Florida Antique Tackle Collectors

06/01/2026

Lure of the Week: Dewey's "Floater-Getum"

These unique lures were introduced in 1926, by the Outing Manufacturing Company of Elkhart, Indiana. Pressed from sheets of bronze, the bodies were then painted in basic color patterns — like this red-head, white-body example.

Floater-Getums measure 4 1/8" in length and feature a pair of removable, tandem-barbed hooks. At the nose are three optional line ties, each to impart various actions at different depths.

Outing made other lures using this same production method. Among them are the Du Getum and Bassy Getum. What makes this example exceptional is its two-piece cardboard picture box.

Finding early combos like this is extremely difficult, especially in this condition. Enjoy!

05/30/2026

This show may be a long way off, but tables are going fast. So secure yours today. For details, go to www.FATC.net

05/26/2026

Here’s a link to the collection of former F.A.T.C. Life Member, Frank Carter. His comprehensive collection is housed at the Museum of Florida History in Tallahassee. Check it out!

Many lure makers lived and worked in Florida throughout the twentieth century. Some formed large companies, while others set up workshops at home to make lures as a hobby and to give to friends. Some were patented in Florida, but made in other states. Others were made here for out-of-state companies...

05/25/2026

05/25/2026

Lure of the Week: Wright & McGill "Flapper Crab"

Between 1927-1928, Wright & McGill Manufacturing introduced its Flapper Crab — a lure carved from wood with crude, lifelike attributes. After realizing the challenges of producing them in bulk, the company searched for a new means. And by 1930, they developed a molding process using a composite material referred to as "plastic wood."

The new material not only streamlined production, it rendered greater detail with consistency. Realizing its potential, the Colorado-based company used the same material and molding techniques to make other lures, including a Crawdad, Frog and Swimming Mouse.

The Flapper Crab was made available in two sizes, the example shown here being the smallest. Both feature line-ties at the tail section of the body, not only to make them dive and wiggle from side to side, but to also mimic the movements of live prey trying to escape.

The lures were adorned with raised glass eyes, then fitted with rubber legs and silk-like antennae. Unfortunately, very few survivors are found with these features intact. Nonetheless, Flapper Crabs possess great eye appeal. And combined with a correct-period box, are quite desirable to collectors.

Thanks to Neil Eddleman for sharing his insight on Wright & McGill. Enjoy!

05/18/2026

Congratulations to our Crystal River F.A.T.C. Spring Show award winners. Outstanding!

Best of Show went to Richie Hart for his amazing collection of Allcock English lures. Best Educational Display was awarded to Liz Yates for her fantastic Mercer Water Turkey collection. And Best Topical Display went to Chris Ward for his incredible Dazzy Vance collection. Thanks to all who brought a display. You made this show!

05/18/2026

Lure of the Week: Woods ‘Round Expert’

Offered as an economical option to F. C. Woods’ premier line of wooden minnows, the Round Expert was introduced sometime prior to 1907. It remained in the product line for years, even after ownership transitions to J. L. Clark and eventually Fred Keeling.

The example shown here comes in an olive green back with orange belly and sweeping red gills. It features white iris glass eyes, twin holed props and type-2 removable hooks. It’s accompanied by a crisp and correct, maroon cardboard box.

Thanks to Derrick Bulkley for sharing this rare combo. Enjoy!

05/17/2026

F.A.T.C. Crystal River Show Pictures — Part 2

05/17/2026

F.A.T.C. Crystal River Show Pictures — Part 1