Show Us Your Old Tackle, Win Some New Pliers

by Joe Cermele

If you happened to catch last Monday’s episode of “American Pickers,” you probably noticed that hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz paid no mind to a Kentucky man’s insanely huge collection of old fishing tackle. I would have given anything to sift through the shelves of reels and rows of rods, even if I didn’t buy anything. But I’m betting there are lots of you that have some pretty cool old tackle tucked up in the attic, down in the basement, and in the garage. Here’s your chance to show us what you got and win some snazzy new pliers.

Here’s how it works: You take a digital picture of your old lure, reel, rod, net, box of hooks (anything goes) and email it to [email protected]. In that email, include your name, mailing address, tell me how you acquired this item, and note any brand names or other info if available. Please photograph items one at a time, not your entire collection together. You can enter as many photos as you'd like.

Every Thursday starting next week, I’ll choose a photo and post it. But here’s the cool part: Dr. Todd Larson, a history professor at Xavier University and expert on vintage tackle, has graciously agreed to provide a little history of the item in the chosen photo, and even tell you what it could be worth. If you want some ideas of the kinds of gear to keep an eye out for, swing by Dr. Todd’s “Fishing For History” blog. His company, The Whitefish Press, also stocks a huge line of fishing history and vintage tackle books.

If I use your photo in one of the weekly posts, I’ll send you a pair of the  7" Aluminum Pliers above (plus a sheath and lanyard) courtesy of Berkley. They’re a $50 value, and I can tell you from having used them extensively last season, they’re tough, cut braid like butter, and the split-ring tooth on the nose really comes in handy.

So this weekend, do a little picking. I can’t wait to see what’s out there. And hey, Dr. Todd might just tell you that Grandpa’s bamboo rod, that garage-sale spinning reel, or rare stickbait you found at the lake is worth millions! Have fun.