Creels

An example of how to create an area displaying a Creel, Net and Mount combination. Click image to see an enlarged photo. Note: Items not for sale, display only.

`With the advent of “catch and release” the fishing creel no longer has much utilitarian value. Instead, it is being recognized for its folk art appeal and the fine workmanship that has gone into many of the old creels. Further, the fishing creel is now widely recognized as a symbol of fishing and it is used in fishing art, logos and interior decoration. “The Art of the Creel” is a photographic perspective on a wide variety of creels, their makers, their materials and their artistic appeal. With more than 200 different creels photographed, this book provides a comprehensive look at all the major categories of creels as well a some very rare, one of a kind, creels that are tucked away in private collections. The authors have also provided pertinent information about the history and the makers for most of the creels. There is still much to learn about the subject and “The Art of the Creel” is a good place to start for anyone interested in fishing or folk art. Written by Hugh Chatham and Dan McClain / Photography by Gretchen Duykers / Dedicated to Daryll Whitehead / Published by Blue Heron Publications / ISBN 0-9659172-7-4 196 Pages **Please click on its image to see additional closeup ** Can be shipped "Book Rate"!

Large 16" early French weave split willow creel in excellent condition! This is a fine example of the early creels imported to the United States Tackle Shops pre-leather trim. It is also an example of the tightly woven creels that the famous Oregon Creel makers imported and then dressed with their fancy tooled leather. This creel measures approximately 16" across its bottom and 10" high at its back! Makes a great addition to any collection or as a display artifact for cabin, lodge, or home. The lid closure is intact and there are leather hinges at rear of top. There was no harness found with it and the harness were after-market purchases if desired. Please click on its image to see additional closeups!

This smaller scaled split willow creel was probably used by children to bring their catches home! It is marked on the bottom "12" denoting it's size which was measured across its' bottom width, twelve inches. This size creel is very scarce particularly in such great condition. This creel stands approximately 8" high and has a 7" embossed measure across the back of the lid top. To put this into perspective the standard size creel is on average 15" across its bottom and stands 9" high. The original carry handle, closing strap & buckle and front pocket snaps are original and all in working condition. C. 1930's this scarcer smaller size creel was made in the Far East (Japan) for export to the American Fly & Sporting shops in the USA. There was no harness found with this vintage creel which were after market purchases anyway. These are the same baskets that were used by the famous leather workers to dress with their saddle quality leather that they tooled and embossed and have become collectors creels today! These American makers were George Lawrence, Peters, Clark, McMonies, A.E. Nelson, Kenn's to name a few. Please click on its image to see additional closeups!

Great large vintage c.1930's tightly woven split willow fishing creel with leather trim. This creel retains its original rear carry handle, and has a front closing strap and buckle! This creel measures 16" wide across its bottom. There is a 10" measure across the rear top of the lid. It has a wonderful green stain finish (more bleached on front side then rear from natural sun). There are some brighter green areas on the front but spotty and do not detract from the overall patina and age of this creel! It was woven in Japan which is where most of all creel baskets came from for the American Tackle Shops. This includes the creel baskets used by the famous Oregon Creel makers who imported the baskets from the far east and then aplied their saddle leather with nice tooling designs! It has diagonal leather trim strips. The willow is tightly woven. An aftermarket leather shoulder harness original to its era was found with it. Please click on its image for additional closeups. Great one to collect or display! This is very similar to a creel shown on Page 171 in "The Art of The Creel" book belonging to Omar Kneedham a classic rod builder who worked for Orvis. Please click on its image for additional closeups!

As seen on Page 137 of the "Art of The Creel" this creel is a woven rattan "Hamper" style fishing creel! Well made, solid construction these creels were imported from the Far East to American Tackle Shops before and after the war. This one measures approximately 13" wide by 7 1/2" front to back by 10" tall. Closing ring on front is working great! Nice addition to any creel collection! Please click on its image to see additional closeups!

Nice vintage c.1930's tightly woven split willow fishing creel with leather trim. This creel retains its original rear carry handle, and has a front closing strap and buckle! This creel measures 14" wide across its bottom. There is a 9" measure across the rear top of the lid. It has a wonderful amber/copper finish with a dark brown leather trim! It was woven in Japan which is where most of all creel baskets came from for the American Tackle Shops. This includes the creel baskets used by the famous Oregon Creel makers who imported the baskets from the far east and then aplied their saddle leather with nice tooling designs! It has diagonal leather trim strips. An aftermarket leather shoulder harness was found with it. Please click on its image for additional closeups. Great one to collect or display!

Very nice #15 Tight Split Willow Creel dressed with leather trim and front accessory pocket! C. 1930's. This is a vintage Japanese creel produced for the American Tackle Shops since the early 1900's. Retaining the original copper stain to provide some additional protection against water rot. These are the same split willow baskets purchased by the famous Oregon creel makers to trim in their quality saddle leather and tooling detail. It was found with a harness which was an after market purchase. Willow has a nice patina and the leather trim is a copper/brown color. This creel displays beautifully and retains a rear carry handle, front closing strap and buckle! Just an outstanding wall hanger for home, cabin, or lodge ! Please click on its image for additional closeups!

Spectacular Cradle Harness fishing creel. This split willow is an older basket that was refurbished by a creel maker in Idaho. It has been cleaned & stained reddish/burgundy to help protect the willow from water damage.It has been completely re-leathered and a cradle style harness was created for it. It appears unused (minty) now! All rivets, buckles, strap, rear carry handle, and shoulder harness are intact and working great. Measures approximately 15" across its bottom, by approximately 6" deep, by approximately 9" high. 10" measure across the back top side of the lid. Signed on the top back by rear carry handle with the "Lost River" logo. Please click on its image to see additional closeups!