April 2010
Pocket Fisherman
Ron Popeil
Early 1960s
This month’s Lure of the Month isn’t a lure, but an important part of fishing culture.
I recently had a booth at the Northwest Sportshow, and had a table featuring some “Gadgets of the Past.” Easily, the most recognizable and most popular item is the Popeil Pocket Fisherman.
In the 1960s, inventor/marketing mogul Ron Popeil came out with Ron Popeil’s Pocket Fisherman, a handy pole for on-the-go fishers.
The rod folded up and could easily fit in your glove box. The handle of the pole was also a mini tackle box that could fit your hook, line, sinker, and bobber.
There is also a convenient hook so you can hook it onto your belt or your pocket.
Many people still have an original Pocket Fisherman, which means they aren’t worth very much. An original Pocket Fisherman with the box is still about what you paid for it…about $19.95. The one exception is if you have a black handled one. They didn’t make as many of those, and they are worth about $40 today.
