Since winter is in full swing, causing some of the “unfaithful” Minnesotans to think of visiting warmer weather is other states such as Florida…I thought I would feature a bait made in the “Sunshine State”.
First of all, I must address the name of this manufacturer. Was Uz his actual first name, or was it short for something? On the lure boxes that I have seen, the “Uz” is followed by a “period”. However, on the patents he has, his name is listed as “Uz C. Pemgerton”. So, Uz could be short for something or could be his actual full name.
Uz Pemberton was born in 1883 and as late as 1920 his occupation was listed as a well driller. Then, between 1930 and 1932, he received 6 patents for fishing lures.
Of his lures, the Bug Bait was the most popular…although none of his baits show up too often anymore. These baits had no eyes, nice paint patterns, a round body with a flat belly, and a distinct tail hook that featured a pork-rind attachment on the shaft. This particular bait has an additional treble hook on this attachment most likely added by a fisherman. They were advertised as “having the movement they cannot resist”.
His company was listed as “Pemberton and Sons” so he must have had at least a few family members helping him out in making and selling his baits.
Pemberton’s Bug Bait
Uz. C. Pemberton and Sons
Seffner. FL
1930
December 2022
