The State of Wisconsin has long been a fisher’s paradise. The thousands of lakes scattered within its borders provide an almost infinite number of angling opportunities. Of course, the pursuit of fish has anglers perpetually chasing the next best lure.

It is no surprise that the inventive residents of the state have seized the opportunity, leading to the design, manufacture, and marketing of a wide assortment of lures, hooks, and harnesses.

Although Wisconsin artisans began producing hooks thousands of years ago, the mid-19th century brought about a rapid increase in sophistication and the introduction of mass production. The states’ tackle makers invented and manufactured as never before, feeding the growing demand of the fishing community. This carefully crafted book begins during this progressive period and continues its detailed coverage through about 1960.

A passionate “Wisconsin-made” fishing tackle collector and historian, Chris Slusar shares his decades of knowledge in this identification and historical compendium. Hundreds of Wisconsin lure, hook, and harness makers are covered in these pages, which feature more than 2,000 photos and images. This book is a must-have for the collector and those interested in Wisconsin’s rich fishing history.