April 2026 • Nebraskaland 31
Although I am not a serious fisherman, I have long been
drawn to old tackleboxes. Opening one feels a bit like gazing
into a long-forgotten treasure chest. Among the battle-
scarred jigheads, rusty hooks and melted rubber worms there
is always usable gear, but what really grabs my attention are
the older lures — some of them art, others antiques.
I have acquired several tackleboxes from friends who
have given up fishing or died. For me, just as interesting
as the gear inside is the insight they offer into the former
owner's fishing habits, or even their personality. They are
cherished keepsakes, especially two I acquired from people
I greatly admired.
The
INTRIGUE OF
Old
TACKLEBOXES
Story and photos by Gerry Steinauer
