Many years ago I flipped a canoe in the Wisconsin River while fishing with my Dad. While we recovered most of our items I managed to lose my large tackle-box. This tackle box had been with me most of my life and had probably 75% of my fishing gear in it. I mourned that loss and the many lures I had in the box. The ones that caught trophy fish, the ones gifted to me at Christmas as a child. All were gone.
About that time Ebay was starting to grow and get attention. Somebody recommended I go to Ebay and see if I could replace some of my lures from years past. I hesitantly went to the website and I was blown away. Not only could I purchase those old River Runts and Bagley Small Fry's but I could get almost any type of lure ever made over the last 100+ years. I quickly began bidding and winning lure after lure to fill my new tackle box.
A funny thing happened though. My tackle box filled and I kept buying. From there I discovered websites and clubs dedicated to this crazy hobby of collecting old tackle lures. I was hooked. I bought lot after lot of lures. Went to rummage sales, auctions and anywhere I could to add to my collection. I joined clubs, bought books and was obsessed with this great hobby.
After a few years my life changed. My wife and I had children and our time and money simply went elsewhere. For the longest time my collection sat quietly in a spare room waiting for my return. I wouldn't dare part with this collection for I knew one day I would be back.
Recently an illness struck me and hit me hard. It took away my outdoor activities for a fishing and hunting season and relegated me to the indoors. After a few weeks I knew I needed an outlet. I went and got my old lures and started again on this journey. I went through my display cases and box after box of my old friends. I can now say I am back and happier than ever to be collecting old lures again. It is a hobby that brings me much enjoyment and I hope it does for you as well.
With this new found passion I looked at my tired old website sitting with broken links and bad images from many years ago. I knew it was time to give this a refresh as well. The web is great. It can connect us across states, generations and sometimes it seems across time itself. I look forward to building out this new version of MyBaitShop.com and meeting lots of new friends along the way. Thanks for visiting and come back often. Drop a line and feel free to comment. A hobby is only better if you have friends to share it with.
Thanks.
Keith