while they wade up and down the stream.

Some night fishing in Canada, back in the mid-eighties, yielded a few nice Walleye for a tasty meal ! Again shown for the important picture with a metal stringer.

A stringer of some type is still the best way to display your catch before preparing them for dinner.

Thanks for reading "ONE CAST .... ONE FISH"



© 2016 LCFdesign

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

© 2016 LCFdesign