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Founded in 1881 in Akron, Ohio, E. F. Pflueger’s Enterprise Manufacturing Company was not the first company to manufacture a fishing reel—that honor goes to the Meek Brothers, whose Kentucky reels predate 1840. But Pflueger was the first major commercial tackle company—its 1900 catalog, produced two years before James Heddon hung out his shingle to sell handmade wooden fishing lures, featured 126 pages of "Fish Bait and Anglers Specialties."
Pflueger’s company, which was taken over by his son and renamed E. A. Pflueger Company in 1906, was the first to commercially produce wooden fishing lures. In 1883, the elder Pflueger patented a luminous lure paint designed for night fisherman. A lure from that period, the Luminous Flying Helgramite, had wings and feathers, but was only made for about a year, making it a highly collectible antique fishing lure.
In the 1890s, Pflueger produced rubber decoys, the rubber Muskallonge Minnow (it had three single hooks and metal fins), and, in 1899, the Trory Minnow, which had three treble hooks, propellers at its head and tail, and yellow glass eyes...
Throughout the early part of the 20th century, Pflueger produced numerous minnows and bugs, some weighted, some designed to float. But the competition from Heddon and others proved too much for the company. Fortunately, lures were not its only source of revenue. Indeed, Pflueger reels would keep the company independent until well after the middle of the century.
The product that secured Pflueger’s reputation for reliability and dependable action while casting was the Baitcasting Reel, introduced in 1916. The brand for this new line of fishing reels was Four Brothers, who were E. A., Joseph, George, and Charles. Models included the Delite fly reel, in 40-, 60-, 80-, and 100-yard sizes. The reels’ plates were made of hard rubber and covered with either polished nickel or satin gun metal. Also available in that introductory year was a double-multiplying casting reel called the Medina, so named for the county west of Akron.
By 1924, Pflueger had largely dropped the Four Brothers name in favor of the model names themselves. The Regal, Elinor, and Pastime reels were still marketed as Four Brothers reels, but the Delite reel was now sold on its own. So were the Eclipse and Mohawk reels, which were salt-water models. Two other smaller salt-water reels, Sumco and Beacon, were introduced in 1927, and the Castwell came along in 1931 (it was introduced as the Comrade but that dull name was quickly changed).
Other antique and vintage Pflueger fishing reels sought by collectors include the Skilcast ("Blister Proof" is the guarantee on the side of the box), the Supreme, and an Orvis-like fly reel called Taxie.
In the 1930s, Pflueger all but discontinued its line of lures, which is what helps make those lures so rare today. In 1954, Pflueger introduced its first spinning reel, and in 1966 the company was sold to Shakespeare. Today, reels, rods, and combos bearing the Pflueger name continue to be manufactured in South Carolina.
Interviews & Articles
The Fun and Artistry of Antique Fishing Lures
I grew up fishing. And I always had a few old lures – several came from my grandfather – and I just decided one day that they were… [more]
Trends in Fishing Tackle Collecting
I’ve been a collector of antique fishing tackle for over 20 years, and have been selling antique tackle in my shop since 1990. I c… [more]
Best of the Web (“Hall of Fame”)
Joes Old Lures
Joe Yates' website is a great showcase for hundreds of old fishing lures, providing high resolution photos and in m… [read review or visit site]
Mrlurebox.com
Take a big bite - you won't want to just nibble at Robbie Pavey's gallery of over 300 antique fishing lures, many w… [read review or visit site]
AntiqueLures.com
This extensive site features over 500 pages of information on pre-1940 wood fishing lures and lure boxes. Start wit… [read review or visit site]
Bob Vermillion's Fishing Tackle Web Site
Bob Vermillion started collecting lures at age 16, and has created a site dedicated to his love for Frank Knill 'Ve… [read review or visit site]
Oldfishinglure.com
This site is sure to snag you with its great collection of fishing lures from the early 1900s. Includes lures from … [read review or visit site]
TackleCollecting.com
Larry Nicholson's site dedicated to vintage fishing lures. Features beautiful images of lures and boxes from Fred A… [read review or visit site]
Clubs & Associations: Fishing
- National Fishing Lure Collectors Club
- Florida Antique Tackle Collectors
- Carolina Antique Tackle Collectors
Discussion Forums: Fishing
Other Great Reference Sites: Fishing
Top eBay Auctions
Vintage Pre Pflueger Under Water Minnow 5 Hook Fishing Lure W Maroon Box Nice Nr
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Recent News: Pflueger Fishing Tackle
Source: Google News
Nature Coast Challenge Kayak Fishing Tournament
YakAngler, May 19thFishing out of Wilderness Systems “Tarpon 140” kayak, with a Pflueger “Trion” rod and reel combo using 2lb Power Pro Line and soft plastic bait, Curtis Cleary from Homosassa, Fl brought in the 27½” winning redfish. In addition to a cash prize and the...Read more
Fishing gear then and now
Jamestown Sun, May 17thIt is interesting to wander through a big sporting goods store, or examine a Cabela's fishing catalog and see the bewildering array of fishing gear available these days … baffling numbers, styles and colors of fishing lures, dozens of fishing lines in...Read more
Home Shopping In Your Neighbourhood Learn How To Reel Em' In With Our ...
Hamilton Spectator, May 16thReel selection really depends on what style of fishing, line needs and the species you target most. If you are a bass or walleye angler a 3000 size spinning reel such as a Shimano Symetre or Pflueger President will do the job nicely. Spool the reel...Read more
Filling free time with a life
Manteca Bulletin, May 15thA few springs ago, as my middle 20s turned late, a few buddies and I picked up fly-fishing as a means to fortify the whole life-outside-of-work thing. I grew up fishing with a Pflueger spinning reel attached to a Shakespeare Ugly Stik, because I lived...Read more
Pflueger Supreme Xt?
BassResource.com (press release), May 10thLooking to possibly buy this reel but have heard good and bad reviews about it. Can someone tell me their opinions of this reel? It's on sale right now and I really need a reel. If this isn't a good option what other reels are below $150? Thanks! Back...Read more
ESSAY: The Best Fly Fishing Reel Ever Made
Pagosa Daily Post, May 8thI was fond of watching my old man fly fish. I only saw my father use the one reel throughout his entire lifetime, the Pflueger Medalist. It wasn't until I was older that I realized how Pflueger Medalist shaped the lives anglers here and around the...Read more
Alabama South Fishing group has tournament
Brewton Standard, May 8thFishers of Men would like to thank all of the fine Sponsors: Skeeter Boats, Yamaha Outboards, Stren, Pflueger, Strike King Lure Company, Nester Hosiery, Marshall's Marine, Kings Home, Power-Pole, Lowrance, Duckett Fishing, Buckeye Lures, Keelshield,...Read more
First Blush Review - Bps Tourney Specials (2013 Version)
BassResource.com (press release), May 3rdLast year, I bought my first, decent all-around fishing setup. I had heard such great things about Pflueger President reels on this site. My local Wally Worlds was selling a President combo - the 35 size reel with a 6'6M/F rod (also from Pflueger). It...Read more