Old School, Old Cool

Weakness, Nostalgia and Tackle Shops

How many times have you heard a song that took you back to a certain place and time? I’d have to guess countless times. One minute you’re cruising along in your truck without a care in the world and the next minute you’re remembering a time that seems like just yesterday. Perhaps it’s a birthday or holiday. Maybe it’s that day you had with your Dad after a great time on the water catching fish. Then again, perhaps it’s an old flame, extinguished long ago.

As I’ve gotten older there are a number of things I find comfort in that few people seem to enjoy anymore. I have a weakness for gas station coffee and breakfast food. If there’s a newspaper lying around, even if it’s from last week, I’ll pick it up and read it. And, if I happen across a tackle shop, particularly one I haven’t been in or haven’t been to recently, you can bet I’m going in to have a poke around.

The family-owned tackle shop is a dying breed these days. The ability to open a website and pick lures off of a page and have them sent to your house has of course, contributed greatly to this. And no, I’m not complaining. I like online retail therapy as much as the next fisherman. The choice to pick and purchase exactly what you want instead of almost what you want contributes greatly to the effectiveness of selling products online as well as exposing you to products you never thought that you needed before. (And probably still don’t need…but I digress)

An old tackle shop is a luxury. It’s a boon-find. They’re a door to the past, oftentimes awakening memories long forgotten. If you’re lucky – extremely lucky, you can find things there that no other box store stocks or has sold for years and even decades. Bring a cup of coffee with you and a willingness to look high and low through ages of dust and history. You may have to crouch or get on your knees. The best stuff is always right in front of you but only noticeable if you’re looking for it, otherwise your glance will be drawn to more flashy things. 

I sent away for a TON of these in 1983. I was ten years old.

Tip #1 - Speaking of flashy objects – a good owner will instantly recognize your pursuit of the odd relic or two. If that owner happens to be a fisherman, chances are stories will be swapped and friendships made. A good owner will steer you away from lures designed to catch fishermen and towards lures that catch fish – especially on local waters. Their job is not only to sell you lures, but also to give you excuses to come back and shop there again. The friendlier and more informative they are the more likely you are to return, particularly if their information proves fruitful. 

Tip #2 – The big, flashy tackle shops nearest the water will have the lures you desire the least. (Or, the least interesting). Yeah, they have the basics and the newest stuff, but that’s not what old tackle shops are about. Are they going to have Rebel Blackstar crankbaits with 1986 stealth technology? No, probably not. Will they have the ultra-desired pre-Rapala Wiggle Warts that many fishermen give their eyeteeth for? Nope, not likely. New-Old-Stockthat is covered in dust or pushed to the bottom of a bargain bin is worth searching out, even if just for a conversation starter with friends. Old lures are great gifts for old fishermen – especially if that lure holds a place in your grandfather’s heart and his memories.

In my mind, still the greatest.

Tip #3 – You’re not going to get a “great deal” on things just because certain items are “old” or have been sitting on a shelf or pegboard collecting dust. A collector does not collect junk for the sake of having junk. They collect certain things because of the intrinsic value they perceive in certain items. Every owner of every old tackle shop understands “value”, not just to them, but also to their customer. If they know you’re there looking for old and weird stuff, they’ll probably point it out to you, but they’reusually not willing to do a lot of haggling over price. Bring real money with you and be prepared to pay accordingly. Cash talks - loudly.

1991 is now vintage? That was like, a couple years ago!

My favorite time of year to go spelunking for lures is wintertime - after the holidays when I’d rather spend my time at a good breakfast spot, and don’t seem out of place walking around with a cup of coffee. I go for nostalgic reasons – to find lures I enjoyed using in years past and perhaps find some new-old-stock that might be collecting dust in some wayward corner of the store.

Big bonus if the proprietor is playing some James Taylor and has a fire in the wood stove.