by Dick Braun
The Florida Antique Tackle Collectors (FATC) show in Punta Gorda,FL last month was in full swing with a lot of folks in attendance. Many came from off the street showing up thanks to all of the great advertising leading up to the show and it certainly will be one to remember. We had 2 different Heddon collections show up with a collection of Glass Minnow lures and a great collection of Florida produced lures. In attendance we had the honor of having Chuck Heddon, grandson to James Heddon, who launched a hand-made lure into a Dowagiac, Michigan pond in the late 1890’s. It marked the beginning of a new era – the artificial lure and the rest is history! This show featured some very colorful custom-made lures and a lot of vintage reels. There were 45 tables in all for viewing. If you missed last month’s show, your wait isn’t too long for another chance to see what I’m always talking about. FATC’s next show is in St. Petersburg, FL, at the Dolphin Beach Resort (www.dolphinbeach.com) on St. Petersburg Beach, August 24-26, 2018. This is another chance for you to view some of the oldest and most unique artificial lures that were used decades ago as well as view some of the oldest fishing rods, reels, and other amazing collections – you don’t want to miss it! Let us know what you would like to see in Dad’s Old Tackle Box monthly article in Coastal Angler Magazine and we will work on fulfilling your request. Feel free to contact me at 941-639-8330 with any thoughts or questions. Until next time!
