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Tournament News Powered By Lake Drive MarineTournament News Powered By Lake Drive Marine


By Doug Bucha

Shakespeare Revolution LureShakespeare Revolution LureDid you know that Shakespeare Tackle once made lures in Michiana?

Visit the antique tackle collectors get-together Oct. 8 and you can learn more about this and other antique gear once made in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan.

The informal gathering will occur at the Heddon Museum in Dowagiac, Mich. beginning at 6:30 p.m. The museum is located two blocks north and two blocks west of the McDonalds.

William Shakespeare Jr. of Kalamazoo started his fishing lure business by introducing his new Revolution surface lure in 1900. From 1900 – 1901 the lures were made of wood, and by 1902 he had changed the material to aluminum. (see related photograph)


The next gathering for antique tackle collectors will be held at Heddon Museum Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held at the former Heddon factory at 414 West St. in Dowagiac, Mich. The Museum is located two blocks north and two blocks west of the Mc Donald's.

The informal meeting of antique fishing lure collectors is mostly a show-and-tell with some selling, trading, and buying of old tackle taking place.

It’s open to anyone interested in old antique fishing tackle or who has old gear that he or she would like to be appraised.


Here is a sampling of lures purchased by Doug Bucha and Ric Ladonski at the 2013 Niles, Mich. Riverfest. The Michigan collectors have an antique tackle booth at the Riverfest where they display their valuables and offer appraisals - and will purchase - vintage tackle that visitors take to them.Here is a sampling of lures purchased by Doug Bucha and Ric Ladonski at the 2013 Niles, Mich. Riverfest. The Michigan collectors have an antique tackle booth at the Riverfest where they display their valuables and offer appraisals - and will purchase - vintage tackle that visitors take to them.The next gathering for antique tackle collectors will be held at Heddon Museum August 13 11 at 6:30 p.m.

Here is a sampling of lures purchased by Doug Bucha and Ric Ladonski at the 2013 Niles, Mich. Riverfest. The Michigan collectors have an antique tackle booth at the Riverfest where they display their valuables and offer appraisals - and will purchase - vintage tackle that visitors take to them.

The meeting will be held at the former Heddon factory at 414 West St. in Dowagiac, Mich. The Museum is located two blocks north and two blocks west of the Mc Donald's.

The informal meeting of antique fishing lure collectors is mostly a show-and-tell with some selling, trading, and buying of old tackle taking place.

It’s open to anyone interested in old antique fishing tackle or who has old gear that he or she would like to be appraised.


By Louie Stout

Antique Heddon Muskie Flap Tail in  strawberry finish.Antique Heddon Muskie Flap Tail in strawberry finish.

Antique Heddon Muskie Flap Tail in strawberry finish.

Looking for some extra cash? Dig around in the garage or attic for old fishing tackle.

If you have some oldies in good shape, take them to the Niles Riverfest Aug. 2-4 and have Rick Ladonski and Doug Bucha appraise them. You won’t be pressured to sell, but at least you’ll get an idea what they’re worth.

As they have for 22 years, the two antique tackle collectors will be exhibiting some of their prized items at the Riverfest. Ladonski specializes in rods and reels while Bucha is a lure guy with a deep interest in lures produced in Michiana.


The next gathering for antique tackle collectors will be held at Heddon Museum June 11 at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held at the former Heddon factory at 414 West St. in Dowagiac, Mich. The Museum is located two blocks north and two blocks west of the Mc Donald's.

The informal meeting of antique fishing lure collectors is mostly a show-and-tell with some selling, trading, and buying of old tackle taking place.

It’s open to anyone interested in old antique fishing tackle or who has old gear that he or she would like to be appraised.