Creek Chub’ Four Rarest Original Series
by
Fred Sweeney

After aggressively researching CCBCo lures and related items from the 1916 – 1960 era, I’ve experienced a certain pecking order of rarity for this company’s production.

Instead of attempting to name four different individual color combos, I’m focusing on the four rarest original series.

You might automatically name some of the toughest perceived series as your choices, such as: #1000 & #1100 Fly Rod Bug Wigglers, #1800 “5 Hooker” bait, #2100 series Fintail Shiner or perhaps #3900 Sucker. Granted, all these series are coveted by any serious Creek Chub enthusiasts but believe it or not, they aren’t the scarcest series, overall.

I realize this article is open to speculation and argument, but here’s how I see it after examining at least 100,000 CCBCo lures over the last 10 years.

The following list is in no particular order because there are so few examples of any of these baits.

1. #1900 Series Creek & River Fishing Lure – aka the “3 Hooker”. Sometimes seen in Shur-Strike patterns but after 9 years I’ve only been able to nab one lonely example in outstanding condition. Much, much tougher than the #1800 series “5 Hooker”.
2. # S50 Saltwater Champ – An all metal bait that is the same length as the S40 Musky Champ but there are two main differences that set them apart. The Saltwater Champ is made of a much thicker gauge steel and it doesn’t have a loop centered in the body for a belly hook. I’ve seen two examples of this series since 1997.
3. F10 Feather Casting Minnow – Although I’ve seen more than a few examples, they are very difficult to find in true excellent to mint condition. Although many collectors are attracted to the similar looking F1 Fly Rod Flexible Floating Feather Minnow (whew!) series, they are seen much more often than this lure.
4. F1200 Floating Fly Rod Minnow – I know of several in two major collections but I’ve been offered only one example and that was out of a mature collection.

There are many other original series that deserve honorable mention such as: #2300L (leaded) Husky Pike made in a glass eye version from 1957-1960; #5700 Musky Dinger – especially in outstanding condition; #S-20 Sinful Sal in all colors except red/white, etc.

I’m sure you can list your favorite series that will differ from my list & that’s fine. After all this isn’t a scientific study based on production records because they don’t exist. Instead, this is one collectors opinion based on personal experience and is certainly open to debate.