Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Well, I suppose I am an expert at stumbling upon organizations that I never knew existed before, but have once I found them thoroughly enjoyed participating, such as Fishing Forum/Stages! Whether my presence has been welcomed by you as members or not, at least I have enjoyed the Hell out of my time so far.

Now, I suspect what I am about to introduce you members of the Forum may be already known, but this organization wasn’t known to me until this year and that is the NFLCC, or National Fishing Lure Collectors Clubs.

Let me explain my ‘stumbling and discovering’ technique. I was surfing on Facebook and came across a young man, Blake Taylor, who was the chairman of the Southwest Region’s chapter of NFLCC. He is a very young chap, but a seasoned professional collector of lures, especially Bomber Baits, which has a special interest to me. He invited me to their trade show in Temple, Texas and it was a blast.

I cannot describe just how amazing this was with the different collectors of lures, tackle, and such that were exhibiting there. And these events are also present all across the U.S. in different regions. You do not have to be an exhibitor to go and soak up the lore and be amazed at the knowledge of fishing lure history. Believe me, it will amaze the most wizened fisherman!

Here is the contact information, I am not charging a cent for sharing, but I will wager you will be surprised if you haven’t already been introduced to this cult of fishing lure collectors.

National Fishing Lure Collectors Club. P.O. 129, Sangerfield, N.Y. 13455-0129,
Phone 518-992-5873 Sandy Schottenham, Secretary; sandy.nflcc@gmail.com

There are regional meetings across the country, and here is a listing of those
You might want to visit.

October 2, 2021 Oshkosh, WI

October 21, 2021 Fort Worth, TX

October 23, 2021 Latham, N.Y.

October 26-30, 2021 Gettysburg, PA

November 6, 2021 Portland, OR

November 12-13, 2021 Evansville, IN

January 8-9, 2022 Pigeon Forge, TN

January 11-15, 2022 Brookfield, WI

March 23-26. 2022 Gettysburg, PA

April 16, 2022 Effingham, IL

April 28-30, 2022 Temple, TX

July 21-23, 2022 The National, Springfield, IL

Don’t thank me, just go and be amazed! Just Sayin…RJS

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Great stuff Robert! Fishing lures are little tiny "works of art" in many cases, and it makes sense that there would be an organization dedicated to the hobby! Now and then when I attend gun & knife shows in Michigan...they have fishing tackle collectors on the coat tails as well. Over the years I have come across some nifty tackle...and in my case I put it back into service...mostly for the nostalgia of it, but also because it still works to catch fish!

I will confess that I own a few lures that "caught me" by their spectacular paint jobs...and I have a spot in my home dedicated for displaying them as heirlooms. Frog stuff is probably one of my weaknesses...especially the cool "crackle" effect! Ok everybody...I can't be alone on this small obsession...fess up!

Some of my personal favorites are the original Kautzky Lazy Ikes, Helin Flatfish, Eppinger Daredevles and the skinny balsa wood Rapala lures. Actually, the funniest thing about "old" lures is that I still have nearly all of the lures I bought "new" or found as a kid...and even though I still use them often, they are probably starting to be considered as "vintage" collectibles!

Last year I sold a huge lot of empty Lazy Ike OEM lure package boxes to a collector (about 50 boxes) for about $20.00 and he was so thrilled that I think he fell back over on his chair when they arrived. I was just planning to throw them away one day and then I saw folks selling empty containers on E-Bay and gave it a try. Amazing what has value out there if you connect with the right seeker! Kind of like flyguy with those old Cabelas product books/catalogues....

Thanks for posting!

Andy cacciatori Loc: Modesto cal.

Are there any shows in California?
Andy

Yankeeblue Loc: Manchester CT (near Hartford)

Robert, your presence here has been more than just welcomed. Speaking for myself and I am sure many, many others your presence has been thoroughly enjoyed. Your contributions, your stories have far exceeded what you have taken away and I thank you. Thank you my friend.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Andy: There are none listed, but I am sure if you wanted, perhaps you could stir up enough to get one going. I suspect there are more than a handful of collectors in CA. Why dont you contact Sandy Schottenham, the national secretary? The membership directory has about a page and half of California members, so there is what appears an adequate mass to support a California meeting. All they need is a 'tail twister' to get it organized. Just Sayin...RJS

Andy cacciatori Loc: Modesto cal.

Thanks
RJs
I'll check it out
Andy

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

sAndy: I checked the directory and the nearest one is Region 10 and the director is Joe Manduke, 18416 North 97th
Avenue, Sun City, AZ 85373 (602) 803-5681, manduke1956@yahoo.com

I am sure he would be willing to supply all the information. Just Sayin...RJS

Andy cacciatori Loc: Modesto cal.

Thank you I'll call next week
Andy

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

A hint to the wise! If I were a betting man, I would give odds there are members of Fishing Forum who have old, and even antique lures tucked away, gathering dust and who do not realize the value these old, and often antique lures have if offered to the collectors of such priceless lures.

Some of these antique lures would bring as much as perhaps the purchase price of a new Shimano reel, or a rod! Look around, and if you don't want to keep them for your children and grand children, then sell them. Just Sayin...RJS

BongsonBob Loc: East Bay

There was a yearly one in Bakersfield. I have not heard if it has been rescheduled since Covid. There was an annual non-affiliated show in Santa Rosa in March. I have not heard if it is scheduled for this coming year.