The Ellsworth community is invited to cast a line into Wisconsin’s rich angling past when acclaimed author and collector Chris Slusar visits the Ellsworth Public Library at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 11 for a lively and visually captivating presentation on early Wisconsin fishing lures.

Slusar, author of “Early Wisconsin Fishing Lures, Hooks, and Harnesses: An Illustrated History of Wisconsin Fishing Lures and Their Makers,” has spent decades reeling in the stories behind the state’s most inventive tackle makers. His book—featuring more than 2,000 images—serves as both a collector’s guide and a tribute to Wisconsin’s deep-rooted fishing culture, earning its place as an essential resource for enthusiasts and historians alike.

A Milwaukee native, Slusar’s passion began with childhood fishing trips and grew stronger after an unforgettable musky excursion to the Chippewa Flowage. What started as a love of fishing soon evolved into a fascination with the craftsmanship, ingenuity, and history behind the lures themselves. By the 1980s, his expanding collection had taken over walls and tackle boxes—and his journey as a historian was well underway.

Over the past 25 years, Slusar has become a respected voice in the world of fishing collectibles, contributing to national publications, collaborating on public television features, and helping host one of the country’s largest antique fishing tackle shows. His engaging storytelling brings history to life, connecting audiences to the people and creativity behind the gear.

During the April 11 program, attendees will hear how Slusar’s personal journey inspired his work, explore the evolution of Wisconsin-made lures from the mid-1800s through 1960, and discover the remarkable innovation that helped shape the state’s fishing heritage. The presentation will include rare photographs, fascinating anecdotes, and selections from his personal collection.

With Pierce County long celebrated as a fisherman’s paradise—home to pristine trout streams, rivers, and lakes—this event offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the legacy of the tools that helped define the sport in Wisconsin.

This free event is open to the public, and no registration is required. Guests are encouraged to bring along their own fishing lures for possible identification, historical insight, and informal appraisal.

For more information, please contact the Ellsworth Public Library.

Submitted by Ellsworth Public Library