On many occasions, I’ve gotten distracted while fighting a fish, and when I finally had my quarry close enough to land, I quickly reached down and grabbed it by the lip to bring it in the boat. If it’s a largemouth I’m landing, or a big crappie or striper, that’s not a problem. When fishing in some waters, however, the creature that gets grabbed may grab back. And if it’s one of the toothy terrors listed here, it could leave you with wounds that need stitching, or worse.

I, therefore, warn you to think twice before lipping the next fish you bring alongside your boat. In the Western Hemisphere, rivers, lakes and saltwater environs are home to many fish that have maws studded with rows of needle-sharp teeth. If you make a mistake and grab one of these bad boys by the lower jaw, you may find yourself heading to an emergency room.

Beware these bad-to-the-bone beasts that bite!

1. Payara

They don’t call it “Dracula fish” for nothing. This South American favorite has the countenance of a vampire, with two fangs as long as your little fingers erupting from its lower jaw—plus dozens of other sharp teeth. With needle-sharp tips and knifelike edges, these dentures are perfect for impaling the payara’s favorite dinner: live piranhas. And you know any fish that eats piranhas must be one tough customer.

While fishing for payara on the Rio Paragua in Venezuela, we often reeled in piranha baits so full of holes they looked like hamburger meat—the result of payara attacks. The fish’s long lower fangs fit nicely into sheaths in the upper jaw, but the payara’s strike is as swift as a cobra. It can open wide and impale you before you know it happened. The result is guaranteed to be extremely bloody and painful.

2. Alligator Gar

The alligator gar is a toothy, armored-covered leviathan of Southern lakes and rivers. Its size impresses—sometimes more than 8 feet and 300 pounds. Looking into one’s tooth-studded maw is like staring death in the eye.

John Fox guided for Arkansas gator gars in the 1950s. He tells the story of one client so horrified by the hellish stare of a gar that jumped near the boat, he deep-sixed Fox’s rod and reel, with the gar still hooked, and demanded to be taken immediately to shore.

“A guy fishing with us one day let one jump in the boat,” Fox said. “It tore the side of the boat out and broke the man’s leg!” Nineteenth-century news accounts describe many instances of persons being killed or injured by these fish, including people snatched off houseboats.

If you mess with this bad boy, be sure your life insurance is paid up.

3. Bowfin

At first glance, the bowfin looks pretty harmless. Its teeth, which are immovable outgrowths of its jawbones, aren’t readily apparent. But if you examine a bowfin’s mouth up close—if you’re stupid enough—you’ll get the definite impression that, given a chance, it would chew your arm off, and if it were the size of an alligator, people wouldn’t be safe in the water. Nicknames include mudfish, dogfish and grinnel, but more vulgar monikers often are used by frazzled fishermen with broken lines, mauled lures and shattered poles.

Writer Jim Spencer gave a vivid account of one bowfin encounter. “It was possibly the most violent strike I’ll ever see in my life, regardless of the species,” he said. “No white marlin ever slashed a trolled skipjack any harder than when that grinnel hit my fast-moving spinner. The water around the lure erupted like a miniature volcano … I set the hook purely out of fright.”

Don’t land one with a lip-lock. If you do, there’s a good probability you’ll come away minus some digits.

4. Esox

Members of the genus Esox—the pike, pickerels and muskellunge—are deadly predators that will kill and eat darn near anything, including squirrels, ducks, young muskrats and sizeable fish. Their long canine teeth, which ring the wide lower jaw, and the short, sharp teeth on the tongue and roof of the mouth, spell instant death to unwary prey. That same dentition can lay open a person’s foot or hand dangled in the water, as has often happened in places where big muskies and pike thrive.

Suffice it to say that putting any body part too near the jaws of one of these marauders can spell trouble if the fish decides to latch on. Extreme caution is advised.

5. Lingcod

Many saltwater fish are armed with mouths full of sharp teeth, too. Consider the lingcod, whose toothy maw resembles that of a sci-fi monster destined to eat the entire crew of a spaceship. This fish is covered with brownish-red blotches that make it look like it has some kind of skin disorder. Maybe that’s what makes it so ornery. A 40-pounder I hooked off Seward, Alaska slammed me into the gunwale so hard I had bruises for weeks. Pity the person who hooks a really big one, which could top 80 pounds.

You’ll find lingcod year-round in West Coast waters from southern California to the Gulf of Alaska. They’re aggressive and easy to catch on jigs and cutbaits fished around rock piles and reefs. If you’re tough enough to handle one, and it doesn’t snap your line, steer clear of the huge, gaping mouth studded with big teeth. The species’ scientific name, Ophiodon elongatus, means “long snake tooth,” an appropriate appellation.

6. Bluefish

Bluefish are abundant and popular sportfish in many areas, particularly along the Northeast coast. Lots of folks like catching them, but novices may not realize these sleek, powerful marine fish pack a dangerous set of dentures. I’ve seen them bite right through a hook, and saw a fellow angler lose part of a toe to one that dropped thrashing in the bottom of our boat.

Schools of bluefish often “blitz,” pushing baitfish near shore as they feed on them. Swimmers, surfers and others in the water sometimes suffer serious bites if they’re unfortunate enough to get caught in the feeding frenzy. If you handle one carelessly while fishing, there’s a definite risk it could remove some big chunks of flesh from any body part that gets near those chomping jaws.

7. Black Piranha

“They are the most ferocious fish in the world,” Theodore Roosevelt wrote of piranhas. “They will rend and devour alive any wounded man or beast.” Mean doesn’t begin to describe them.

Most of the 17 species in South American waters are beautiful fishes, but not so the black piranha. The biggest of its clan, weighing as much as 13 pounds, this purplish flesh-eater looks like the embodiment of pure evil, with blood-red eyes and a jutting jaw lined with razor-edged teeth. A fearsome 5-pound specimen in Brazil exploded on a big prop bait I cast, sending a spray of water high into the air. When I lifted the fish over the gunwale, it bit cleanly through the 3/0 treble hook impaled in its jaw. They’ve been known to take off fingers and toes with equal ease.

8. Wolf Fish

Brazil’s giant trahira, or wolf fish, looks like something that should be chasing Sigourney Weaver around a spaceship. This little-known fish weighs up to 50 pounds and has chompers that look like they could bite through nails. Think “nuclear walleye” and you’ll have a good picture.

When hooked, this evil-looking primitive does a tarpon-on-steroids impersonation, jumping repeatedly. You’ll need heavy tackle to drag it out of the snag-filled jungle backwaters it typically inhabits, but chances are, even that won’t survive a brutal battle with one of these raging bulls.

Don’t hold a trahira near any body part you want to keep. They’ve been known to rip chunks of flesh from nitwits wading barefoot in shorts.

For those unfamiliar with the world of collecting, it may be surprising to discover that anything can become a valuable collectible.

Value is ultimately determined by the demand for an item among collectors. Hence, regardless of an item’s intrinsic value, if that particular item is rare, unique, or holds sentimental or historical significance, it can become highly desirable among collectors, driving up its market value. This is the case with rare antique fishing lures.

Editor’s Note

Additionally, cultural trends and shifts in popular taste can also contribute to the value of collectibles. For example, a particular type of vintage clothing may suddenly become popular among a new generation of consumers, increasing its value among collectors.

As long as there is collector demand for a particular item, it has the potential to become a valuable collectible.

Rare antique fishing lures are vintage fishing lures that were produced in limited quantities, have unique features or designs, and are highly sought after by collectors.

These lures were often handcrafted by individual artisans or small companies and are now considered to be valuable collectibles due to their rarity, historical significance, and aesthetic appeal.

Some of the most valuable antique fishing lures were produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by companies such as Heddon, Pflueger, and Creek Chub. These lures were often made from wood, metal, or early plastics and were designed to mimic the movement and appearance of live bait.

One reason why rare antique fishing lures are valuable is that they are highly collectible among fishing enthusiasts and antique collectors.

In addition, many of these lures are considered to be works of art, with intricate designs and details that make them highly sought after by collectors.

Another reason why rare antique fishing lures are valuable is that they are often associated with important historical events or figures. For example, some antique fishing lures were used by famous anglers or were produced during important periods in fishing history.

In this article, we take a look at some of the most valuable antique fishing lures from the rich history of fishing tool development.

History of Rare Antique Fishing Lures

Fishing lures have been used for thousands of years as a way to attract fish.

Early fishing lures were often made of natural materials such as feathers, animal fur, and bone and were designed to mimic the appearance and movement of live bait.

Editor’s Note: What are Fishing Lures?

Fishing lures are artificial baits or imitations of natural prey that are used to attract fish. They are typically made of various materials, such as plastic, metal, wood, or feathers, and are designed to mimic the appearance, movement, and scent of live bait.

Fishing lures come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and styles and are often explicitly designed to target specific species of fish or fishing conditions. Common types of fishing lures include spinners, jigs, spoons, plugs, and soft plastic baits.

The lures are attached to the end of fishing lines and are cast out into the water to attract fish.

When a fish strikes the lure, the angler feels a tug on the line and can then reel in the fish. Fishing lures can be used in a variety of fishing techniques, including freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing, and ice fishing.

In the 19th century, the development of industrial manufacturing techniques led to the mass production of fishing lures made from materials such as metal, wood, and early plastics. Many of these early lures were simple designs, such as metal spoons and spinners, that were effective at attracting fish.

By the early 20th century, the development of new materials and manufacturing techniques led to the production of more complex and realistic fishing lures.

Companies such as Heddon, Creek Chub, and Pflueger began producing lures with intricate designs and details, such as the Creek Chub Pikie and the Heddon Frog, which are now highly collectible antique fishing lures.

During this time, fishing also became an increasingly popular recreational activity, and the demand for high-quality fishing lures grew. As a result, many small-scale artisanal lure makers also began producing handmade lures, many of which are now highly sought after by collectors.

In the mid-20th century, the introduction of new materials such as silicone and rubber led to the development of soft plastic baits, which revolutionized the fishing industry. Soft plastics allowed anglers to create lifelike imitations of natural prey, and quickly became a popular and effective way to catch fish.

Today, fishing lures continue to evolve and improve, with new materials and designs constantly being developed.

However, antique fishing lures remain highly collectible and sought after by collectors and anglers alike and are considered an essential part of fishing history.

Some antique fishing lures have sold for thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars at auction, making them some of the most valuable collectibles in the fishing industry.

World’s Most Valuable Fishing Lure: Giant Haskell Minnow

Finalized Auction Price: $101,200

No discussion of the most valuable rare antique fishing lures can be completed without a mention of this giant copper Haskell Minnow which currently holds the record of the most expensive fishing lure in the world to ever be sold.

The Haskell series is a small line of antique lures created in the late 19th century by Riley Haskell, a jeweler from Painesville, Ohio, that represents some of the most iconic and highly sought-after antique fishing lures in the world.

Editor’s Note

Riley Haskell was a highly skilled gunsmith who lived in Painesville, Ohio, in the mid-19th century. He was known for his finely crafted guns, which were highly sought-after by sportsmen and collectors alike.

However, Haskell had another passion besides gun making: fishing. He loved nothing more than spending time on the water, casting his line, and trying to catch the biggest fish he could find. And as with his guns, he wanted his fishing gear to be of the highest quality.

So, Haskell decided to try his hand at making fishing lures. He began experimenting with different materials and designs, trying to create lures that would mimic the appearance and movement of live fish. He quickly discovered that his expertise in metalworking could be applied to lure-making as well, and he began producing highly detailed and realistic lures made from copper and brass.

Haskell’s lures were quickly recognized for their quality and effectiveness. They were highly sought-after by fishermen, and Haskell soon found himself making lures full-time.

One of Haskell’s most famous creations was the Haskell Minnow, a fish-shaped lure with a hollow body and finely sculpted details. The lure was designed to mimic the movements of a live minnow, and it quickly became a favorite among anglers.

Haskell continued to make fishing lures for many years, even as his gun business thrived. He remained passionate about fishing and always strove to improve his lure designs.

However, Haskell’s fishing lures were never produced in large quantities and were only sold for a short period of time, making them extremely rare and valuable antique fishing lures. Haskell’s focus was primarily on producing high-quality lures rather than mass production, and as a result, only a limited number of his lures were ever made.

It is believed that Haskell produced only a few thousand of these lures during his lifetime. Many were likely lost or destroyed over time, and only a small number of examples have survived to the present day. Of these surviving examples, most are in the hands of private collectors or museums, making them even more difficult to come by.

Furthermore, due to the fact that many of these lures were used for fishing, few of them have survived to this day. Those that have survived are highly prized by collectors and are often worth a significant amount of money.

Today, Riley Haskell is remembered as one of the pioneers of the modern fishing lure industry.

His lures are highly collectible and are prized by anglers and collectors around the world. Haskell’s legacy lives on, and his influence can be seen in the countless fishing lures that are still being produced today.

Today, this giant bronze-colored lure, a Haskell Minnow, is regarded as the crowning piece of them all after setting the all-time record for a fishing lure sold through public auction, in 2003, when it was purchased for $101,200 by an anonymous bidder.

The lure had been part of a private collection for many years before being put up for auction, and its sale generated widespread excitement among collectors and fishing enthusiasts.

The Haskell Minnow’s record-breaking sale price was a testament to its rarity and historical significance, as well as its appeal as a work of art. Today, the Haskell Minnow remains one of the most coveted antique fishing lures in the world, and its sale continues to be a benchmark for the value of rare and collectible fishing lures.

The Haskell Minnow was designed to mimic the appearance and movement of a live minnow, with a jointed body that allowed it to move realistically through the water. The lure was also hand-painted with intricate details, including scales, fins, and eyes, which made it highly attractive to fish.

Measuring at a length of 10 inches, the “Giant Haskell” is indeed a rarity among Haskell Minnows. This particular lure is nearly double the size of all other known Haskell Minnows, which are already highly sought-after and collectible among fishing enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The giant Haskell is made of thick sheets of copper and brass and features a hollow body with finely sculpted details.

The lure is fish-shaped, with textured scales and a pair of tandem angular hooks that extend from the revolving tail section and curve upward. It is believed that Haskell created this particular lure for trolling or casting, and it was intended to lure in larger fish such as bass, pike, and musky.

Although this giant Haskell minnow is incredibly rare, it is not the only oversized Haskell Minnow to have been discovered. Other examples have been found that measure up to 8 inches in length, which is still significantly larger than most other Haskell Minnows.

These larger lures are even more highly prized by collectors than the smaller-sized options due to their rarity and the skill required to create them.

Most Valuable Rare Antique Fishing Lures

Aside from the Giant Haskell, there are several other antique fishing lures that are highly valued by collectors and fishing enthusiasts everywhere. Some of the most valuable and sought-after antique fishing lures include:

Editor’s Note

The specimens we have highlighted in this list are from the records of auctions carried out by Lang’s Auction House, the world’s leading fishing tackle auction service. Lang’s first auction debuted in 1991 with the distinction of being the only auction house dedicated solely to the field of antique and collectible fishing tackle.

Since its inception in 1991, Lang’s, Inc. has become a premier auction house in the field of antique and collectible fishing tackle. Its founder Bob Lang’s vision for a specialized auction house dedicated to this niche market proved successful, and his legacy continues today under the leadership of John Ganung, who purchased the company in 2002.

Under Ganung’s stewardship, Lang’s has expanded to include three selling venues and has attracted collectors from around the globe. Lang’s has also achieved numerous world record auction prices for antique and collectible tackle, as well as for Derrydale Press books and items related to the famed author Zane Grey.

What started as a humble venture has now become a go-to destination for collectors and enthusiasts alike, offering comprehensive services for consignors and buyers at every level.

Lang’s, Inc. remains committed to its founding principles of expertise, integrity, and exceptional service, making it a trusted leader in the field of antique and collectible fishing tackle.

Unidentified Prehistoric American Wooden Minnow

Finalized Auction Price: $42,560

In the world of fishing lure collecting, there are few things more exciting than discovering a previously unknown piece of angling history. And that is exactly what happened when an unidentified wooden minnow went up for auction in 2006, selling for an incredible $42,560.

Considered the “single most historic and important wooden minnow to ever come to auction,” this lure is believed to be a predecessor of all American wooden underwater lures.

The piece was found in the tackle box of an Ohio angler, Hiram Rice, who lived in an area famous for early fishing lure makers like Pflueger and Pardee.

Despite not being able to trace the manufacture of this rare and possibly one-of-a-kind lure, historians note that it is practically identical to early Trory minnows. This particular lure is described as being in very good condition despite dating from the late 1890s.

The lure’s design is a testament to the craftsmanship and innovation of early fishing lure makers in America. It is believed to be the earliest example of an American wooden underwater minnow, which makes it a true piece of angling history.

The lure’s value is not just in its historical significance but also in its rarity and beauty. The fact that it was found in the tackle box of Hiram Rice, alongside an assortment of antique fishing tackle, only adds to its allure.

This mysterious and unidentified wooden minnow remains a highly sought-after item among antique fishing lure collectors, and its sale in 2006 set a new record for the most expensive fishing lure sold at a public auction at the time.

Chautauqua Minnow

Finalized Auction Price: $37,400

The Chautauqua Minnow, created by Krantz & Smith of New York in 1908, had a rocky start in the fishing lure market.

Anglers quickly discovered that the lure was not very effective at catching fish, and as a result, the demand for it was low. Production was eventually cut off shortly after the first few Chautauqua Minnows were made, making them exceptionally rare for collectors.

Despite the initial failure of the lure, some recognized its potential value as a line with an extremely limited supply and saved at least this one specimen from being thrown away. This particular Chautauqua Minnow was later discovered and sold for an impressive $37,400, demonstrating the incredible value of extremely rare antique fishing lures.

Collectors prize the Chautauqua Minnow not only for its rarity but also for its unique design. The lure features a unique curved, wooden body with a metal lip that creates a wobbling action when retrieved. It also has two treble hooks attached to the bottom of the body, making it suitable for both trolling and casting.

The Chautauqua Minnow may not have been successful in its time, but its rarity and design have made it a valuable piece of fishing history. It serves as a reminder that even failed products can become extremely valuable collectibles when paired with the right demand.

Rare Musky Haskell Minnow

Finalized Auction Price: $32,000

The Haskell Minnow is a highly sought-after antique fishing lure known for its intricate design and craftsmanship. But among the many variations of the Haskell Minnow available today, this Rare Dark Haskell Musky Minnow stands out as a true gem of early American craftsmanship.

Measuring 7 1/2 inches in overall length, the Rare Minnow is finely crafted down to the smallest details, from its textured scales to its finely sculpted fins.

This lure is a testament to the skill and artistry of Riley Haskell, a highly skilled gunsmith who decided to try his hand at making fishing lures in the mid-19th century.

Patented on September 20, 1859, the Rare Dark Haskell Musky Minnow is a prime example of the early American fishing lures that are highly prized by collectors today. Despite its age, this lure remains in excellent condition, a testament to the care with which it was made and the care with which it has been preserved over the years.

In 2007, this specimen went up for auction and sold for over $32,000, unsurprising, considering its rarity and the high demand among collectors for early American fishing lures.

It is not surprising that the Haskell Minnows are considered to be some of the most desirable lures in the world, given their intricate design and the limited numbers in which they were produced.

Musky Charmer Minnow

Finalized Auction Price: $25,000

The world of antique fishing lures is full of surprises, and the Musky Charmer Minnow is no exception. This unique and rare fishing lure is highly sought after by collectors due to its impressive design and rarity.

The Musky Charmer Minnow was produced by the Charmer Minnow Company, which was known for creating high-quality fishing lures in the early 20th century. However, the Musky Charmer Minnow stands out from the rest due to its larger size and distinctive design.

Measuring just over 5 inches in length, the Musky Charmer Minnow is considered the rarest of all the Charmers. What sets this lure apart from the others is its striped tail, which is unlike any other design from the Charmer Minnow Company.

It’s believed that only a few Musky-sized Charmers still exist today, making this one of the most valuable and highly sought-after lures in the world of antique fishing tackle.

In 2018, an excellent-condition Musky Charmer Minnow was sold at auction for just over $25,000, making it one of the most expensive fishing lures ever sold. This high price tag is a testament to the lure’s rarity and desirability among collectors.

For serious antique fishing lure collectors, the Musky Charmer Minnow is a must-have addition to any collection. Its unique design and rarity make it a true treasure for those who appreciate the artistry and history of vintage fishing tackle.

Shakespeare Muskellunge Minnow

Finalized Auction Price: $23,100

The Shakespeare Muskellunge Minnow, sold at auction for a whopping $23,100, is a testament to the innovative mind of William Shakespeare, Jr. As the son of a banker, Shakespeare had a passion for fishing and sought to create the perfect lure. His “Revolution” lure, introduced in the late 1890s, was a game-changer for the industry.

Equipped with three treble hooks and a propeller, the “Revolution” was one of the earliest wooden baits sold in the United States.

Over the years, Shakespeare continued to refine and improve his lures, producing several new successor variants to the Revolution, including the Muskellunge Minnow, which is now one of the most valuable in existence.

What makes this particular lure so valuable is its pristine condition. It has been carefully preserved over the years, with every detail of its construction still intact. The attention to detail and quality of materials used in its creation is a testament to Shakespeare’s commitment to excellence.

The Shakespeare Muskellunge Minnow was estimated to sell for $5,500, but auctioneers were surprised when it sold for more than four times that amount. Its high value is a testament to its rarity, as well as the skill and craftsmanship that went into its creation.

For collectors and fishing enthusiasts, the Shakespeare Muskellunge Minnow is a piece of history representing the early days of lure-making in America. Its value is not just in its price tag but in the legacy that it represents.

Heddon Dowagiac Expert

Finalized Auction Price: $19,000

The story of the Heddon Dowagiac Expert is one of perseverance and ingenuity. James Heddon, a beekeeper, and newspaperman from Michigan, revolutionized the fishing industry with his creation of the Dowagiac Casting Bait in the early 1900s. The lure was named after the town where Heddon worked, Dowagiac, and was later shortened to the Dowagiac Expert.

This lure was originally marketed as the Dowagiac Casting Bait in the early 1900s. Over time, Heddon shortened its name to the “Dowagiac Expert,” and it quickly became a favorite among anglers.

Despite being a game-changing invention, few copies of the Dowagiac Expert survived to this day, and even fewer are in good condition. It is a testament to its popularity and rarity that the white cardboard box it came in can sell for as much as $1,000 without the lure itself.

Measuring almost 6 inches long with large glass eyes, a front spinner, and an intact tail, this wooden beauty is a stunning example of the Dowagiac Expert in its natural scale finish. Produced by Heddon himself out of Dowagiac, Michigan, it is likely the best-known example of the very few of its kind.

Heddon Mohawk Minnow

Finalized Auction Price: $18,400

The world of antique and collectible fishing tackle is full of rare and valuable items, and the Heddon Mohawk Minnow is definitely one of them.

This beautiful lure, believed to have been made around 1905, is the only known example of its kind to come with a matching wooden box from the Mohawk, Florida, Heddon location. It is in spectacular condition, and the box is also in fine shape.

What makes this particular lure so special, however, is the complete paperwork that comes with it. This documentation helps to date and confirm the significance of the find, adding to its historical and collectible value. When this lure went up for auction in 2013, it fetched an impressive $18,400, a testament to its rarity and desirability among collectors.

The Heddon Company has a long history of producing quality fishing lures, and the Jeanette Hawley “Mohawk” Minnow is no exception.

With its intricate design and attention to detail, it’s easy to see why this lure is so sought after by collectors. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a passionate collector, the Heddon Jeanette Hawley “Mohawk” Minnow is a true treasure from fishing world history.

Little Wonder Minnow

Finalized Auction Price: $18,000

The Little Wonder Minnow in Box is a true rarity among fishing lure collectors.

Produced by the Clinton Wilt Manufacturing Company in Springfield, Missouri, this lure and box combination dates back to 1910 and is the only known example of a complete two-piece cardboard box for this lure to exist.

With this specimen, the lure itself is in excellent condition, and the box is also in great shape, which is unusual for an item of this age. Consequently, for a Missouri lure collector, this piece is a must-have, as it is a one-of-a-kind specimen that represents a significant part of the state’s fishing lure history.

At a 2019 auction, this Little Wonder Minnow in Box fetched an impressive price of over $18,000, which is a testament to its rarity and the value that collectors place on such unique and historically significant pieces.

For collectors, it is not just about the lure itself but also the story and history behind it, making this Little Wonder Minnow in Box a true treasure for any serious fishing lure collector.

The Clinton Wilt Manufacturing Company was a fishing lure manufacturer based in Springfield, Missouri, that was in operation in the early 1900s and was one of the more prominent names in the state at that time.

The company was founded by Clinton Wilt, who started out making lures as a hobby before turning it into a full-fledged business. Wilt was known for his attention to detail and his use of high-quality materials in his lures, which quickly earned him a reputation as a skilled craftsman.

The Little Wonder Minnow, which was first introduced in 1909, is one of the most famous lures produced by the Clinton Wilt Manufacturing Company.

This small, slender lure was designed to imitate the movement of a live minnow in the water and quickly became a favorite of anglers in the region. It was made from high-quality wood and featured a painted finish that was both durable and attractive.

In addition to the Little Wonder Minnow, the Clinton Wilt Manufacturing Company produced a variety of other lures, including the Wilt’s Economy Minnow, the Springfield Bait Company Minnow, and the Clinton Wilt Weedless Minnow. Although the company was relatively small, it quickly gained a loyal following among anglers who appreciated the quality and craftsmanship of its products.

The best recurve bows can usually cost a fortune. In general, more expensive recurve bows tend to offer an advantage over less expensive counterparts. Especially when competing at a professional level. So, it makes sense if you are an advanced archer or an athlete looking for the most expensive recurve bow in the world.

There are quite a few really pricey bows out there. We are not talking about specialty bows but rather the most expensive recurve bow available to anyone.

The most expensive publicly available recurve bow is the Sanlida Archery Olympic Recurve Bow. This is a common bow used by Olympic athletes and offers one of the most accurate shots in the sport.

We review the Sanlida Archery Miracle Olympic Recurve Bow going over what makes it so special (and expensive).

Sanlida Archery Olympic ILF Recurve Bow Review

If you want to compete at the highest level of target shooting, let’s say the Olympics, Sanlida Archery Olympic ILF Recurve Bow is a deservingly good choice. But, you may ask, “why this recurve bow?” First, this recurve bow is designed by Sanlida Archery, a reputable brand known for making archery equipment that offers incredible performance at a great value. Only a few archery brands do it better than Sanlida Archery.

Second, it comes with a full kit. The recurve bow includes everything you need for your target shooting. The interesting thing is it’s a ready-to-shoot bow, meaning that you don’t have to set it all up from scratch. You could adjust it to suit your preference if need be. The bow comes in four separate versions – 66″, 68″, and 70″, with varying tension levels. The item’s weight is 1300g (about 48 lbs), which is quite heavy. The weight is okay since the bow is tailored towards advanced archers and competitive athletes.

Another good reason is the construction. Each accessory is designed with high-quality material, and the bow itself is CNC machined 6061-T6 aluminum to enhance its strength. The limbs are made of premium-quality carbon and foam materials, while the riser is metal to add to the overall strength of the bow.

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Pros

• Ultimate Performance – the ready-to-shoot bow is designed to offer the best performance, thanks to the included accessories and construction. Archers can attain advanced level shooting with high precision using this equipment and boost their chances of success in competitions.

• Great Design – with aluminum and carbon the main materials for the parts, you should expect the Sanlida Archery Olympic ILF Recurve Bow to last long enough. It’s strong and has an adjustable wooden grip, with a strong ILF recurve riser and limbs capable of seeing you through any target shooting competition.

• Powerful – shooting precision is essential in archery. This recurve bow helps you to achieve that. Typically, a heavy bow can hinder shooting efficiency, but not the Sanlida. Despite its 2.8 lbs weight, the bow feels light and powerful simultaneously when holding it. This gives you the confidence to shoot.

• Excellent Customer Support – if there’s one thing you should commend Sanlida for, it’s their customer service. The manufacturer ensures that customers are utterly satisfied with their products. The customer service is ultra-responsive and ever-ready to attend to your complaints.

• Good Value for Money – although the price is over $900, the bow still comes at an unbeatable value compared to its rivals. When you consider that it comes with all the accessories needed in the kit, you will be excited to cough out such an amount for the recurve bow. It comes at one of the lowest costs around.

Cons

• Expensive – this isn’t a con per se, considering that we are reviewing an expensive recurve bow. However, some archers with a limited budget may want to reconsider purchasing the bow.

Structure of the Bow – Riser, Limbs, and String

The ILF riser and limbs are solidly made, while the string is too robust to break. The beautiful anodizing ILF riser is aluminum, making it difficult to break easily even when used intensively. The riser comprises an adjustable wooden grip with bolt systems, sight, and stabilizers that are all durable. Overall, the bow doesn’t feel flimsy.

The lower and upper limbs are made of high-quality advanced carbon and foam materials that flex well. Thanks to these materials, the recurve limbs deliver a greater amount of kinetic energy more efficiently when the bowstring is released. This boosts the speed of the shot. The bowstring in the lowest version is 66”, which is normal for an archery athlete.

The bow’s string is also sturdy and holds power excellently. In addition, it stretches pretty well, which helps to exert more force on the shot for better output. You can’t fault this recurve bow.

Is an Expensive Recurve Bow Worth the Price?

The price of the Sanlida Archery Olympic Recurve Bow is fair, considering that the bow is for advanced target shooting. Beginners may question the price’s outrageousness, but it’s not typically for simple target shooting or practice. There are other bows available for such activities, and they come at a more affordable price than the Sanlida Archery Olympic ILF Recurve Bow.

The recurve bow’s advanced features make it ideal for Olympians. It can enhance the shooter’s precision, thanks to the sight and stabilizers. The wooden grip is also fully adjustable to match the riser, which improves shooting precision and balance. It gives the ultimate performance at an incredible value.

Apart from athletes, archers who need a bow with advanced features for the fun of shooting can also purchase this bow. The bow’s weight can be a hindrance if you aren’t a fit person. But, with all things being equal, you should enjoy recording those great shots with the bow. This bow is worth the price, and we recommend it.

The Sanlida Archery Olympic ILF Recurve Bow includes the following accessories;

• Bow
• Instruction manual
• Sight
• Advanced string
• Weight
• Sight pin damper
• Arrow rest
• Carbon stabilizer long rod
• Riser
• Limbs damper
• Stabilizer and riser damper
• Clicker
• Cushion plunger
• Limbs.

Final Thoughts

With Salinda Archery Olympic ILF Recurve Bow, shooting targets has never been easier. It possesses the capabilities to make you a champion in any target shooting competition. Although it doesn’t come cheap, it’s one of the most accurate even when compared to others within its range.

This Sanlida recurve bow is the most expensive recurve bow in the world but that’s what Olympic accuracy takes. With all the accessories included, you don’t need to make extra purchases. You can kickstart your journey to being a champion with this powerful bow.

The 2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 750 4×4 4-occupant Side by Side, looks very similar to its predecessor, the Teryx 750 4×4, but its outer shell is just about the only thing that remained untouched. The 2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 750 4×4 is actually an all-new model, with an entirely different chassis and a totally new and more powerful engine. Also different is the fact that it is available with or without electric power steering; a first for team Green on this type of vehicle.

Trail riding can be an extremely pleasant and enriching experience and our time with the guys and girls from Team Green at the Brimstone Recreation Area, in Huntsville, Tennessee, was exactly that. With their successful RZR4, Polaris was first to come forward with this new concept of gathering friends or family into one recreational intended vehicle, to further heighten the fun inducing capacity of trail riding and nature exploration. The mere idea is very strong and meaningful, with the potential to revive interest in this therapeutic activity that is the responsible use of maintained trails. Another OEM joining in was something to be expected.

Kawasaki’s Teryx model has always pleased us with its fun-inducing performance and by adding two extra seats; the fun can now be shared with loved ones and that is just awesome news. It comes in a basic form, and two others offering a new level of ease and comfort, with Kawasaki’s Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. The LE model, which comes in rich and deep red or yellow, and graced with the addition of superb looking wheels and a roof, was the most stunning of the trio, when arriving at our beautiful ride site. The weatherman had called for rain, but since when do we care what the weather is like, when going out for some fresh air, to enjoy laughter inducing slow and easy obstacle conquering, or responsibly controlled speed runs through puddles of splashing brown liquid. Before I got out there to discover yet another new place of beauty to ride in, eh I mean drive in; the very first walk around an all-new model is always extra exciting and revealing.

The very first thing that pops to attention is the presence of doors, which is an improvement I have hoped to see on as many Side by Side models as possible. Take the doors off if you need to, but these should be present all the time, as it only makes the entire vehicle feel more reassuring in character, without the frequent branch whipping your legs. I just think it is more logical to consider them an integral part of such a family oriented vehicle, and the ones who don’t want them in the way when working, can easily remove them. I gave one a wiggle and no rattling was discovered, as was also the case with everything else. This family buggy is superbly easy to get in and out of. Once inside, you’ll notice a concentrated effort to position everything just right. Despite the fact that Kawasaki doesn’t fabricate cars, they gave this interior quite a bit of auto flair.

The seats are amazingly comfortable and shaped to cup each leg for a more solid bond between the vehicle and its occupants. Hold on a minute here! When I think about it, these would make for awesome car seats! I might just try and bolt a pair down in my vintage Supra. I would later discover them to be so well made, that they blended in perfectly with the suspension’s smooth yet very communicating feel to it. Combined, they rendered the whole trail riding experience smoother to enjoy than usual. A heightened level of class is also present, with a nicely drawn car-like gear selector that still feels like most other Side by Side versions in operation. Other items in the center console, which by the way shield’s heat like no other I have had the chance to stick to, like the hand operated park brake and cup holders that are close enough to reach with an arm stretch and deep enough to hold your water bottle down, even when things get interestingly rough, add to the comfort level of this cool new play safe and work hard machine. For now, I just couldn’t find anything with room for improvement. Sitting on a back seat impressed me even more, as my knees were a good inch away from the back of the front seat and I felt just as comfortable there as in the front. Remember that I am 6’3″ tall and weigh about …eh, well, you know what I mean.

So we were off. A fun and quick pace was reached without having to slam the pedal, and wait for things to happen, I love this Kawa already! Their trusted 749cc engine was entirely revised to provide 15% more power, and I felt it right away. The vehicle’s most magical element is, of course, the suspension. No use having loads of power, if the vehicle just bounces around without keeping a good grip on the ground. High-performance, compression damping and preload adjustable Showa single-chamber gas-charged shocks were installed, to take care of that business, and they really did a great job, in conjunction with those awesome seats we talked about earlier, to render our first 2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 750 4×4 experience surprisingly pleasant, and more about what the area had to offer all-around us, than how the vehicle was behaving. The stability of the vehicle on flatter grounds is also really good, with a few very logical geometric choices made by those talented Japanese engineers at Kawasaki.

Inspired by sport quads and their high needs in control and stability, they kept the width of the frame at both ends as narrow as possible, so that the lower suspension arms could be designed nice and long, to minimize camber changes during the course of the suspension travel. I was also pleased to notice the positive camber in the rear wheels of our fellow media guys up front. This provides a much better feel to the rear, as the tire patch remains at full efficiency, while negotiating turns. I guess I managed to get a few Kawasaki guys worried, when we got to an open and flat gravel area, and I started doing donuts, which of course, I am aware, is a highly non-recommended type of manoeuvre in any Side by Side, but it was important for me to find out just how stable this vehicle really was. First thing I did, was to simply slowly turn around in circles, to discover a very practical tight turn radius. Then, I gradually picked up speed, keeping the steering turned at the maximum, until the back-end started to slide out, instead of having the interior wheels look to lift off the ground. Absolutely perfect! Almost impossible to roll this thing, on this type of surface anyway, a bit like Honda’s Big Red.

Team Green engineers went back to the drawing boards, to figure out what was needed to create a safe and highly capable four-seat rec/utility Side by Side. This pretty much meant redesigning the Teryx machine from A to Z, with an all-new chassis capable of handling the extra load and the new 749cc V-twin engine with an output shaft connected to a centrifugal clutch, to better protect the engine’s components, as well as enabling the drive belt to stay constantly under tension. This significantly improves its function, while riding through rock-filled sections and extends the life of the belt.

Through precise computer-assisted analysis and lots of testing in the toughest conditions imaginable, they ended up with a totally new approach to Side by Side chassis design, using a double cross-beam configuration as the main part of the structure. The Double-X frame design provides much more torsional rigidity, than the ladder-style frame of the two-seater Teryx and most other Side by Side vehicles.

Choose 2WD, 4WD or even more traction with a simpler front differential lock, than all other Kawasaki’s, which are all equipped with manually controlled versions. Just a simple “turn like a key” style electric switch does away with the need to control the locking action with a lever. Short-turning radius, perfectly sealed rear wet brake, and front hydraulic disc brakes that stop you on a dime, sport-inspired suspension, good power, plus room for four. Suddenly the Teryx name takes on a whole new meaning! One that can be truly desirable for people looking to upgrade their old golf kart shaped multi-passenger off-road vehicle or newcomers to the activity who find ATVs too challenging to operate.

If you already own an RZR4 from Polaris, then this one might not be so appealing if you like the racy feel and performance of your current ride. If you are among those who wished for something that would fall in-between the Ranger Crew or John Deere’s new XUV 550 S4 and that extra sporty RZR4, this reliable Kawasaki blends the best of both worlds in a very effective way. You can really have fun with your gang and the next day, enjoy this helpful vehicle to push, haul, and transport a surprisingly huge amount of stuff. One thing I’ve been telling some friends thinking of switching from ATVs to a Side by Side vehicle is to consider a 4-seater, if they want to really go for adventure trips and bring a tent and all necessities for a cool and romantic camping trip.

What I am getting at is that I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes if you are a trail ride loving couple, looking to buy their first Side by Side. The new Wildcat is cool, Polaris has many new choices also, Can-Am Commander vehicles are selling like hotcakes with good reason, and the list of choices will surely keep growing. Can-Am will almost certainly also have a 4-seater to offer soon. If it can be of any help, it is sometimes more important to analyse your true needs, before you travel to a showroom. Make an informed decision and learn about a few different models that you think might fit your bill, and try to experience as many as possible, before you sign anything! Call your dealer and ask if they have a demo model to try. At the very least if you can’t ride it, sit in it anyway and do everything like you would, if you were heading out for a ride. Buckle your seat belt, see how it feels, how the seat feels, where your feet end up, is everything within reach and confortable to operate?

Even sway your body around and get a sense of what would happen to your body, while travelling on rough terrain. Is your shoulder hitting something? For me, the 2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 750 4×4, felt superb in every way and since we are concentrating our efforts on this new vehicle right now, let me outline the biggest advantages it can offer its owner. The balance that the mid-ship engine placement provides, the high-grade suspension and efforts made by engineers in positioning the chassis’ centre of gravity as low as possible. The maximized cornering stability with the front sway bar, the front-end conception with its long A-arm design and adjustment possibilities on both the front and rear shocks. Plus, last but not least, the precision control felt with the smooth operating Electric Power Steering. I think it is also important to mention that the non-EPS base model is still very easy to steer in 2WD and you will only maybe miss it if you have tried an EPS or LE model beforehand. Nicely done Green team!

As I always mention when talking about a vehicle, which is specifically designed for multi-occupant use, the safety of your loved ones should always stay your first priority. So, if you do find some eager passengers make sure they always, without any exceptions, all wear the recommended gear and that their seat belt is securely fastened. Don’t ever attack obstacles or turns with aggressiveness, just to show off the vehicles high performance abilities. Always brake, before you turn! It is a basic rule of thumb that you might remember from your driving course, which becomes all the more important off-road. This vehicle has excellent brakes and safety conscious stability built into it, so there is no reason why your trail riding experience would turn sour.

In conclusion, I have to admit being thoroughly impressed with the performances of this new family-oriented Kawasaki. There is only that front passenger’s hand-hold on the roll cage, which I don’t approve of. The stick shaped handle for the front passenger’s left hand is perfect though, and I would replace the one on the roll cage with one on the dash, to encourage whoever sits there to keep arms inside the vehicle, in case of a rollover. If you do ever get in a situation where you are passenger and the ride does fall on its right side, however unlikely if the vehicle is properly used, I would strongly suggest that you grab that interior stick handle with both hands. A wide bar across the back of the front seats offers hand holds for the rear passengers.

This might have been just a one day experience, but it was one that included very true to life trail rider challenges that attested to the vehicle’s maker’s confidence in its product, like one particularly tough climb with a tricky hook around a big tree right in the middle of it. The 2012 Kawasaki Teryx4 750 4×4 handled absolutely everything like a pro! We can’t wait to get a unit to play with it some more!

For more information on the above mentioned models, please visit the Kawasaki Website

More from Kawasaki on ATV Trail Rider :

Kawasaki ATV Models – Kawasaki UTV Models – Kawasaki ATV Reviews – Kawasaki UTV Reviews

Cane pole fishing might seem primitive compared to other types of rod fishing, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how fun and exciting it is, even if it is reel-free. But how do you get started on this fishing method that dates back generations?

We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cane pole fishing, including how to make one!

What Is a Cane Pole?

Before buying your supplies for a DIY cane pole for fishing, you need to know what a cane pole is. Don’t worry, though. It is not as complex as you think it is.

A cane pole is a long stick that usually has a 1″-1-1/2″ butt diameter and is between 8-foot-20-foot in length. Some are made from bamboo, while others are graphite or fiberglass. Unlike modern fishing rods, a cane pole doesn’t have a reel, drag system, and line guide. As a matter of fact, you will be using a line as long as the pole itself, if not a tad longer. The hook is at the end of the line, wherein you can use live or artificial baits.

What Are the Different Types of Cane Poles?

Bamboo fishing rods and poles are the most popular. However, there are other types of cane poles that you can use.

Telescopic Cane Poles

Telescopic poles are made from graphite or fiberglass instead of treated bamboo. This choice of material makes them more lightweight. Since they are collapsible, often shrinking half of their length, they are more compact for camping trips and air travel.

For convenience, many fiberglass telescopic poles also have add-ons like a metal eye tip and line keeper. Length can also vary too, ranging from 8-foot to 20-foot.

Calcutta Poles

Calcutta cane poles are made from solid bamboo, specifically the Calcutta Bamboo (Dendrocalamus Strictus) species. They are highly prized in the fishing community because of their strength and flexibility, which many argue is 100% better than fiberglass. A high-quality Calcutta Bamboo pole is also resistant to rot from saltwater.

These poles are available in various lengths, although most are between four and twenty-five feet long.

Pro Tip: The longevity of bamboo poles is determined by how well they are cared for.

Jigger Poles

Jigger poles are typically 15 to 20 feet long and can also be telescopic. They’re adaptable and great for fishing in places where traditional casting is tricky. Jigger poles can be bamboo, fiberglass, or graphite, among other materials. They’re strung with a short leader attached to the pole’s end and a plastic or wooden plug at the other end.

How to Rig a Cane Pole?

Rigging a cane pole is easier because there is no reel to deal with. However, it’s best first to secure your line lower down the pole’s body. This way, if the tip breaks under pressure, you won’t lose your line or fish.

Rigging a Bamboo Cane Pole

1. Tie a piece of dacron or monofilament to the center of your pole, just below a notch.
2. Twist the line to the tip of your bamboo pole by rotating the pole.
3. Do a half hitch and secure the line in the slit you made in the tip when you get to the top.
4. Make sure you have enough monofilament to reach the pole’s handle.
5. At the end of the line, add a swivel or a hook. If you want to adjust the depth of the hook, add a bobber and any split shot you want.
6. You can now put your bait to the test.

Rigging a Telescopic Cane Pole

Rigging a telescopic pole is as easy as stringing a bamboo rod. As a matter of fact, the procedure is nearly identical, except that there is a decreased danger of the tip breaking under stress.

How to Fish With a Cane Pole

Cane pole fishing is pretty simple, but since it doesn’t have any reel and your line is limited, it can be challenging at first. Here’s how you can master cane pole fishing.

1. Lower your line into the water by gradually dipping the rod below and slowly raising it.
2. Avoid moving it around too quickly or forcefully.
3. Once you’ve hooked a fish, raise the pole above your head. This will bring the fish closer to the banks or boak.
4. Then grab the fish, either by hand or net and remove the hook.

Cane Pole Fishing Techniques and Tips

You can use cane fishing poles to catch small to medium-sized fish, including bluegills, crappies, and catfish. If you target a larger fish like a Northern Pike, we suggest using a conventional fishing rod.

• Bass: If you want to catch bass, make sure you use a bait that can function in cover. The bait should also look as natural as possible to the bass.
• Trout: Use a tiny fly as bait and travel upstream to the stream’s or pool’s mouth. This approach entails carefully dangling the fly 2 or 3 inches over the water’s surface and occasionally touching it, just like a natural fly would.

• Bluegill & Crappie: While crappie and bluegill are generally easy to catch, a cane fishing pole allows you to get your bait into hard-to-reach areas near dense cover.

• Catfish: Use a slightly heavier line and anchor your line closer to the base of the pole because the weight of this fish can put a strain on your pole and potentially cause it to crack.

How to Make a Cane Fishing Pole?

You don’t need a sophisticated rod to catch fish at your nearby lake. The following is a step-by-step guide to making your cane fishing pole:

1. Find a 10-foot to 20-foot long piece of bamboo. Choose one that is straight as much as possible.
2. Cut the bamboo stalk below the knuckle closest to the ground, near the root.
3. Remove any attached leaves, but be careful not to cut into the stalk itself.
4. Cut the tip of the stalk just above the last knuckle.
5. Allow the stalk to cure for a few weeks by hanging it in a dry location until it turns a solid tan hue. This ensures that the bamboo has dried thoroughly and will endure as long as feasible.
6. Sand the base and the rest of the pole.
7. Apply a coat or two of wood lacquer.
8. Set up your fishing cane and get started.

Cane Pole Fishing FAQ

What Are the Best Baits for Cane Poles?

When using a cane rod or pole to catch fish, the most common species are bluegill and tiny catfish. When going after catfish, you’ll use a variety of baits, including earthworms, crickets, mealworms, and a minnow-shaped plug that floats.

How Long Should a Cane Pole Line Be

The rope’s length should be enough to extend from the pole’s tip to the bottom. This ensures that even if the pole’s very thin tip broke, you could still land a bigger fish.

How to Cure a Cane Pole for Fishing?

You can cure a cane pole for fishing by laying the bamboo on a flat surface. It can take several weeks to months before it completely cures. You will know that the pole is cured if its color changes from green to brown. Never put bamboo poles under direct sunlight because they will crack.

Back to Basics

Cane pole fishing offers you the opportunity to go back to the basics of fishing! It may seem primitive and outdated, but the joy of catching a fish without using any modern fishing gear is exhilarating! Plus, it is a terrific method to learn to fish without spending a lot of money.

Crossbow hunting has never been more popular. That’s because of the number of states that have legalized crossbow use during archery season, and also because of the abundance of high-quality crossbows on the market. There are x-bows to fit all budgets, and they’re diverse in design and performance.

Unlike compound bows, which are built around a standard of specifications set by the International Bowhunters Organization (IBO), there is no manufacturer standard for crossbows. Different models, even from the same brand, may use different types of arrows and nocks, different limbs and cam systems (or no cams at all), different optics, and assorted cocking systems and safety mechanisms. That can make it a bit challenging to choose the best broadhead for your crossbow.

Modern crossbows are capable of incredible performance. Some of the newest ones shoot up to 500 feet per second with 400-grain bolts, which is about double the speed of a typical compound bow hunting setup, producing near twice the amount of energy. Many of them will shoot 1-inch groups at 50 yards, and a few even have scope reticles graduated to 100.

If you’re a new crossbow owner, what broadhead should you use to take advantage of all that speed and performance? Some insist that mechanical models are universally the best choice for x-bows. Others prefer fixed-blades regardless. Independent testing has shown that both styles can work well from crossbows; the secret is to decide on your particular hunting requirements, and then settle on the appropriate broadhead that your x-bow shoots best.

THE CASE FOR MECHANICAL CROSSBOW BROADHEADS

• Pros: The real benefit of a mechanical broadhead is the massive cutting diameter paired with an aerodynamic in-flight profile. The big cutting diameter is especially effective on whitetails, mule deer, pronghorns, and similar-sized game. They’re also ideal for turkey hunting. The blade-opening process does use some kinetic energy, which is a consideration for compound shooters using lightweight setups, but it’s barely a blip on the radar at crossbow speeds. Even “slow” x-bows have more than enough energy to reliably open the largest mechanical blades.
• Cons: Keeping blades closed at crossbow speeds can be a bigger challenge than making them open. And mechanical broadheads are just that … mechanical, meaning they have moving parts that are structurally weaker than fixed parts. At crossbow speeds, blades are more subject to damage, even when target shooting. Though dulled or damaged blades can usually be replaced, it’s a more tedious process than replacing fixed blades.

THE CASE FOR FIXED-BLADE CROSSBOW BROADHEADS

• Pros: Quality fixed-blade broadheads are incredibly rugged and can withstand heavy abuse. With a straight-shooting crossbow, hunters can use fixed-blade broadheads to get maximum penetration and bone-breaking capability on even the largest game. There is no worry about blades opening at the wrong time. Fixed-blades are more convenient and economical if you shoot multiple animals per season, or if you do a lot of practicing with your broadheads. So long as the ferrules aren’t damaged, replacing dulled blades with new ones takes only a few seconds.
• Cons: Fixed-blade broadheads in general (there are exceptions) have smaller cutting diameters than mechanical broadheads. Especially large fixed-blade broadheads are less aerodynamic in flight than compact (closed) mechanicals, meaning they’re more prone to wind drift and drag, particularly at extreme crossbow speeds. Velocities in excess of 400 fps and exceptionally short, stiff crossbow arrows (or bolts, depending on what you call them) can bring out the worst in fixed-blade flight. More compact fixed-blade broadheads alleviate some of these problems, but that does come at the cost of an even smaller cutting diameter.

TRY BOTH

Here’s the peculiar thing about crossbows: All those differences in speed, arrow design, trigger pull, and optics affect accuracy in their own little ways. Just as most centerfire rifles will shoot some bullet weights and styles better than others, your personal crossbow will likely shoot some broadheads better than others. The trick is to find a broadhead that hits with your field points, or close to them, out to the distances where you plan to shoot.

Most broadheads will shoot close at 20 yards. You’ll see the biggest differences in accuracy at 40 to 50 yards and beyond. Good broadheads aren’t cheap, but it’s worth investing in a few packages of various styles to find the model your crossbow shoots best, and that fits your personal hunting preferences. Maybe go in with a couple buddies so that everyone can try a few models without being too out of pocket, or consider picking a Wasp Archery Pick 3-Pack, which allows you to try three different Wasp broadhead models in one customized package. Once you dial in the broadhead you and your crossbow like, stock up! You’ll be glad that you went to the extra trouble when the buck or bull of a lifetime steps into range.

RECOMMENDED CROSSBOW MECHANICAL BROADHEADS

Wasp mechanical broadheads are among the toughest on the market. The models we recommend for crossbow shooters use tried-and-true, replaceable o-rings for blade retention. Our favorite crossbow mechanicals, like the Dueler and Jak-X, are designed to be used with two o-rings, and six extra o-rings are included with every package sold. The 2-blade Dueler allows shooters to rotate a Select-A-Cut washer for a 1.5-inch cutting diameter, or a massive 2.3-inch cutting diameter. The Jak-X is a 3-blade model with a substantial 1 3/4-inch cutting diameter.

RECOMMENDED CROSSBOW FIXED-BLADE BROADHEADS

The Crossbow Boss has a 1 3/8-inch cutting diameter and is designed for perfect flight, thanks to its short, aerodynamic ferrule and vented blades. It’s equipped with Wasp’s legendary Trocar tip, the toughest one on the market. If you’re looking to up your front of center and need maximum penetration and durability on heavy or dangerous game, consider the 150-grain Sledgehammer, which has a solid-steel ferrule and Trocar tip with a 1-inch cutting diameter. Wasp’s award-winning Havalon HV models, available in both 100- and 125-grain versions, have an ultra-compact ferrule and 1 3/16 cutting diameter, and are a favorite of many crossbow shooters.

— Story by Wasp Archery Staff; Lead image by John Hafner

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It could be argued that Ohio’s so-called “Hole-In-The-Horn Buck” is the most famous whitetail in the world. In fact, this legendary deer, with his incredible rack and story to match, might well be the most famous big game animal ever to come from the North American continent!

My own involvement in this story began sometime around 1977 when I was in the business of outfitting guided hunts, primarily for trophy whitetails. As a group of hunters and I sat around a campfire one evening, one of the clients pulled out photos of two of the largest bucks I’d ever seen. Supposedly, a “friend” of his had killed both animals, but my client couldn’t offer any other details. Although those bucks remained firmly implanted in my mind, further details continued to be unavailable for the next few years.

Then, in the early 1980s, I was fortunate to meet Fred Goodwin of Sherman Mills, Maine, one of America’s foremost whitetail collectors. Fred had gathered more than 1,300 sets of antlers over a span of nearly 70 years, and along with these, he’d acquired thousands of antler photos. As dug through cigar and shoe boxes full of photos, one in particular caught my eye — a photo just like one of those I’d seen four years earlier around that camp­fire!

The inscription on the back of the photo, which was in Fred’s handwriting, read, “giant non-typical found dead along railroad tracks, greatest spread 36 inches, 60 points, Kent, Ohio.” I soon learned that Fred had acquired the photo several years earlier from one of his many pen pals. Fred had never seen the buck, but he claimed it was the largest non-typical whitetail he knew of.

Eventually, I learned that the photo had come from a private hunting club in Kent, Ohio, and that the buck still hung in the bar there. In the summer of 1982, I talked with a couple of club members to learn more of this deer. Because of time and distance from my Montana home, however, it was actually August 1983 before I could travel to Kent to see the giant for myself.

By then, he’d hung in the smoke-filled bar for right at 40 years, and both the mount and antlers were nearly black from stains and dust. But, I immediately knew the antlers were of gigantic proportions and that they were even larger than they’d appeared in the photo. My initial rough score was off the “Richter Scale,” at 349 2/8 Boone and Crockett points well above that of the recently discovered 333 7/8-point world record from Missouri!

At the time of my visit, widespread interest in collecting whitetail racks was just beginning. I’d already acquired a substantial collection of outstanding bucks (many of which are featured in this book) and had begun displaying them at sportsmen’s shows. The Kent Canadian Club was interested in making its giant buck more visible to the general public, and I eventually acquired the mounted head.

North American WHITETAIL maga­zine, which I had been involved with since I helped in its founding in 1982, also played an instrumental role in this saga. We shared a common goal of uncovering the origin and history of the buck and passing along that information to the hunting public. As I dug into the deer’s back­ground, learned that he’d been found dead more than 40 years earlier and had hung in virtual seclusion ever since.

The Kent Canadian Club was founded in the early 1920s by a group of local hunters and fishermen who shared a special sporting interest in Ontario, Canada, and fellowship at their local clubhouse/bar in Kent. In the early days of the club, land was purchased at a site along the French River, where it joins Elephant Lake in Ontario. Later, a main lodge and cabins, bath houses, etc., were added, and it became the focal point of recreation for the membership.

Because most of the membership lived near Kent, a clubhouse/bar was also established there. The club’s 300 social members can use the local facility, but only the 20 “backroom” members are allowed to use the Ontario site.

One of the early members, Charlie Flowers, was an engineer for Erie Railroad Company of Ohio and appar­ently was directly responsible for the club’s ownership of the rack. It’s unclear whether Charlie was one of the individu­als who found the deer or if he merely came into possession of the antlers from another person. Regardless, he ended up with the rack.

At the time I acquired the Hole-In-The-Horn, the circumstances surround­ing the buck’s death and recovery were largely speculative. According to descen­dants of those involved and other infor­mation available then, the buck had been found dead along the railroad right-of-way near Windham, Ohio, in 1940 or shortly there­after. The carcass was badly decom­posed, so only the head was salvaged. It was believed that one of the engineers spotted the dead buck from the train itself and at some point (then, or at a later date) recovered the antlers.

According to what I could learn at the time of my investigation, the buck had been found in or near the Ravenna Arsenal in Portage County. This arsenal is still used for storage of military munitions, and for security reasons, it’s surrounded by a high fence. What nobody could tell me was whether or not the fence had played some role in the deer’s death. Had the barrier caused him to become trapped, resulting in death by collision with the train? Or, had he perhaps become entangled in the fence itself and died from injuries, stress or starva­tion? And for that matter, on which side of the fence was he found? Apparently, nobody knew.

I was told that Charlie had sold the rack to the Kent Canadian Club for $25. The club then commissioned Ben Morgan, a taxidermist in nearby Akron, to acquire a new cape and mount the head. Once completed, it hung in the club’s bar and essential­ly remained anonymous until I “dis­covered” it. But, this was not just any deer hanging in a bar he would have been the undisput­ed world record for 40 years!

Once the head arrived at my home, there was time for closer scrutiny and opportunity for more careful measuring. There was no doubt that the head would become either No. 1 or No. 2 in the B&C record book. The staff at North American WHITETAIL and I knew this buck was a world record contender, so we searched for a name that would give him his own identity. Because there was no hunter’s name to attach to this deer, as there is with most other trophy heads, we had to find something else to call him.

At that time, perhaps the most myste­rious aspect of this rack was the fact that one of the large drop tines on the right main beam had a small hole through it. There was a great deal of speculation as to how and when the hole was cre­ated, so we dubbed this awesome ani­mal the “Hole-In­The-Horn Buck.” That moniker has since become universally accepted.

From the first time I unofficially scored the head, I knew it was a mea­surer’s night­mare, as it

had configurations of antler never before encountered on any whitetail rack. There was obviously more than one interpreta­tion of how it should be scored, but most of the net scores from my measurements and those of many experienced measur­ers fell somewhere in the 340s—usually between 342 and 349 points.

Based on these unofficial scores, we felt the probability was high that this buck’s final score would exceed the 333 7/8-point score of the world record “St. Louis Buck,” which had been found dead less than two years earlier. But, we also knew the margin was close enough that the official scoring for entry into the records should not be done by just any official measurer. We wanted it done by someone who was very experienced and well respected within B&C’s ranks. No measurer fit this descrip­tion better than Phil Wright, chairman of the Scoring Committee and one of the most senior mem­bers of the club.

On August 27, 1983, the head was taken to Phil for the official scoring. After long and careful exam­ination, he arrived at an entry score of 342 3/8, well above the world record. Phil also stated at the time that two or three other abnormal points he hadn’t included in the total possibly could be added in during a final scoring by B&C judges’ panel. If these points were includ­ed, the final score would be close to 349 points, very near my initial net score.

Based upon Phil’s official entry score, the December 1983 issue North American WHITETAIL announced the shocking news of this historic buck and published information on both his “discovery” and the recent scoring. The magazine called the buck a “new world record,” because according to Phil’s official entry score, he was indeed just that.

Just a year prior to the initial scoring of the Hole-In-The-Horn, the enormous buck found dead near St. Louis had been officially scored by B&C measurer Dean Murphy, who also worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation and was an official member of the Awards Program judges’ panel. Based upon Dean’s entry score of 325 3/8 points, the Missouri buck had been highly publicized by newspapers and sporting maga­zines (including North American WHITETAIL) as a “new world record.”

When the St. Louis Buck had first been announced to the world, he wasn’t yet an “official” world record, because he hadn’t been verified as such by a panel of B&C measurers. He was to be remeasured in the spring of 1983, at which time a final deci­sion on his score would be rendered. However, to my knowledge, there was no negative reaction to claiming this deer to be/the next No.1 non-typical.

The announcement of the Hole-In­The-Horn Buck in North American WHITETAIL followed that precedent. According to an official score sheet filled out by Phil Wright, the Ohio buck was just as much a “new world record” as the Missouri buck had been the previous year, when all anyone had to go on was Dean’s entry score.

Only a couple of months prior to my acquiring the Hole-In-The-Horn Buck, in the summer of 1983, B&C’s 18th Awards Program was held. There, the official score of the Missouri buck was raised from 325 3/8 points to 333 7/8. At the time, this hardly seemed an issue, because either way, the score was far in excess of Jeff Benson’s 286-point world record from Texas. But now, there was a new contender for that crown.

The next three-year scor­ing period culmi­nated with the 19th Awards Program on June 28, 1986. Top recent entries in all big game categories were to be on hand for panel scoring and display. It was pointed out by B&C officials that should the Hole-In-The-Horn not appear, he’d be listed in the next record book with an asterisk, indicating that the score shown was still subject to verification by a judges’ panel. What’s more, we were told that the deer could be dropped from the record book at some point in the future if not panel-measured. Eager to have the score confirmed, I placed the Hole-In-The-­Horn in the cus­tody of Phil Wright for trans­portation to the Awards Program.

When the buck was remea­sured by the panel, the original 5×5 typical frame was rejected and a 4×4 typical configuration chosen. The final score submitted by the panel was 328 2/8 points, and it wasn’t subject to appeal. To everybody’s sur­prise, the Hole-In-The-Horn had become the official No. 2 non-typical.

From the first announcement of the original entry score of this buck, there was in certain quarters criticism of claims that he was a new world record. This seemed strange to me at the time, and still does, because the first wave of pub­licity on the Hole-In-The-Horn was little different from that regarding the Missouri buck. When these deer were revealed to the public, neither was an “official” world record; however, each had been entered at a score that, if upheld, would make him one.

Whatever the motivations for down­playing the Ohio buck, the resulting confusion about which buck was actually “bigger” detracted from the fact that these two racks tower above all others as the largest of all time. Both the Hole-In-The­-Horn and the St. Louis Buck are of a size that could hardly even have been imagined before they surfaced. Since the B&C record book had been founded, the Benson Buck from Texas had been the undisputed No. 1 non-typical. Then, out of the clear blue, within a couple of years of each other, two bucks that exceeded even the most optimistic dreams of the white­tail fraternity had come onto the scene. A new benchmark had been established.

Regardless of his final score, the Hole-In-The-Horn Buck is undeniably one of the two most awesome non-typi­cals of all time. Even though he looks huge in photos, they still don’t reflect his true size. For example, photography can’t indicate that even after 40 years of dry­ing, the rack still weighs 11 1/2 pounds!

It’s also worth noting that while phe­nomenal mass is what makes the Hole­-In-The-Horn so impressive in the eyes of many experts, it actually contributes little to his final score. I think most whitetail aficionados who’ve seen both heads would concede that the Hole-In-The-­Horn has more antler volume than any other buck in history, including the St. Louis Buck. On the other hand, the St. Louis non-typical has a lot of long points, and he apparently grew several more that broke off before he was found. So, the debate over which of these bucks is big­ger undoubtedly will continue.

However, as of very recently, we’re no longer in the dark as to what caused the unique antler feature that gave the Hole-In­-The-Horn Buck his name. As noted, at the time I conducted my interviews and other research on the story of this buck (1983), about all that was known for

certain was that a railroad man named Charlie Flowers had sold the antlers to the Kent Canadian Club and that taxi­dermist Ben Morgan had mounted the deer. After that story appeared in the

December 1983 issue of North American WHITETAIL, we naturally hoped some­body out there might come forth with new information, but more than a decade passed without that happening.

Then, in 1995, WHITETAIL editor Gordon Whittington received a cryptic note with a Florida postmark. “For infor­mation on the Hole in Horn buck, con­tact me,” it read. “I was present.”

Well aware that all eyewitnesses to the recovery of this deer had supposedly been dead for many years, Gordon was understandably skeptical. But, he dialed the phone number on the card anyway, and in so doing, he took the first step toward solving the greatest mystery in whitetail history.

As it turned out, the person who’d sent the card—a 76-year-old gentleman named George Winters—had indeed seen the Hole-In-The-Horn Buck in the flesh. -What’s more, he’d apparently been the first human to touch that enormous right antler with the strange hole through it. And in so doing, he told Gordon that he’d seen with his own eyes what had caused the hole!

George recounted that back in the early 1940s, when he was in his early 20s, he worked on a maintenance crew inside the arsenal. One bitterly cold morning, he and another guy were riding along a road near the perimeter fence when they saw several railroad workers on the outside of the fence. The men had appar­ently come down from the railroad track, which was roughly 75 yards from the fence.

Eager to see what was going on, George and his companion parked and walked down to the fence. There, they found the railroad workers pulling on the body of a large animal, which was stuck under the barrier. Actually, the carcass was entirely outside of the fence but part of the rack was wedged beneath the wires.

“We didn’t know what it was,” George remembered. “One of the men said, ‘It’s an elk!’ Then, another one said, `No, it’s a moose!’ I’d seen deer before, but really wasn’t sure if this was one or not. The animal had been dead for a week or so, from the looks of it, and he was huge. He looked like he weighed 300 or 400 pounds. He’d obviously been hit by a train.”

One of the railroad men—George never caught his name —announced that he wanted the antlers, and the crew start­ed pulling the giant out from under the fence. But, the animal wouldn’t come free. George noticed that when they pulled on the legs, the fence swayed. The rack itself was stuck.

George got a shovel and began work­ing to free the right antler, which was solidly wedged under the wires. “It had been so cold that the ground was frozen down six or eight inches,” George recalled. “That antler was actually frozen into the ground. The fence was made of chain link, and it had stiff wires sticking down along the bottom of it. When I finally got the rack free, I noticed one of those pieces of wire was sticking down through the antler!

“I guess for years everyone has been wondering what made that hole,” George noted, “but it definitely was caused by that wire.”

This all makes sense to me. There are several scratches around the hole, and its diameter is roughly the same as that of the wire used on chain-link fences. Because this drop tine is rather “porous” out near its tip, I have no trouble believ­ing that a buck thrashing around in pain would be able to poke a stiff wire all the way through it.

So, there you have it—an unexpected eyewitness account of the recovery of what might well be the most legendary whitetail of all. Now, it seems, the book on this giant can be closed once and for all.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ANOTHER HUNTER’S CLAIMS AS TO WHY THERE IS A HOLE