Two nationally known antique fishing lure collectors from Niles will display old fishing tackle for the public at Niles Riverfest Aug. 4-7.

This is the 20th year for the displays. Both exhibitors are considered experts in their own field of tackle collecting. They are Ric Ladonski, rods and reels, and Doug Bucha, lures. Both are members of the National Fishing Lure Collectors Club and Old Reel Collectors Association.

Many items on display will be from famous local fishing tackle manufacturers such as Heddon Tackle Co. in Dowagiac, South Bend Bait and Tackle Co., Paw Paw Tackle Co., Creek Chub Bait Co. and the Shakespeare Tackle Co. in Kalamazoo. Other old local companies on display from South Bend are the Roy L. Kimble Bait Co., the Anthony Sobecki Lure Co., the Champion Lure Co. and the J.A. Hardy Tackle Co.

The collectors are looking for help in researching the following companies: the Michigan City Bait Works and the Tony Darby Lure Co. of Whiting, Ind. Both of these companies operated during the early 20th century.

Another part of this year’s display will be artworks, such as paintings and prints depicting fishing scenes from the late-1800s and early-1900s.

Included in this new area of fishing collectibles will be “hand-forged” ice fishing spears, wooden landing nets, wooden tackle boxes, trout creels and ice fishing spearing decoys. Some collectors are now considering these items as art forms because they were hand-crafted. These items are bringing in some very good prices at this time.

Free, no obligation appraisals will be offered to anyone wanting to bring their old, pre-1970, fishing tackle down to the Riverfest for identification or value. Advice on how to preserve old tackle will also be offered. The collectors are hoping to purchase old, unwanted fishing tackle to add to their collections.