By Joe Cermele

Today in our vintage tackle contest we have a double feature of Al Foss lures. These gems were picked up by Grant Greenfield at a yard sale more than 10 years ago for less than ten bucks. Though we've featured Foss lures in this space before, I had never seen these two models. Naturally, they were a quick ID for Dr. Todd Larson of The Whitefish Press and "Fishing For History" blog. Perhaps what impresses me most about these old spinners is that they look so well made, as if Rosy the Riveter created those bodies herself.

Dr. Todd says:

"Al Foss (1868-1949) was one of the legendary tackle makers in all of fishing history. He was a pioneer in the use of "pork rind" (split pig skins) which was the granddaddy of all soft bait in the early days, and the lures he created were mostly intended to be used with these trailing and fluttering strips of pigskin. His company was one of the most prominent in the pre-World War II era, and sold lures by the millions. You have two classics on your hands; the Shimmy Wiggler (top, valued at $10-$20), and an Al Foss Frog (valued at $20-$30). One unique thing that Foss did was package his lures in metal boxes; the blue box is harder to find than the red or green, and thus worth more. Add $20-$30 more if either lure goes with the box. Al Foss was a champion tournament caster, fishing tackle pioneer, and early environmentalist, and made some legendary lures. To read a history of his earliest lure, click here."

Sweet find, Grant! If they were a little more beat up I might say fish one, but I think they're just too pretty to lose in a blow-down. Thanks for sending and keep an eye on your mailbox, because there's a set of Berkley Aluminum Pliers headed your way. 

If you've already sent me photos of your vintage tackle, keep checking every Thursday to see if I chose it for an appraisal by Dr. Todd. If you haven't and want to enter the contest, email photos of your old tackle to fstackle@gmail.com, along with your name, mailing address, and story of how you acquired the gear. If I use it in a Thursday post, you get a pair of Berkley Aluminum Pliers (above) worth $50.

Comments (4)

from 2Poppa wrote 7 weeks 3 days ago

S-W-E-E-T!
Those lures would stand the test of time. Looks like an old musky lure I used to own.

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from buckhunter wrote 7 weeks 3 days ago

2poppa is right. These lures would stand up to any made today and probably last longer.

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from santa wrote 7 weeks 2 days ago

Back in the3 early fifties, I was taught by my father to fish with a piece of white split tail pork rind behind most of the spoons and such that we fished with. Then in the early seventies where I was paid to bass fish, the best spinner bait I ever used was a Snagless Sally with a pork frog trailer. Over the years since, I have made molds of all kinds and cast countless numbers of soft plastic lures, but a few years ago, I tried natural pork rind worms and suddenly was shocked. I should have know from my early days fishing with pork rind that it was almost impossible to beat, but after a life time of making and using soft plastics, I am now back to using natural pork. I catch as many or more fish with it and it is a renewable resource which is not dependent on foreign oil. You can buy ready made pork rind shapes of grubs, worms, minnows, lizards, crawfish, and frogs in a large selection of colors. They are even more durable so they last longer. Long live pork rind lures and trailers.

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from buckhunter wrote 7 weeks 2 days ago

Santa, I always enjoy your post. Keep them coming.

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from santa wrote 7 weeks 2 days ago

Back in the3 early fifties, I was taught by my father to fish with a piece of white split tail pork rind behind most of the spoons and such that we fished with. Then in the early seventies where I was paid to bass fish, the best spinner bait I ever used was a Snagless Sally with a pork frog trailer. Over the years since, I have made molds of all kinds and cast countless numbers of soft plastic lures, but a few years ago, I tried natural pork rind worms and suddenly was shocked. I should have know from my early days fishing with pork rind that it was almost impossible to beat, but after a life time of making and using soft plastics, I am now back to using natural pork. I catch as many or more fish with it and it is a renewable resource which is not dependent on foreign oil. You can buy ready made pork rind shapes of grubs, worms, minnows, lizards, crawfish, and frogs in a large selection of colors. They are even more durable so they last longer. Long live pork rind lures and trailers.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from 2Poppa wrote 7 weeks 3 days ago

S-W-E-E-T!
Those lures would stand the test of time. Looks like an old musky lure I used to own.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from buckhunter wrote 7 weeks 3 days ago

2poppa is right. These lures would stand up to any made today and probably last longer.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from buckhunter wrote 7 weeks 2 days ago

Santa, I always enjoy your post. Keep them coming.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

Post a Comment

 

All submitted comments are subject to the rules set forth in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.