Uncle Flathead LLC

Grandpa's Tackle Box

In 2022 my grandfather, the man ultimately responsible for my love of the outdoors passed. When the time came to liquidate the estate I made a simple request to my father, aunts, and uncles... Can I have Grandpa's tackle box?

Last week I finally made the trip "home". It had been 8 years, 4 since his passing, but I hadn't forgotten. The night before I left to come back to Kandas my father gave it to me. When I opened it I was instantly amazed by all of the memories of the man who's teachings built the foundation I grew upon.

Whether it was catching worms by flipping rocks and logs in the yard or at night with a flashlight after the rain, piddling in creeks all day catching crawdads, setting minnow traps, or trying my luck at mystery baits... he led the lessons. I still tie his knots as my go-to's for 90% or my lures and rigs. Little things, some of which are in the pictures, I still do... even if slightly modified. So with that let's look together at some of the things uniquely, my Grandpa!

First this tackle box. For years he just used an old metal tool box with a couple trays, but somewhere around 10 or 12 I got this exact box, probably a birthday gift, and he liked it. I guess it was enough go get one of his own.

Opening it we're met with reference data and a friendly photo of him.

In the box there's a mix, mostly newer stuff (90's on), but a few older ones. My personal favorite being the BANJO MINNOW!!! Let me tell yall, in 1995 when that infomercial came out I was captivated! I'd watch it OVER AND OVER AND OVER... "Just SNAP IT... and let it die... let it die... let it die... and SNAP it!" That Christmas, my father bought me it. I squeeled before running out and across the street to the frozen Erie Canal and trying to make a hole to fish through. I failed. I'm not too sure I ever actually caught a fish on those lures, but I sure tried!

In the bottom of the box Grandpa was ahead of his time. There were no smartphones, so he took pictures from books and magazines of techniques and fish identification information that he wanted to be able to reference quickly. And, in his typical fashion, there's multiples so he could hand them out to someone he met along the way.

His licenses because he was an honest man. Accompanied by the local regulations. I don't know if he ever hunted so finding that license was shocking, but it was nice to see.

Photos of his friends at Burt Dam, the place of myth and legend to a small boy catching sunnies and bullhead. I still remember him coming home with them and fileting them on the picnic table in the yard.

Sponges to wrap your hooks around and rubberband keeper. Homemade lead weights. Nail clippers. The usual stuff.

A 1955 and 1965 copy (in pristine condition by the way) of A Golden Guide FISHING.

And an Easter Palm, because he was a man of faith.

No, this isn't a catfish or business post, but I wanted to share it. Tomorrow isn't promised. You blink and you can't go back. So please, enjoy the photos like I did and if you're able to call up your Dad or Grandpa and take them fishing (Grandma too if she'll do it!) or if your a parent ir grandparent take a kid fishing. Those days and lessons become our favorites after you leave.

Thanks for reading yall. 🫶

CLOSED THROUGH JULY 5TH FOR VACATION! WILL RESPOND TO ORDERS EACH EVENING IN MESSAGES AND RESUME SHIPPING ON THE 6TH!