Do You Remember These Classic Fishing Reels?
A couple old short pieces rolled into one. I wrote these light articles 7 or 8 years ago. At the time I didn’t really know a whole lot, as you can tell from the superficial descriptions of each reel.
The history of modern fishing is really the history of the fishing reel. Let's take a look at some of the classic fishing reels of the last century. Do you remember any of these?
Penn Spinfisher 700
Introduced in 1961 the Penn Spinfisher 700 was known as the "Finest Surf Spinning Reel." It quickly became a favorite reel for surf fishermen and saltwater anglers. This heavyweight reel was an eye-catcher with its distinctive mint green color.
The Spinfisher was a monster, a tank-like reel that could withstand the abuse of hardcore saltwater fishing. It had a line capacity of 250 yards of 20-pound monofilament. I've even seen various iterations of the model 700 used on Lake Michigan by chinook salmon anglers. Penn is a time- and experience-honored name in saltwater fishing, with more than 1,400 IGFA world records set using Penn reels. Today, the company manufactures over 220 different reel models.
If you're lucky you might find the occasional Spinfisher 700 at a garage sale. Or you can purchase them online as there is something of a collector's market for them. If you do get into collecting Penn Spinfisher reels, be sure to keep an eye out for a vintage Penn 700 silver or gold tie clasp. These little items will likely cost more than the reel itself.
Source: Reel Repair by Alan Tani
Zebco 33
One of the best selling fishing reels of all time, the Zebco 33 spincasting reel has manufactured more than 40 million units since it was first introduced to the angling public in 1954.
It was invented by R.D. Hull when, according to legend, he witnessed a strand of twine fall to the floor from its spool. Designed to hold 10-pound test line, the model 33 is classified as a medium weight fishing reel. Its closed-face, anti-backlash qualities made it a great choice for beginning anglers, although experienced fishermen loved it too. My grandfather relied on it to catch many different species of fish.
The Zebco 33 has remained in production since it was first introduced. The new model has been redesigned and updated to include improved line pick-up and bearings, a modernized drag system and gear train, and greater line capacity. An Auto Bait Alert also audibly notifies the fisherman when a fish tugs the line. At a suggest retail price of between $18 and $35, the Zebco 33 is affordable enough for any angler looking to fish with a classic reel.
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5000
Abu Garcia unveiled their new Ambassadeur 5000 fishing reel at the 1954 New York World's Fair. Made in Sweden, the reel was a trailblazer, starting a revolution in the fishing world. Its $45 retail price was hefty in the Eisenhower years, but the reel was so innovative and so beautifully crafted that the company sold hundreds of thousands of them. This was a reel that almost guaranteed an angler would catch more fish.
Its red color was distinctive, but it was the reel's innovations that set it apart from every other reel on the market. Featuring an anti-reverse mechanism, star drag, centrifugal brake, level wind and a push-button free spool design that disengaged the spool from the handle, the Ambassadeur laid the foundation for all subsequent baitcasting reels.
Source: realsreels.com
It could also easily handle monofilament fishing line. Mono had been around for a couple of decades, but braided Dacron line was still the most popular fishing line in use. It wasn't until 1959 and the introduction of Stren brand monofilament fishing line that mono really took off. The Abu Ambassadeur seemed made for monofilament. It was a space-age reel that could comfortably handle a space-age fishing line.
Abu Garcia has manufactured four million Ambassadeur 5000s since they were first introduced. The iconic red color finally gave way to the Ambassadeur 5000C with a black finish and ball bearings in 1968.
There is a healthy collectible market for Ambassadeur 5000 reels, and they still perform well today. They are reliable and they look cool, two characteristics that endear them to anglers with a love for vintage fishing gear. I own four or five Ambassadeurs, including one that my Dad owned and fished with. I treasure them.
Here's a wonderful vintage demo commercial showing the Ambassadeur 5000 in action:
Pflueger Medalist
Fly fishing enthusiasts have their own classic fishing reels to remember. The Pflueger Medalist is the fly reel that fits that bill. The Medalist has been around for nearly a century, having first appeared in the Pflueger catalog in 1931. The reel was made in Akron, Ohio until 1979 when production moved to China. The Medalist was the first reel for many fly fishermen. It was simple in construction, aesthetically appealing, and affordable. This reel featured a click-pawl drag system in the early years of its production, but in 1938 an adjustable drag system was added.
The Medalist underwent a few changes over the years, while still maintaining its basic reliability. For example, the growing popularity of the spinning reel changed America's preference from right-hand reeling to left-hand reeling. Pflueger adapted to that change in the late 1950s by producing the Medalist as a left-hand winding fly fishing reel.
Pflueger has been a powerhouse fishing tackle company since its founding in 1880. The Medalist was just one classic, stand-out product that has stood the test of time. Many anglers cut their teeth on trout streams casting a fly rod with a Medalist. It still performs admirably wherever anglers choose to wet a fly line.
Source: freestonevintagetackle.com
Mitchell 300
The Mitchell 300 spinning fishing reel is one of the most popular fishing reels ever. In 1970 12,000 Mitchell reels were being manufactured each day. By 1990 over 30 million Mitchell 300 reels had been sold worldwide. The Mitchell reel was invented in the mid- to late-1930s by Maurice Jacquenim, a young engineer from the Avre Valley in France. While the reel had been invented and was being produced in France for several years, it wasn't until 1947 that the patent was applied for and the reel began achieving worldwide distribution and popularity. This reel was named after Maurice Jacquimin's son Michel, but French law prohibited proper names from being used as product brand names. Michel thus became Mitchell. The Mitchell, as it was popularly known, could cast farther and more smoothly than any spinning reel that came before it.
It had an interchangeable left- or right-hand reeling handle, could retrieve line without tangling, and was so easy to use that even inexperienced anglers quickly mastered it. So many Mitchells were sold that it's relatively easy to find ones in excellent condition and in good working order. Many even come in their original boxes. I own at least a half-dozen, including the same one I used as a kid. It's in good condition and still functions beautifully.
The legacy of the Mitchell 300 is one of introducing many new anglers to the sport. The reel's simplicity, easy and reliable operation, and inexpensive price made sure that at one time practically every angler in America owned a Mitchell. Nearly two thirds of all fishing reels sold today are spinning reels. That too is in large part thanks to the success of the Mitchell 300. Since its initial release the reel has been updated many times. It's still being produced today, although it doesn't look the same as that old black workhorse used by kids and grownups across the country.
June 17, 1974 Garcia Mitchell 300DL. Source: MitchellReelMuseum
PART II
Pflueger Akron Model 1893
Ernest A. Pflueger began his fishing tackle company, the Enterprise Manufacturing Company, in Akron, Ohio in 1880 or 1881. The business was an instant success, soon becoming one of the biggest fishing companies in America. Inevitably the company changed its name to the E.A. Pflueger Company.
In addition to finding success with fishing lures and other tackle, Pflueger manufactured a number of excellent fishing reels. The Pflueger Akron baitcasting reel was the most widely sold quadruple multiplying reel. First introduced in 1905 as a non-level-wind reel, it came in four different reel models with differing line capacities. The initial Akron model was produced from 1905 to 1913. They can be identified by their ivory handles.
The Akron model 1893 was reintroduced more than once during the first half of the 20th century. These models can be differentiated by mostly cosmetic changes, such as the handle color and material. The popular model 1893 was reintroduced in 1932 and featured polished "diamolite" with green pyralin plastic handles. That is the model pictured here, which I own, complete with its original box and owner's manual.
Diamolite offers an interesting sidebar, peculiar to Pflueger. According to a study I found on fishing rods and reels metallurgy,
"Diamolite is the Pflueger owned, registered, proprietary name for a mysterious alloy (or alloy and treatment) which appears to be some type of stainless steel. Presumably a search of U.S. Patents would reveal it's composition. Amazingly, there is NO information on it available from a search of that word on the internet. The only returns come if linked to the name Pflueger.
Diamolite is highly polished, silvery, corrosion resistant, and very, very hard. To typical fishing reel use it seems to be completely scratch and abrasion resistant. It must also be inexpensive. Pflueger used it for at least 50 years for some of the least expensive, utilitarian, indestructible fly reels ever made."
The Akron 1893 was produced until around 1971. It is a common and popular collectible reel. In good condition they are inexpensive, running around $25-$30.
Zebco One
Sometime in the 1940's R.D. Hull walked into a butcher shop. He saw the butcher yank a length of line from a large spindle with which to tie off wrapped cuts of meat for customers. No matter how quickly the man pulled the line it came off smoothly and without a hitch.
This gave R.D., a watchmaker and inventor, an idea that revolutionized sport fishing. Hull wanted to solve two things that challenged anglers: 1) make casting a line smoother and easier and 2) make retrieving the cast line equally smooth and easy. Thus was born the spincasting reel, and the ability to cast literally with push button ease. Hull designed a great many fishing reels during his tenure at Zebco, and the Zebco One has his fingerprints all over it.
The reel pictured below is mine. It is the original Zebco One, produced in, I believe, 1973. Below is a picture of the reel from the company's 1975 catalog. The featured image at the top of this article shows a Zebco One from the 1976 catalog. The name plates are different on each of these reels, which is one way to date them. The Zebco One was one of the smoothest reels the company produced, and was very popular. Its production ran from 1973 to 1976, before it mutated into the Omega line of reels.
Abu Garcia 444 spinning reel
Abu Garcia began as a world class watch making company. They took that precision expertise and transferred it to the fishing world, making some of the finest, most durable fishing reels in the world. The ABU 444 was the company's first fixed spool spinning reel. It was first introduced in 1955. The Abu 444 was in production for 25 years if you consider its variant, the Abu 333 as part of the production.
The reel featured a push button spool release, an offset drag adjustment and an anti-reverse lever. These innovations were groundbreaking and were copied by other companies. The original Abu 444 was made in Sweden and are rare. The company eventually moved production America. Here it received wide popularity following on the heels of the highly successful Abu Ambassadeur 5000 baitcasting reel the year prior. Ten years after the introduction of the Abu 444, in 1965, the company introduced its iconic Cardinal series.
Source: www.realsreels.com/
Shakespeare Tru-Art Automatic fly fishing reel
The Shakespeare Company was founded by William Shakespeare Jr. in 1897, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In 1970 the company moved to Columbia, South Carolina. Shakespeare is known for a number of fishing tackle and equipment products, including their very popular Ugly Stik fishing rod, first introduced in 1976 and still in production today.
The Shakespeare Silent Automatic Tru-Art fly fishing reel is a relic from the 1960s. Automatic fly reel use peaked during that era. These days most anglers prefer single action, manual fly reels. But during the age of the 1960s space race and burgeoning technological advancements, the automatic reel was seen as very modern and cool.
It operates on a spring-driven mechanism. The spring is wound as line is pulled out of the reel, and is recovered by pressing a trigger, not unlike an automatic tape measure retrieve. These kinds of reels aren't heavily manufactured today, but a couple of companies still make them. They're good for anglers with hand and arm mobility issues, who may have trouble controlling the line manually. In fact, automatic fly reels have been used by Project Healing Waters, an organization that uses fly fishing as a healing and rehabilitation method for disabled veterans.
If you're a fly fisherman it might be fun to play around with one of these relics from time to time. You can still find them online or occasionally at garage sales for cheap prices.
Shakespeare Wondereel spincasting reel
Shakespeare gave the Wondereel name to several of its reels, including its baitcasting and spincasting models. The baitcaster (1939) came before the spincaster, and I can't say why the company used the name for different reel models. The baitcaster (below) boasted a "backlash brake" and was a popular seller.
As best I can tell, the first Wondereel spincaster was introduced in the 1940s. The Wondereel spincasting reel Model 1700 is the one shown below and was introduced sometime between 1969-1971. But even the spincasting format contained several different models under the Wondereel umbrella. Again, these reels, in whatever format and model they were marketed in, were very popular with anglers. Both of my grandfathers and my dad owned Wondereel spincasters. I even seem to recall my grandmother using one to fish bluegills (she loved fishing for bluegills).
The 1957 Popular Mechanics Shakespeare ad shown below presents an appealing sales pitch:
With Shakespeare's SPIN-WONDEREEL, the line is always at your fingertips; you simply pick up the line, back up the crank, and cast. So easy...so simple, you can operate it blindfolded. Even beginners can make long, effortless casts right from the start. No groping for a bail or knob; nothing exposed to foul the line. Smooth adjustable drag.
The model 1755L "non-reverse crank model" also came "factory-filled with 150 yards [of] new, extra-limp 6-lb. test Tynex monofilament line." It sold for $18.95.
Fred Arbogast – A Biography of Akron’s Greatest Angler
This is my second story for Bass Fishing Archives, a review of Kevin Virden’s biography of Fred Arbogast.
Originally published September 25, 2022.
Fred Arbogast, A Biography of Akron's Greatest Angler, by Kevin Virden.
I’m betting that just about everyone who follows Bass Fishing Archives has cast a line with a Jitterbug or Hula Popper tied to its end. These lures are a part of bass fishing lore, and are so effective that they’re still in production and still catching bass today. They and several other iconic baits are the brainchild of one of the best bait designers in history, Fred Arbogast. Fred’s life story is a fascinating one and is the subject of a fairly recent book by Kevin Virden, titled “Fred Arbogast: A Biography of Akron’s Greatest Angler.”
Virden’s biography of Arbogast was published in 2017 by The Whitefish Press, publishers of “a wide variety of books on fishing history and fishing tackle.” It’s an easy read that quickly and concisely covers a lot of ground in hitting the high points of Arbogast’s life in the field of sport fishing. But while it’s a relatively short book – 185 pages – don’t let its brevity fool you. Virden has loaded his biography with black & white photographs, a great many quotes from people in Fred’s life, and an extensive bibliography. The man has done his research.
Fred Arbogast, A Biography of Akron's Greatest Angler, by Kevin Virden. Pages 50 and 51.
Virden lays a solid foundation by spending the first three chapters exploring the Arbogast family tree, beginning in the 16th century with Hans Arbogast, a German forefather to Fred. It was a perilous time for the Arbogast clan, with constant wars in the region of Western Germany. But the family persevered and expanded, eventually growing a branch of the tree in America in the mid-18th century, when 13-year-old Michael Arbogast (Fred’s great-great-great-grandfather) came alone to the New World in 1749. The Arbogasts became prominent citizens and players in the development of the newly formed America, and their fortunes continued to improve over the generations. It’s really an interesting and important exploration, because it reveals the kind of creative, hard-working stock that eventually spawned Fred Arbogast, the studious angler and innovative lure designer.
What I found absolutely fascinating in Virden’s biography was his detailed exploration of competitive casting and Fred Arbogast’s mastery of the sport. While most of us are probably aware that tournament casting competitions take place today, I have to say that the widespread popularity of the sport in the early 1900s took me a bit by surprise. Apparently, tournament casting was immensely popular, with national and world championship competitions being attended by throngs of spectators and the results publicized by major publications of the day. Fred Arbogast was one of the top championship caliber casters of his era, breaking more than one world record during his competitive years.
Virden presents a detailed look into the sport, of course highlighting Arbogast’s success as one of its premier competitors. He beautifully illustrates how Fred used his success as a champion caster in his other angling pursuits: one, to improve his bass fishing, to the point where he became well known and respected as a consistent and highly successful angler, and two, to successfully promote the bait company he started toward the end of his competitive casting career. It is this bait company which introduced Fred Arbogast to the larger fishing public and put his name in the annals of famous lure designers.
Fred Arbogast, A Biography of Akron's Greatest Angler, by Kevin Virden. Pages 124 and 125.
A passionate bass fisherman from an early age Arbogast was also, like many other anglers, a tinkerer and at-home designer of fishing lures. It seems that many anglers made at least a few of their own lures during the Depression. What made Fred Arbogast different was his passion for bass fishing. To him it was more than just a hobby or a way to put food on the table. Virden explains that following a day of fishing with his father where the two came home without a single fish, Fred became fairly well obsessed with the desire to improve his fishing so that he’d never get skunked again. This meant studying bass behavior, perfecting his casting, and designing the most natural, life-like baits he could.
Virden devotes specific chapters to each of Arbogast’s early iconic lure designs: the Spin-tail Kicker, the Tin Liz and its various permutations, the Hawaiian Wiggler, the Jitterbug, the Hula Dancer, and of course the Hula Popper. His discussion of each is detailed and fascinating, as he explores not only the history of each lure, but the materials used, the details of its patent chronology, the advertising employed and more. For vintage bait obsessives this information is invaluable.
Fred Arbogast, A Biography of Akron's Greatest Angler, by Kevin Virden. Page 174.
Virden also discusses the inner workings and progression of the Arbogast company, from its early beginnings in Fred’s home to its later growth and ultimate purchase by PRADCO. He even has a chapter devoted to Arbogast’s fishing buddies, who played a significant role in both Fred’s personal life and in the history of his company. In short, Virden covers just about every aspect of Arbogast’s life and company that is angling related, and he does so in an engaging and enthusiastic style. It’s easy to see that Virden is a fan of Fred Arbogast, as his prose is littered with glowing references to Fred’s creative mind and acumen in the fishing lure business. It makes for fun reading and I found myself frequently smiling at Virden’s enthusiasm for his subject.
Fred Arbogast died way too young, at only 53 years of age. I can’t help but wonder what funky, imaginative and effective lures he would have designed had he lived longer. I will say that I won’t ever tie on a Jitterbug or Hula Popper again without thinking appreciatively of Fred Arbogast, “Akron’s greatest angler,” and his enormous contributions to the sport of bass fishing.
For Virden’s full list of books, you can find them for sale on his Amazon page. Trust me, you if you’re a fan of old bass fishing history, all of his books are worthy of reading.
Historic Outdoor People: John Muir, 'Father of the National Parks'
John Muir is one of the patron saints of the American wilderness.
Source: neh.gov
If ever the old saw about following your passion was apropos for a man, it was certainly apt advice for John Muir. Muir led a largely unremarkable life as a 19th century vagabond flower child of sorts, until he begin to put his thoughts into writing. It was with the written word that he changed the way many Americans viewed the natural world.
With the encouragement of friend and mentor Jeanne Carr, Muir wrote about the wilderness with elegance and zeal. His writings were rife with spiritual overtones and captured the imagination of millions of readers, readers who were ready to embrace his vision of the wilderness as a near-religious experience.
Muir's biography is well-documented and makes for an interesting read. But it is his later life's work that laid the groundwork for the enduring legacy Muir left. Born in 1838 in Scotland, Muir's family emigrated to America in 1849. Always keenly interested in nature, it wasn't until Muir was in his 40s that his life's passion was embraced on a national level.
Source: discoverwalks.com
Muir the writer
Writing for outdoor magazines Muir was able to successfully communicate his love for the high country of the American West. The Sierra Nevada, Yosemite and other pristine wilderness areas provided inspiration and subject matter. Writing for periodicals such as Overland Monthly, Scribner's, Harper's Magazine and The Century made him famous.
He wrote with the passion of a Sunday preacher, an apt description given Muir's belief that the wilderness was a conduit to communicating with God. Much of America agreed with Muir, or at least yearned to experience the wild as he described it. In spreading the gospel of nature as divine, Muir became the leading authority on land that was wild and unspoiled. He wrote 300 articles and 12 major books recounting his wilderness travels and experiences. When other naturalists and politicians came calling, Muir was only too happy to share the good news with them.
Muir's activism
That other giant of the naturalist movement, Ralph Waldo Emerson, visited Muir at his cabin in Yosemite. Muir was also friendly with noted Yosemite photographer Carleton Watkins, scientists Joseph LeConte and Henry Fairfield Osborn, U.S. Forest Service Chief and naturalist Gifford Pinchot, railroad executive E.H. Harriman, and many other luminaries of the day.
As he approached later life, Muir made a conscious decision to go from living in the wild and writing about it to actively advocating for its preservation. Bonnie Gisel, curator of the Sierra Club's LeConte Memorial Lodge and the author of several books on Muir, declared, "The question was now how to protect it. By leaving, he was accepting his new responsibility. He had been a guide for individuals. Now he would be a guide for humanity."
Source: discoverwalks.com
In 1889 The Century magazine editor, Robert Underwood Johnson, camped with Muir in the Yosemite. Johnson agreed to publish any articles Muir wrote on the negative impact of livestock on high mountain meadows.
Platforming on two articles that Muir wrote for The Century, the two men campaigned the U.S. Congress to turn Yosemite into a national park. The following year, 1890, Congress did just that, passing a bill officially creating Yosemite National Park. Buoyed with the Yosemite success, Muir also had a hand in securing Sequoia, Mount Rainier, Petrified Forest and Grand Canyon national parks. As a result, Muir has justifiably been called the "Father of Our National Park System."
President Roosevelt
One famous story illustrates the influence that Muir wielded. In 1901 he published Our National Parks, which garnered the attention of President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1903 Roosevelt accompanied Muir to Yosemite. During the trip the President and Muir were able to lose their Secret Service detachment and slip away for three days of wilderness camping.
They camped at Glacier Point where the pair talked of conservation and America's natural resources. Muir revealed how the state was mismanaging and exploiting the valley's resources. Their time together made a lasting impact on both men.
Roosevelt later said, "Lying out at night under those giant Sequoias was like lying in a temple built by no hand of man, a temple grander than any human architect could by any possibility build." It was this experience with Muir that compelled Roosevelt to return federal protection and management of Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove as part of Yosemite National Park.
Source: sherpaexpeditions.com
Muir's Legacy
In 1892 Muir co-founded the Sierra Club, one of the world's first large-scale environmental preservation organizations. The club set lofty goals from the start. It immediately helped establish Glacier and Mount Rainier national parks. The club secured the preservation of California's coastal redwoods, and convinced the California legislature to let the federal government manage Yosemite Valley.
While the Sierra Club's stance on hunting is rather weak, the impact the club has had on environmental issues cannot be understated. The club continued to grow in influence and membership after Muir's death, and has helped establish a number of additional National Parks. Muir's philosophy of a nature as a conduit to the divine reshaped the way Americans viewed the natural world. His philosophy is still as viable and relevant today as it ever was. Muir's work in helping to establish the country's National Parks makes him one of America's most influential figures. His writings and activism helped shape America.
If the places that are named after someone are any indication of a person's far-reaching influence then Muir's impact is certainly monumental. The John Muir Trail, the Muir Woods National Monument and Mount Muir were all named in his honor. Other places include Muir Beach, Muir Grove, Muir Glacier, Camp Muir, John Muir College, Muir Inlet, Muir Point, a number of schools, highways and even medical institutions.
Enos Mills, a contemporary of Muir's who established Rocky Mountain National Park, opined that Muir's writings made him the most influential force of the century. John Muir's ability to describe and exalt nature continues to inspire millions of people.
How to Get Into Winter Darkhouse Spearing for Northern Pike
Spearing pike through the ice is an old sport, offering a unique experience that may just hook you permanently.
Jaden Plath/Fear the Spear! Facebook Group
Winter ice fishing has a related cousin: darkhouse spearing. But where ice fishermen use small rods and reels, tip-ups and tip-downs, and fish with hook and line generally through small 8-10 inch holes, darkhouse spearers use long-handled, multi-point spears and fish decoys to lure fish under large rectangular holes in the ice, where they plunge their tridents into the backs of unsuspecting northern pike and sturgeon.
Occasionally other species are also taken, but that is dependent upon state laws. It's a fascinating and fun sport. Where it is allowed, spearing is passionately enjoyed by many anglers as a legitimate alternative to conventional ice fishing.
Since sturgeon spearing on Wisconsin's Lake Winnebago is a unique event pretty much unto itself, we'll disregard that for this article. Instead we'll concentrate on darkhouse spearing for northern pike. Darkhouse spearing is legal primarily in the upper Midwest and northeastern United States. You'll have to check your state's regulations and laws to learn the spearing whens, wheres and hows of what's legal in your area.
Source: kenmarend.com
You may need a spearing license and you'll need a few pieces of specialized equipment. Here's what you need to get started:
1. First, you'll need a spear. This is a barbed, multi-tined affair - usually five to seven tines - around five or six feet in length. It's a heavy piece of equipment. You'll need a good length of rope or cordage to tie to the end of it, while securing the other end of the line to something solid in your darkhouse (you could also tie it around your leg). Spears generally cost anywhere between $50 and $200 dollars.
2. Next you'll need a fish decoy to attract the pike to your spot. Decoys can be as simple or as artful and elaborate as you care to make them. Pike will come to most anything shiny, even soda cans or lengths of PVC pipe. But ideally, you'll want a decoy that imitates a fish. A good decoy will be made to move seductively (to a pike) through the water by virtue of its body shape and/or fins. It is tied to a sturdy line that you will periodically pull up and release, sending the decoy "swimming" through the water.
Decoy carving is an art form, and there are many carvers that take great pride in their creations. Who knows, you might decide that decoy carving or collecting is as much fun as spearing.
3. You'll need something to make a large rectangular hole. Spearing holes are usually made by drilling four smaller holes - one in each corner of the rectangle - with an ice auger and then either chiseling or sawing the ice to connect the corners. You can purchase specialized ice saws. Rather than sawing, some spearers simply drill more holes to connect the corner holes.
Source: Badger Sportsman
4. Next, you'll need a shanty or "darkhouse." It's called a darkhouse because there are no windows in it. The darkness hides the spearer from the fish by eliminating silhouettes. You should have enough room for at least one chair as well as the large hole you'll cut into the ice. Make it bigger if you plan on inviting friends or family members to join the fun.
You can buy a portable ice shanty, build your own, or you can rent one. You can usually find a darkhouse rental service in most places where spearing is popular. These operations will likely have everything you'll need for a day on the ice, including the spear, decoy, darkhouse, and they'll probably even cut the hole for you.
That's pretty much it for required equipment, which again, you may not need to purchase at all if you are able to rent everything. Now you sit and wait. The wait could be short, or it could be long. But when that northern pike does appear you'll need to properly identify it and size it if your state has size or slot regulations on what fish can be taken.
Seemingly the fish will appear out of nowhere. It's an exciting moment! Thrust the spear behind the pike's head and start hauling on that rope. Pull it up and let the bragging begin! The only thing left to do is decide whether you want that pike fried or pickled.
IcyBreeze Portable Cooler and Air Conditioner
When the weather is hot you’ll be oh-so-glad you’re sitting in front of an IcyBreeze Ultimate.
About two months ago I received a portable heavy duty cooler and air conditioning unit from a company called IcyBreeze. It was their IcyBreeze Ultimate unit. I watched a commercial for the cooler featuring Deon Sanders and his college football team. Sanders was obviously doing a promo for the IcyBreeze, but the ad was lengthy, thorough and showed enough details and benefits of the cooler to make it intriguing. And apparently on hot days Sanders’ team really appreciates the mist feature of the air conditioning unit.
My wife and I were planning a camping trip in the heat of summer, and I thought “Let’s see if this thing lives up to the hype.” We gave it a practice run at home before we took it camping with us. It’s very easy to operate. Just charge up the battery, read the simple instructions, and let ‘er rip. We got the unit ready by adding a bag of ice to the cooler and throwing in a few soft drinks. That night it was around 85 or 86 degrees. We rolled the cooler into the bedroom and turned on the AC component. I have to say, it shot out some very cool air throughout the night and we slept comfortably.
Initially I was a little skeptical. But this is no cheap machine. It’s about as top of the line as you can go, with technology and components that are excellent. The air coming out of the machine is cold because it’s coming directly off of the ice on the inside. And the cooler construction is solid. The ice lasts a long time with very little melting. The sodas we added to the cooler were ice cold even after a few days.
The fan pulls cold air from this ice and blasts it out through a flexible hose that you can pretty much point in whatever direction you want!
Now when we took the cooler camping we employed the real selling point of the IcyBreeze Ultimate: the misting system. Let me tell you, it was hot. It was 90+ degrees. We set the cooler up in the tent and turned the misting unit on (very simple, with the push of a button). Now I can see why Coach Sanders’ football team appreciated the IcyBreeze Ultimate; the misting system is what sets it apart. It is SO relaxing, cooling and welcome on hot days.
I also love the wheels and handle that allows you to roll the unit where you want it. That is mighty convenient and is a smart bit of design.
On the negative side, this is not a cooler you’ll use to store a lot of food or drink. The interior is fairly small. We could easily store a 12-pack and a few food items, but more than that I don’t think so. But food storage is not really what the IcyBreeze Ultimate is meant for. I see it less as a camping cooler (although I will certainly use it in camping situations) and more as a tailgate, golfing, fishing cooler, ideal for hot weather conditions. They’ve even got a rack that attaches to your golf cart to hold the IcyBreeze and your golf bags. If you’re tailgating, on a boat, or just sitting on the porch in the heat of summer, you will most certainly appreciate the cool air this thing pumps out, and being able to grab a cold beer or sode from the cooler. And you’ll definitely appreciate the misting system. It truly is a portable air conditioner, you might say with an attached cooler.
Addendum: The other day we had a party at the cottage, and we filled the IcyBreeze with bottles of beer and soda. Of course the cooler worked fantastic, with cold beer and soda readily available. But the real headliner of the party was the air conditioner and misting system. Everyone was surprised at how cool the air was and how far from the unit it could be felt. A couple guests mentioned how cool it would be to have an IcyBreeze while golfing. Fortunately, I was able to tell them that IcyBreeze has a golf cart rack attachment. My daughter was visiting and she was blown away by how the unit cooled the room. Her husband is a passionate golfer and she’s going to get him an Icy breeze for Christmas. Cool…no pun intended.
The Icy breeze Ultimate exceeded my expectations. It pumps out cold air with force, and the misting system takes it to another level. If using it inside it will definitely cool a small room, and if using it outside it will cool the area you are in. But the misting system is outstanding and doubles the cooling effect.
Entoloma Abortivum: The CatDog of Mushrooms
Autumn is the time of year when mushroom hunters take to the woods in search of fungi deliciousness.
Entoloma abortivum should be on your list.
Entoloma abortivum, also known as aborted entoloma or, colloquially, "pig snoots," are some of the more confusing edible mushrooms around.
It isn't hard to properly identify one of these weird little malformed blobs of white deliciousness. What's confusing is the fungi's biology.
From what I've gathered in my studies, there's been a good deal of uncertainty, hypothesizing and revision over the years concerning the hows and whats of aborted entoloma growth and formation. At one time, the common wisdom was that Entoloma abortivum was simply a malformed "aberration" of the entoloma mushroom, kind of the mushroom equivalent of a two-headed snake.
Then, in 1974, a paper by a fellow named Roy Watling presented evidence that showed these mushrooms contained hyphae (mycelium filaments) of another fungi, Armillaria melea (honey mushrooms). His work convinced the fungi world that the Armillaria species was somehow parasitizing the unaborted form of the Entoloma species, thus creating a funky Entoloma abortivum aborted-form mutation.
An aborted entoloma - or "pig snoot" - on the ground.
New theories
But wait, there's more! In recent years, the theory has reversed the relationship, as new evidence from fungi experts Tom Volk, Dan Lindner and Harry Burdsall Jr. (all from Wisconsin) supports the hypothesis that it is Entoloma that is parasitizing Armillaria, rather than the other way around. As you might imagine, online mushroom forums are full of lively chatter and debate on the subject of what happened to what and in what order.
Volk also recommends changing the common name of the mushroom from aborted entoloma to aborted amillaria. I'm kind of partial to our casual "pig snoot" terminology, as that's the way I first heard someone refer to them. Volk also shares that the Mexican name for the mushroom is the colorful and slightly tongue twisting Totlcoxcatl, which means "turkey wattle." I love that one, too.
A strange mutation
All of this confusion on just what the heck this thing really is makes it the CatDog of mushrooms in my book. CatDog, for those of you too young to remember, was a Nickelodeon cartoon featuring the characters Cat and Dog, a conjoined twin hybrid of a cat and a dog who share the same body with no tail or hind legs. This weird mutation made for some entertaining conflicts between the two.
So, what does all of this scientific mushroom mystery, theater and early-2000s cartoons have to do with your pursuit of tasty pig snoots? Maybe nothing, but it's certainly interesting, and ought to enhance our appreciation for this seasonal delicacy.
A decent haul of ground prunes (aborted entoloma).
Identifying pig snoots
Be sure to thoroughly study and check field guides before consuming any wild mushroom. But properly identifying pig snoots is pretty simple, as there are no mushrooms that it could reasonably be mistaken for. Look for these characteristics:
White body, perhaps with bits of gray or dull salmon, particularly in the interior.
Texture of the fruiting body is firm to spongy, pithy, with no discernible directional grain.
Absence of gills.
Knobby and misshapen in appearance (also descriptively called "ground prunes" in some locales).
No discernible stem, or at best, a very abbreviated stem.
Aroma is somewhat mealy and earthy.
Found in the dirt or under leaf litter at the base of both living and dead trees and stumps in hardwood forests, as well as on open ground where the soil is rich.
Fruitbodies appear in autumn, specifically September and October here in Wisconsin.
Note: If you're able to get a spore print from abortive entoloma, it'll be pink. But these irregular globs are quite different from most decurrent gilled mushrooms.
Note the very short, woody stems on the central mushrooms. Other aborted entoloma may not even display this much visible stem.
Preparing
Pig snoots are best prepared soon after harvesting, Clean with a brush and a quick rinse in cold water. They can host a few tiny visitors, especially on their undersides. Be sure to be thorough in your cleaning and don't be afraid to cut off any mushy or undesirable spots. Once clean and dried with a soft towel, I usually space them out on a wire rack to allow them to dry and firm up a little bit more. I've had little success, however, with drying them for preservation. They generally dry down to virtually nothing.
I prefer to fry or saute pig snoots fairly quickly at a little higher heat, in butter or bacon grease. They're rather spongy and will soak up any oil, butter or bacon fat in the pan. A pinch of salt and pepper, and maybe an even more stingy pinch of ground nutmeg is good for seasoning. Slice them to around a 1/4 inch in thickness and cook until golden brown, and that's it.
A nice harvest of pig snoots, honey mushrooms, puffballs and acorns.
Aborted Entoloma, Aborted Armillarias, Pig Snoots, Ground Prunes, Totlcoxcatl or whatever you choose to call them, these amorphous fungi are always fun to hunt. Every one is unique and very good to eat.
Learn more
You can read Tom Volk's account of the developments associated with Aborted Armillaria and view more images at Tom Volk's Fungi. He also shares a link to the paper he, Lindner and Burdsall presented, which details their research into the relationship between Entoloma, Armillaria and their aborted "offspring."
Wolverine Rancher Flag Work Boot
I got a new pair of boots, and they kick butt!
I recently got a new pair of stylish Wolverine Rancher Flag Work Boots, and after wearing them for a few weeks I thought I’d share my thoughts with you. Actually the full name of the boot is Rancher Flag Steel-Toe Wellington Work Boot, in case you’re interested in looking for this boot on the company website.
If we just look at the general footwear produced by Wolverine, the quality is consistently good. The customer reviews are good to excellent overall, although there are a few negative reviews thrown in. When considering boots or shoes for purchase I find it helpful to look closely at the negative reviews, as often those are detailed and precise in their criticisms. The Rancher Flag Work Boot is a new entry into the Wolverine line, so there is only one review (according to a company agent I spoke with online) at the time of this writing, a 5-star review in terms of comfort and durability.
Just evaluating the boots I have, I will say that on the plus side it is a darn sharp-looking boot. The top of the boot has a sweet exposed American flag design peeking through decoratively stitched leather. I actually hated to pull my pants over the top of the boot, hiding the design. Truth be told, I felt a little more patriotic wearing these boots.
As for comfort, they were easy to pull on and easy to take off, and the fit was comfortable and easy on my feet. I have a tendency toward gout, and I have to deal with some degree of it on a fairly regular basis. The first day I wore the Rancher Flag boot I was a little concerned, because I had a tinge of gout in my left foot. New boots equal stiffness equals greater discomfort with gout. But surprise, I felt no additional discomfort and actually found putting them on and walking in them to be a pleasant experience.
Checking out the construction I was pleased as well. They appear to be well-made and solidly put together throughout, although I’ll have to wear them for a few months to honestly determine how durable they are. But I love the feel of them, and I especially love the look. The tan leather, light decorative stitching, and Old Glory showing on the front and back shafts is just plain gorgeous. I’ll likely consider these to be more a pair of dress boots than work boots, at least until they get beat up from use.
On the negative side, they're made in China. Unfortunately, all Wolverine footwear, with the exception of their famous 1000 Mile Boot, is no longer made in America. It would be fantastic, and appropriate, if the Rancher Flag Boot was American-made, but that seems to be the way of the world today. I guess I might take some small measure of comfort in knowing that workers in China are putting together an American boot that displays an American flag. But you and I know that they couldn’t care less! lol. I know I’d feel a little more proud about wearing them if they were made in America.
In any event, the boots have so far been a pleasure to wear. They’re also steel-toe, which doesn’t matter much to me as my days of factory work are behind me. But I reckon that’s a good feature to have for keeping the boot in shape. They also feature waterproof leather, and boast a rubber cup outsole and slip resistance for better traction. Good features that I hope to appreciate come winter and icy conditions.
Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars for appearance and comfort. The jury is still out on durability, but I’m thinking they’ll do well in that area too. 1 star out of 5 for being made in China, and the one star is because of the price. The Rancher Flag Work Boot costs $115, which is a pretty darn good price for good-looking leather boots these days. I wonder how much they’d cost if they were made in the U.S. They are an eye-catching boot that I’m happy to recommend to anyone looking for a comfortable, stylish Wellington boot.
CANADIAN WIGGLER, SINCE 1945
This is the first article I wrote for Bass Fishing Archives, published back on August 21, 2022. I’m going to reprint all of the stories I’ve written for BFA here, chronologically, as a back-up archive. I’d ask you to go the the BFA site to read the original, just because we could use the page views on the site.
Here’s the link: https://bass-archives.com/canadian-wiggler-since-1945/
Lundquist Bros. Bait Company Canadian Wiggler Brochure. Date unknown. Photo David Smith.
While the bass fishing world fell in love with the Rapala minnow lure, courtesy Laurie Rapala, another Finnish bait designer was making his mark at around the same time. Walter Lindquist Sr. emigrated from Helsinki, Finland to Canada and began developing a bait to match the pride he felt for his new country. What he came up with was the Canadian Wiggler, since 1945 a lure that has stood the test of time and has brought an impossible number of largemouth and smallmouth bass – and a heckuva lot of other species – to the landing net.
My interest in the Canadian Wiggler was rekindled after my father passed away and I was rummaging through his old tackle boxes. They contained a few Canadian Wigglers, and I recalled how my Dad would use them when fishing for Lake Michigan salmon and trout and then again for smallmouth bass on northern Wisconsin lakes and rivers. So, I did a quick online search and discovered that the company, Lindquist Bros. Bait Company, was still in business!
It seemed odd to me that this curved, diving plug wasn’t more widely known or discussed in bass fishing circles outside of the Midwest and Canada. After all, it had an enviable track record and was highly effective at catching just about everything from bass to pike to walleye to salmon.
Lundquist Bros. Bait Company Canadian Wiggler Brochure 1970. Photo David Smith.
Lundquist Bros. Bait Company Canadian Wiggler Brochure. Date unknown. Photo David Smith.
The Canadian Wiggler is a lure that can be found in the tackle boxes of just about every traditional bass and walleye angler (read “old timer”) in the north country. Somewhat reminiscent of a cross between a bulbous Lazy Ike and a curved Bass-Oreno, the Wiggler is also unique in that it’s not made from carved wood or plastic. Lindquist Sr. worked at the Ford Motor Company in Windsor, Ontario, and he put his mechanical skills to good use by developing a lure made entirely from hollowed brass.
Obsessed with crafting a one-of-a-kind fish-catching bait, Lindquist spent countless hours in his basement workshop perfecting his lure. Once he had developed an effective bait and saw that it caught fish, he went into business in the mid-1940s with his younger brother Arnold, and his sons, which included Walter Lindquist Jr.
I emailed the company and ordered a number of Canadian Wigglers and struck up a dialogue with the current President, Walter W. Lindquist, the grandson of Walter Lindquist Sr. Walter told me that it was a little confusing and comical when he worked at the company as a young man and someone would call asking to “speak with Walter” and his grandfather and father, Walter Lindquist Jr., were still alive and working at the company.
Lundquist Bros. Bait Company Canadian Wiggler Brochure. Date unknown. Photo David Smith.
Old Canadian Wiggler postcard and patch. Photo David Smith.
Now under the ownership of Walter and his sister Julie, Lindquist Bros. Bait Company has been a part of Canadian and American Heritage for around 73 years, producing Legacy Brand products. The Canadian Wiggler is the world’s only hollow brass fishing lure. It’s also a heckuva bass catching bait.
Since I received my order, I’ve taken them out on the water with me several times and have had good success hooking a number of largemouth. I haven’t yet had the opportunity to try them on smallmouth, as I remember my Dad fishing with them, but doubtless they’re just as effective for smallies as they’ve always been. Given that smallmouth bass are more prevalent in Canada and the Midwest of the United States it makes sense that the Canadian Wiggler would become more widely known as an effective lure for smallies. The company offers a lot of different color combinations, but I’ve had especially good luck throwing the Wiggler in the traditional red head/white body pattern.
Walter told me that during production, the hollow brass lure goes through three primary steps: a blank & form process, followed by trimming, and finally a curling process. Then the eyelets are welded in place and seams welded shut. I noticed that the lures I received had weight attached to the center of their front treble hook. I asked Walter about it. “The newer versions go through an injection mold process,” he replied, “and that weighted treble hook on the belly is there to enhance the lure’s swimming action.” Each lure is hand painted and tank tested to ensure that its action is consistent and that it runs true and tracks straight. That’s a lot of production steps and quality control, something you’d expect from a long-standing company with a rich history.
Company ads and literature declare that the Canadian Wiggler catches just about every species of fish that swims, and I have no doubt that’s true. But in the history of their advertising, they gave special notice to bass fishing, with graphics that highlighted our favorite bucket-mouth fish. Catalog covers from the late 1960s and early 1970s show renderings of leaping bass with Canadian Wigglers firmly hooked in their jaws or bass about to hit a passing Wiggler. This was probably just good marketing as it coincided with the rising popularity of bass fishing tournaments in America.
David Smith and his Canadian Wiggler rigged to a D.A.M. Quick 311 spinning reel.
Walter concluded, “I guess over the years, our lures have truly withstood the test of time. It’s all about producing a quality fish-catching lure, with proven success, from the early days to today and beyond.”
Canadian Wigglers are sold in a variety of sizes and weights, and the company has worldwide sales. Like I alluded to earlier, it’s curious to me that the Canadian Wiggler, a lure that’s been on the market for more than 70 years, may be one of bass fishing’s best kept secrets.
Historic Outdoor People: Bud Lilly, Fly Fishing Icon and a "Trout's Best Friend"
Bud Lilly was a fly fishing legend, but he was equally famous as a tireless conservationist and political activist for wild trout.
Arnold Gingrich, co-founder of Esquire Magazine, called Bud Lilly "a trout's best friend." The appellation fit Lilly so well that he titled his 1988 autobiography with it. If one man can fairly be credited with changing the trout angling culture to one of preservation and sustainability, Bud Lilly would likely be that man.
Lilly beat the drum for catch-and-release fishing when it was an idea that was not only sneered at, but was thought to be just plain stupid. His efforts also helped shape the modern philosophy of fishery conservation programs employed by many state game and fish agencies.
But we're getting a little ahead of ourselves. Let's provide a bit of the biography of this American trout fishing icon.
The early years
Walen Francis (Bud) Lilly II was born in 1925 in Manhattan, Montana. His father, Walen Lilly, was a barber who shared his love of fishing and baseball with his son. The younger Lilly excelled at both.
One time, as a 15-year-old second baseman, Lilly played in an exhibition game against a traveling Negro League team that included renowned pitcher Satchel Paige. Lilly was able to manage a ground ball hit against the multifaceted pitching phenom.
He was offered a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds, but World War II put a hitch in that path. Lilly joined the Navy, where he was placed in a special training program. After attending the prestigious Montana School of Mines, he was sent to officer school where he earned his commission. Lilly served for 18 months in the South Pacific before being discharged in 1946.
"When I got back," he said, "I no longer had interest in playing baseball."
Using the G.I. Bill, Lilly got a degree in Applied Sciences from Montana State University and taught in Roundup, Deer Lodge, and Bozeman for several years while continuing to feed his fishing passion.
Then, in 1952 he purchased a fly fishing shop in West Yellowstone for $4,500, and so began a new chapter in the sport of fly fishing in Montana.
Bud Lilly (right) in his fly shop with customers. Montana State University Special Collections Library.
The Dean of Fly Fishing
Lilly operated Bud Lilly's Trout Shop and worked as a fishing guide and promoter of trout fishing and Montana in general. The fly shop was a family affair, and Lilly's knowledge and ability to read water and fish soon earned him the moniker "The Dean of Fly Fishing" from the locals.
He guided the well-heeled and famous, including Curt Gowdy, Tom Brokaw, Charles Kuralt, and Jimmy Carter. Lilly fishing trips with the rich and famous were also inadvertent promotions for his home state. He proudly declared that many of the people he guided also started businesses, invested, or built homes in Montana.
Back in his early guiding days, many Montana trout rivers were "put-and-take" fisheries. The Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks raised and planted hatchery trout for anglers to catch.
Lilly thought there was a better and more economical path to good trout fishing. He petitioned the state to modify their fish stocking practice. Rather than stocking hatchery trout he pushed for programs that encouraged wild trout to grow to their natural limits.
Under Lilly's plan, money that was formerly used to raise non-native fish could be redirected to habitat improvement and law enforcement. Lilly and others advocated for this format, which resulted in both more and bigger wild fish being caught than could be achieved by stocking hatchery trout, and at a more economical cost.
This model has become the standard fisheries program format followed by western state game and fish departments today.
Catch-and-Release
In the 1960s a couple of anglers from the East told Lilly about a funny new concept called catch-and-release. It was a lightbulb moment for Lilly. "It made sense to me," he told the Montana Standard in a 2015 interview at his home in Three Forks. Catch-and-release was a vital component to Lilly's plan to rely on wild trout over hatchery fish.
If anglers could be convinced that releasing trout unharmed would lead to superior trout fisheries, well, that would change everything. He created a catch-and-release club in his fly shop. Club members would receive silver buttons for the release of trout of various lengths. "The club caught on and a lot of anglers wore one or more buttons on his/her vest," recounted Paul Schullery, co-writer of Lilly's autobiography. "Presumably, the button kind of replaced the trout as the 'trophy.'"
"He was a real leader in a lot of things that have shaped where we are right now," said John Bailey, who runs Dan Bailey's Fly Shop in Livingston. Lilly was a tireless promoter of catch-and-release, and eventually the sneers and raised eyebrows stopped and an army of true believers in the new conservation ethic was formed. The catch-and-release conservation ethic is the norm today, and Bud Lilly is largely responsible for its prevalence.
"He had a megaphone, and people picked up on what he said. He wasn't the only voice, but he was probably the most prominent one." declared Bruce Farling, executive director of Montana Trout Unlimited, the organization that Lilly founded along with Pat Sample and Dan Bailey. "
Spreading the love for fly fishing
Lilly was also instrumental in helping to make fly fishing, a typically male sport, more appealing to women. He offered women-only guided fishing trips and helped establish women's fly-fishing clubs. Not coincidentally, Lilly's daughter Annette became the first female fishing guide in Montana.
In addition to these efforts, Lilly was intimately involved in many conservation programs and organizations. He was either the director or a board member of several conservation organizations, including Trout Unlimited, The Greater Yellowstone Coalition, The Whirling Disease Foundation, American Wildlands, Montana River Action, The Montana Land Reliance, Montana Trout Foundation and more. He also founded the Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation, which introduces disabled veterans to Montana fly fishing and wild streams as a form of healing.
Lilly had his hand in so many conservation projects that you have to wonder if he had time to enjoy fishing for himself. He did. But for Lilly, fishing wasn't only about catching fish.
"Fly-fishing is the total experience because it's in wild country and wild rivers and wild trout and wild women," he told the Bozeman Daily Chronicle in 2011 with characteristic humor. "It's the opportunity to be in the out-of-doors, to think by yourself and learn."
Lilly was also responsible for assembling the Bud Lilly Trout and Salmonid Initiative, a 10,000-volume collection of books, manuscripts, and personal papers at Montana State University.
All of these projects and efforts Lilly undertook for the simple love of trout, rivers, nature, and conservation. But Lilly was no fly fishing snob. He believed that there was plenty of room for anglers of every persuasion and every method. "A good bait-fishermen or lure-fishermen is just as talented as a fly-fishermen," he said. He preached streamside courtesy and mutual respect, and the philosophy that there is enough river for all of us. "You have to learn to share," he said.
Bud Lilly passed away January 4, 2017. He was 91.
The next time you release a trout to catch it another day, you might think of Bud Lilly and silently thank him for his efforts on behalf of this wonderful game fish.
Try Frog Gigging for a Gourmet Delicacy and a Fantastic Time Outdoors
Frog gigging is an awesome and unusual way to harvest some of the best tasting meat to grace your dinner plate. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
One of my fondest childhood memories was of going frog gigging with my dad. On a weekend night we'd head out to a little lake where we used to camp and fish. We'd bring flashlights, a multi-prong frog spear, and a gunny sack.
We'd walk the shore of that lake in the darkness, while a chorus of deep baritone bullfrog croaking surrounded us.
My dad would have me sweep the flashlight beam slowly across the shoreline until a set of frog's eyes reflected back. He'd crouch, spear in hand, silently and like a primeval hunter, and thrust the barbed pole into a giant bullfrog hypnotized by the light.
He'd slide the gig pole backwards in his hands until he could reach the frog. Then he'd dislodge the big frog from the spear head and drop the croaker into the gunny sack attached to his belt.
We'd bring home dozens of the large amphibians, some with hind legs as big as chicken legs, or at least they seemed that big. The next day my mom would sauté or bread and deep fry them, and we'd eat like kings.
I learned to love frog legs at an early age and I've always enjoyed harvesting them whenever I had the opportunity.
Getting started
We should make it clear that our quarry is the American bullfrog. The bullfrog is the big daddy of the frog world, at least in America. All other frogs are too small to bother with as far as the amount of meat they carry is concerned.
Bullfrogs primarily inhabit the East Coast, the Midwest, and the southeastern states, although they can also be found in a few western states. California reportedly has a healthy population of the slippery amphibians, and they are considered an invasive species there. They have also been introduced into several countries outside the U.S.
Hunting frogs is called 'frog gigging' or simply frogging or gigging. Before you decide that you'd like to try your hand at this mostly nocturnal sport, you need to check your state's hunting or fishing regulations to find out if there is a frogging season.
While this wasn't the case when I was growing up, today most states have seasons, bag limits, and approved methods of harvest when going after frogs. States also may require you to have a fishing or hunting license to pursue frogs. Tennessee, for example, requires a hunting license. Most other states require a fishing license.
Bag limits vary, depending on bullfrog populations and their status as either a desirable or invasive species. In Arkansas, for example, the daily bag limit is 18 bullfrogs. In Wisconsin, it's only five. In California there is no bag limit and you can harvest as many as you like.
Bullfrogs are big
Bullfrogs are not to be confused with any other kind of frog; they grow much bigger. While it is possible to confuse small, immature bullfrogs with the species known as green frogs, you don't want to harvest any little frogs anyway. So you should never make the mistake of confusing the two species.
Bullfrogs measure around 6-8 inches from snout to butt, and can weigh upwards of a pound-and-a-half (though most weigh well under a pound). They are green with yellowish or mottled undersides. They also have large circular tympana, or eardrums, right behind their eyes.
Their hind legs measure considerably longer than their bodies when extended. Their legs give them the ability to jump some pretty impressive distances, and are the prize we're after.
They make deep, bellowing mating calls that sound like a chorus of tubas around a lake at night.
Frog gigging equipment
You can go frog gigging with a bare minimum of equipment and at a cost that is practically nil. Here's the minimum of what you'll need to start:
Flashlight. You could dispense with this piece of gear and gig for bullfrogs in the daytime. But doing it at night increases your odds, as the frogs are more vocal and easier to locate then. Also, the light from a flashlight has the effect of immobilizing or hypnotizing the frogs, making your approach much less noticeable.
You don't need a super powerful light, but a water resistant flashlight comes in handy for obvious reasons. You might want to have an extra set of batteries or even a second flashlight on hand just in case.
Frog gig. You can't be a frog gigger if you don't have a frog gig. A gig is a multi-tined spear head at the end of a long pole. You can use the cheapest, three-prong barbed gig head you can buy, which is what my dad used to great effect.
They cost just two or three bucks at most any big box department store in the sporting goods section. Simply nail or screw the gig to a broom handle and you're good to go.
Or you can go all out and get a heavy duty gig head that's already attached to a telescoping pole for $20 or $30. I know what I'd prefer.
Sack. You need something to hold the frogs you harvest. A gunny sack or potato sack will do nicely. Some folks prefer a potato sack because it drains water more easily. Carry it or tie it to your belt.
Other pieces of gear to consider include:
Waders or muck boots, especially if you're gigging frogs from shore.
Bug spray. Where there are frogs there are mosquitoes.
Boat, if you choose to attack the amphibians from the water. You might combine a little night fishing with your frog gigging. If you do use a boat, a push-pole isn't a bad idea for quietly getting your boat into position close to shore.