Visitor: Jarrett Lane Location: Medicine Hat, AB My Grandfather just gave me his old tackle box and some rods. He said he started fishing after the War and countinued up untill he had kids the first of which came in 1956 then he had to retire the rods. He said the last time he touched the tackle box was around 1959. He went to the store and bought some len thompson lures and noticed you guys relocated to Lacombe. He was pleased that you still offered fishing tips on the packages seeing that he wasn't the best angler. Anyway, I was just hunting through his old gear and there are 4 lures still in the packages. Three of them are from Lacombe and one from Abernethy. There are also about half dozen other ones that have been used. I was amazed to see how old they were and they haven't changed one bit in all thoses years. (I guess if it ain't broke don't fix it). Just thought you might enjoy the story... (October 2007)

Visitor: James Reidy Location: Holden, MA I've told this story a hundred times, but it never occurred to me to tell you until just now. During the '80's I fished on Fish River Lake in N.Maine for about 20 years. One day, while trolling with a 5 hp motor and letting out line, I had a tremendous strike. I turned around just in time to see boiling water from which emerged an Osprey with my large (6"?) 5 of Diamonds in its grasp. Thankfully, it dropped the lure just over tree top level. This is proof of this great lure. (October 2007)

Visitor: Dennis Michaels Location: Illinois Your product is better than anything I have ever used in my 50 years. (September 2007)

Visitor: Derek Budney Location: Gravenhurst, Ontario I use the Reverse Red (RR) and the Reverse Black (BK) No. 1. I catch pike anywhere from 24 inches to 39 inches. I have even caught bass on them. I use to use live bait, but not anymore. The Platinum Series are the all around best. (August 2007)

Visitor: Bob Baietto Location: Peoria, IL I have been fishing (Len Thompson lures) for many years. It is the most productive lure in my tackle box. When every thing else fails and fishing is slow out comes Thompson spoon... the action just drives the fish crazy. (July 2007)

Visitor: Aric Vonasek Location: I first learned about (Len Thompson lures) off of an Internet site about 4 years ago. I ordered up a base set of spoons and, during my next fishing trip (using a Yellow and Red, 5 of diamonds), I caught a record northern for the Itasca state park region of MN. I have been using them ever since and I've been telling everyone about them. THANKS! (July 2007)

Visitor: Bud Hufnagel Location: USA We had used (another brand of spoon) for years, but a couple of years ago we needed some spoons for a trip to Lake Esnagami in Ontario. We found this frog pattern (GF) No. 2 Len Thompson... that thing outfished virtually everything in our collective tackle boxes. Since then we have been hardcore Len Thompson fans. I don't pretend to know what makes the difference, but the things work. (April 2007)

Visitor: Albert Wirth Location: Germany I have been to Canada five times and I have always used Len Thompson lures!! Len Thompson lures are the best I have ever used!! So I also want to try to fish Len Thompsons in Germany. I need my order for rainbow and brook trout in Germany. (April 2007)

Visitor: Nathan Handel Location: Edmonton, AB Thank you for making such a great product. Your Platnum Series (Rainbow Trout) is the one hook we can count on any time of day or at any lake. When the other hooks aren't working the Len Thompson does. This summer in Lac des Iles, no one was catching fish with any size. Then I pulled in a 36inch 14lb northern... all thanks to Len Thompson. Thanks again for keeping it going. (February 2007)

Visitor: Jamie Bugg Location: North Battleford, SK I love using your lures to hammer northern pike. I am a big supporter of your products and swear by your 5 of diamonds (YR). (January 2007)

Visitor: Bob Strand Location: Regina, SK The 5 of diamonds isthe best hook I have. It has never let me or my friends down yet for both summer & winter fishing. (January 2007)

Visitor: Terry Weber Location: Corpus Christi, TX I'd like you to know that I've been fishing in your beautiful country since 1964 and I've been using your product since I was first introduced to it in 1970. I love it and it is the only metal lure I use on Ontario lakes. (January 2007)

Visitor: Charlie Huxted Location: Melfort, SK I find it easy to catch big walleye with the Len Thompson NO.8. (January 2007)

Visitor: Jack W. King Location: Indiana My son Jeff and two grandsons, Jeffrey-15 and Cody-14 from Wisdom, Montana, joined me for a late June 2006 northern pike fishing trip to the Pelican Rapids area of NE Saskatchewan. We bought your 50/50 Nickel/Blue (P NB) Len Thompsons at the recommendation of our fishing resort owner/operator. Those Nickel/Blue Thompsons were the "winners" for us and a big factor in the fun and family fishing memories we built together while chasing those Saskatchewan lunkers! I want to buy more for my grandsons for Christmas. Thanks again. (December 2006)

Visitor: Tony Moretti Location: I have to thank you for the frog spoon (GF). It has caught me some huge pike. Viva Len Thompson! (September 2006)

Visitor: Kelly Spangler Location: Souris, MB Just thought I would let you know that your spoons are by far the best/most cost effective way to catch a lot of big fish. I have used them everywhere. I have used them on rainbows and browns in BC, walleye and huge northerns in Alberta, and salmon and halibut on the west coast. My tackle box looks like a Len's catalog... hats off... good quality and fair pricing will always keep you on top. (August 2006)

Visitor: Tom Anacker Location: Wisconsin I never switched to another bait my entire week in Ontario, Canada. The rest of the guys finally switched over to a Len Thompson No. 4 Yellow & Red (YR) after I landed my third pike over 40". My favorite color is the YB. I outfished everyone I was with. Everyone in our group finally caught a pike over 40" when they converted to LT. These baits are the best! I mean the best! Please don't tell everyone how good the LT No. 4YB works because I want to catch and release some more fish! (June 2006)

Visitor: Jim Sutherland Location: BC Hot Hot new kokanie lure is Len Thompson's No. 2 50/50 Brass/Flame (BF). My notes from awhile back state that bigger kokes typically stay deeper than the school in general. This was proven to be true today. Man, those bigger kokes sure love this spoon. I can't wait to try it over on the Arrow for bigger Kokes and Bulls. (May 2006)

Visitor: Bryan Lessing Location: Western Canada I have a trip planned to Wollaston Lake in SK this June for some huge pike action. Along with my fancy dancy $8 - $15.00 plugs, I always carry twenty or so faithful, and respect laden, Len Thompsons. If the really expensive lures aren't working, I know the Lenny's will without a doubt in my mind.(April 2006)

Visitor: Joe Banns Your lures are the best but sometimes a little heavy in the small streams. However, when I'm fishing a lake I will (of course) tie on a Len Thompson and catch fish through out the day. (March 2006)

Visitor: Jim Sutherland Location: BC When I lived in Calgary one of the reasons I was catching bigger browns in the Bow River & bigger Rainbows throughout southern Alberta was because I was tossing or trolling LT or Gibbs Spoons. Try a #2 BW or a RR in the Bow River for Bows. There is a potential Alberta record brown below Carsland Dam, probably on the IndianReserve. Most guys fish with spoons that are too small for trout in Alberta. Trust me on this one. (October 2005)

Visitor: Don Stretch Location: Hearne Lake Lodge, NWT We don't sell anything other than great scenery and fishing, but we send everyone to Cabela's for an assortment of my favorite Len Thompson spoons. I don't think you can do any better than a Lenny for Lakers and Northern Pike. If they aren't biting a No.0 Flame and White (FW), Fire Tiger (FT), Five of Diamonds (YR), or a Rainbow Trout (RT), don't bother changing lures... just change holes. This year we did great on No. 4 spoons when trolling the main lake and No. 00 and No. 11 spoons when casting to river spawners on light tackle. Note: We prefer to use black single hooks that match the weight of the original treble hooks. We believe a larger single barbless holds much better than the supplied treble and allows for an easy release without removing the fish from the water. (September 2005)

Visitor: Sylvie Rochon Location: Lavigne, ON Sylvie Rochon reminded us that fishing is a beautiful family sport... the whole family gets a chance 'to talk, laugh, and relax.' Her son suffered an eye injury while fishing and she asked our website visitors to 'wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and the hooks!!! Also, release the tension on the line when the fish is in the net. For those who take their precautions already, hats of to you, and Happy Fishing!!!' (July/05)

Visitor: Leonard Charlesbois Location: Midland, ON I fish all the time (Georgian Bay) and my 'old faithful' is a Len Thompson Red and White spoon. It is the greatest lure in the World. I land pike everytime. It never fails me. I always stock at least 5 in my tackle box. (June/05)

Visitor: Adam Kudlak Location: Holman, Northwest Territories Just writing to say Koana (thank you) for making these hooks. They help a lot in bringing enjoyment to our family, but, more importantly, they help feed so many people in our community and around the North. (June/05)

Visitor: Jim Sutherland Location: Lake Okanagan, BC Jim spends a bunch of time fishing in the Okanagan. Below are some of the tips and suggestions he provided this summer. 1. While out fishing Lake Okanagan the other evening for Rainbows I started tying into some bigger Kokanee, When fish are biting I believe that's the correct time to start experimenting or trying something new or different, therefore I put on a small R/W Platinum spoon, GUESS WHAT??? Deadly, Unfortanately, we can't keep Kokanee out of Lake Okanagan therefore I had to put them back ASAP. Pretended I was after Bows !!! Wondering if I was into a hot bite or if it was just a fluke. Yesterday, I went to another lake with good numbers of Kokanees in it. Don't let anybody kid you... your Platinum series is one deadly lure. It is now a must have lure when I go Kokanee fishing. I rig a little different than most anglers for Kokes. Main line ............. Keel Sinker ............ 3ft. ................ #3 Gibbs Dodger ..... 2" ......... Spoon, tipped with Pink Maggots, where bait is allowed. The spoon also works behind downrigger... just eliminate Keel Sinker and run approximately 30 - 35" behind downrigger. (May/05) 2. Had to stop at Kencraft in Vernon to buy some Len Thompsons. Kencraft seems to be doing a better job of stocking them. It helps when the word is getting out that some of us are catching bigger fish on spoons. (June/05) 3. If you're considering a new color for the Platinum Series, give a thought to the Gibbs Jade Green. I took a Green felt pen to a straight Nickel Platinum Len Thompson and found, at times, it outproduced the 50/50 Nickel/Blue... just a suggestion. Think I've worn out at least 1 Nickel spoon, not by catching fish with it, but with the felt pen & cleaner. I do believe that action, size, and speed are more important than color... probably catch as many fish with 4 colors combinations as I would with a 100 different colors in the box. June 2005) 4. Rumor has it that a 23 pound Rainbow was caught by somebody from Revelstoke at Galena Bay on the Arrow Lakes about a week ago. People didn't want to say what it was caught on, but bought every No. 1 and No. 2 Len Thompson Five of Diamonds at the Kelowna Canadian Tire. (August 2005) 5. What do I say other then this year's trip to the Arrows Lakes was a trip of memories. Biggest bow of the trip 15 lbs caught on a No. 2 Reverse Red (RR) Platinum Series 'Len Thompson'. All kinds of dollies on 'Gibbs' Gator & Clendon Stewert Spoons .... Rainbows hammered 3.5 Gypsy and No. 2 Platinum. There is no question this year's trip was a spoon bite. Almost all trout were caught on spoons... only a couple on plugs... fewer still on bucktails. Don't get get caught up in the Interior B.C. trap that all big trout are caught on bucktails and plugs. 'Gibbs' Hockey Sticks, 'Len Thompson' Platinum Series (No. 2 and 4) and 'Gibbs' 3.5 Gypsy, bigger Gators, and Clendon Stewert's should be in your tackle box. (They work all year long.) Try running a little 3.5 Gypsy right on the surface about 250 - 300ft behind your boat at about 3MPH, you'll be surprised at what hits when using this little known trick. Same thing in the winter... a No. 2 or No. 4 LT are tremendous trolling lures... no weight... tow it as fast as you can without it going into a spin. (October 2005)

Visitor: Chris "Ducky" Tremblay Location: Beaumont, AB The first Len Thompson lure I ever got {which was also the very first lure I ever used} was a #1 Flame and White (FW) from my dad when I was 4 years old. And lemmie tell you that baby has been my old faithful for 25 years, although it's more like copper and red now. I have caught almost every type of fish that you can catch here in Alberta with it. Len Thompson rocks!! (October/04)

Visitor: Bob Kraft We recently ordered custom imprinted [hot Green & Chartreuse and Chartreuse & Flame] lures. I handed some out to some friends who, on a recent trip to Manitoba, caught trophy pike on them. My two brothers and I just returned from a trip to Manitoba [9/15/04] and caught over 300 lake trout in 3 days, many of them on the special lures we ordered. I have been handing them out left and right - good advertising. Just wanted to say thanks for a nice job on some AWESOME lures. (September/04)

Visitor: Jason Borgeson I've always been very happy to use Len Thompson spoons for pike in Northern Saskatchewan (since about 1976). The orange with black dots (Orange & Black - OB) works in bright weather and the yellow with red diamonds (Yellow & Red - YR) in dark water. (June/04) Greg adds: That is an interesting observation. I don't fish with the "Potato Bug" (Orange & Black - OB) much so I've never considered the optimum conditions for that particular color pattern. We have a friend who fishes with nothing but Orange & Black and he always fairs very well... no matter what the conditions.

Visitor: Daryl Minifie Location: Winchester, ON Hi, I am probably one of the biggest fans of Len Thompson lures and I have 'hooked' many of my fishing buddies on them. When most people see that I use a No. 4 they think it is overkill, yet eventually they all start using them as well - the proof is in the catch. At times I wish I had something maybe a little bigger than a No. 4. If you ever produce such a beast, please let me know. I would be MORE than happy to try it out! I normally fish the St. Lawrence at Morrisburg, Ontario for pike and muskie. (June/04)

Visitor: Lucas Reed Location: Silver Lake, IN I have been going to Halley's Camps in Northwest Ontario for many, many years now. It is located in the Trophy Waters region - a mandatory catch and release area with some very impressive fishing. That is, as long as you are throwing Len Thompson spoons. On our first trip we were fishing with the "other" brands, as we had never heard of Len Thompson spoons. After limited success the first morning, our guide suggested that we try some of his Len Thompson spoons. Needless to say, after that day we retired our other spoons and filled our tackle boxes with Len Thompson spoons and will never go back. The Len Thompsons consistently outperform the other guys be 3 to 1. I don't know what the difference is, but I really don't care. The fish like them better and that's enough for me. Thanks again. (May/04)

Visitor: Mark Carson Location: Chicago, IL I have been going to Canada for 8 years now pike and walleye fishing. When I first started going all I fished with as far as spoons are concerned were ________ and ________ spoons, but I purchased some Len Thompson spoons a couple of years ago and I have been killing the pike since then with your spoons. I still use the ________ spoons but have put the ________ spoons away. The one that always produces good pike for me is the white with orange stripe (Flame & White - FW). I like the Len Thompson spoons so much that I purchased some for the other 11 guy’s that go with me. Thanks for making such a good lure. (March/04)

Visitor: Jay Mohl - Jay's Clayoquot Adventures Location: Tofino, British Columbia Jay comments: As a full time Fresh and Saltwater Guide Outfitter, Fly and Tackle Retailer, and a Gibbs-Nortac pro staffer, I can't say enough about the consistent results that I get from using Len Thompson Spoons. Having grown up in the Qu'appelle Valley in Saskatchewan, Len Thompson lures were the only choice, regardless of the fishing conditions. Since migrating to coastal B.C. more than 20 years ago, some of these same spoons are still my top producers. During my 10 years of commercial fishing and the last 10 years as a full time guide and outfitter, I can honestly say that there is not a more tried and true line of lures than Len Thompson and Gibbs. My personal favorites for Steelhead are the Len Thompson No. 00 Brass and the Gibbs Koho #35 Brass or Blue Scale. And my personal favorite for Salmon is the Gibbs #6 and #7 Wonder Spoon. Check out some great photos of these spoons in action at www.gibbsfishing.com. (December/03) Greg replies: Thank you for the great endorsement. We must get out your way someday. I understand that you are one of the best and I can't think of a better way to learn about steelheading than from a BC guide who is also a big fan of Len Thompson lures. Thanks again for being a fan and, oh yeah, we're glad you like Gibbs lures too.

Visitor: Mykle Hunt Location: Lethbridge, AB Mykle reports on the new pattern: On a recent pike fishing trip to northern Saskatchewan I picked up a Canadian Edition No. 2. It was the best hook of the week and I landed countless fish from 1-12 pounds with it. The battle scars it now has is proof that Len Thompson spoons work wonders. (Sept/03)

Visitor: Scott Courser Location: Ponoka, Alberta Scott declares: I just wanted to say that there is no other fishing lure around like the Len Thompson. My fishing box is exploding at the seams because it is so full of Len Thompsons. I will offer this tip for fishing Gull Lake in Alberta… all you need is the yellow and black 5 of diamonds #2 and you can figure the rest out on your own!!!! My best Pike is 25lbs and I have caught many between 12-20 lbs. I also wanted to suggest a new color pattern that I found by accident that might be worth looking into! I was rooting through my tackle box one day and found a # 2 Flame and White that had caught tons of fish and was all scratched up with teeth marks and the white was almost all gone. Below the white the original brass color was showing through and I thought that it looked great. So I filed off the white and created a brass and flame colored hook. Next to the yellow and black diamonds it is my favorite hook for Pike! (August/03) Greg agrees: Greg agrees: Nice tip... there are some pretty big fish in Gull. Dad and I caught some nice walleye out there this year too. Regarding the color pattern recommendation, we agree with you. Several Len Thompson fans have requested similar versions of the Brass and Flame lure you described. We are currently playing around with a hammered version that may be introduced by next season. .

Visitor: Jim Tonkin Location: Jim searches: I'm looking for a lure I used recently, it had diamond and lance in the name, also Palko? It's copper and brass. My friend got it from a guide in B.C. Could it possibly be one of yours? It was about 4-41/2 inches long. Richard replies: It may be a Palco spoon - a commercial spoon made by a gent near Victoria. Unfortunately, he has passed on and I don't believe his business survived. Interestingly, his name was also Pallister (not a close relative). He was an old bachelor who ran a scrap business as well. All our spoons are displayed on our website. You could try Gibbs at www.gibbsfishing.com . Gibbs still manufactures commercial type trolling spoons that may be of interest. They also might know if Palco continued after his death.

Visitor: Rod Opperman Location: Brooks, Alberta Rod explains: (Len Thompsons) are the best hooks I have used to catch pike. I have caught pike from 1lb to 22lbs with these hooks. I have caught most of the pike on the 50/50 Nickel Blue, Fire Tiger, and Rainbow Trout. Every once in a while I have caught the occasional walleye and trout with the smaller hooks. (Nothing) compares to the Platinum Series. (July/03)

Visitor: Joe & Steph McCairel Location: Joe & Steph ask: Is it possible to purchase your #2 & 4 size spoons without hooks or split rings? I wish to use a single hook versus a treble. (July/03) Richard replies: Sorry, we only offer trebles on our spoons at this time. We assemble our lures with split rings, which make changing to singles quite easy. We always recommend that anglers locate a good fishing tackle retailer where they can find a good assortment of different hooks. Find singles with BIG eyes - we use Eagle Claw 085 series.

Visitor: Wayne Dharsan Location: Ratoath, Ireland Wayne declares: I have used your lures quite often in the past and had nothing but success. I find my self in a predicament as I now live in Ireland. I brought over two No. 4 five-of-diamonds (YR). I lost one in a pike about 40 lbs (… big pike here in Ireland) and the other got lifted. I managed to win 4 competitions here with the first one, and cried when I lost it. It is impossible to locate any of your lures here and in England. Please send me a catalogue so I can start winning competitions again. (June/03)

Visitor: Gerhard Vizdal Location: Austria Gerhard claims: About 4 years ago I bought some of your lures in the Yukon. The man in the shop said that (Len Thompson lures) are the best. We caught very good pike in Canada. Back in Austria, over the last few years, we caught good pike and pike-perch (zander)… but we have lost them all. (June/03)

Visitor: Robert Holman Location: Robert inquires: My son has a lure that is stapled to a piece of cardboard that was given to him from his grandpa. It is a no.4 and it is in perfect shape. How old is the lure, are they collectable still stapled to the cardboard, and how much are they worth? (June/03) Greg responds: There is an easy way to determine the age of the lure. 1. There should be an address printed on the card. 2. If the address is Abernethy, SK, the card/lure is older than 1958. (The factory moved to Lacombe in 1958.) 3. If the address is a scratched out Abernethy, the lure was likely produced just after the move in 1958/59. 4. If the address is Lacombe, AB, you are looking at a lure that was produced somewhere between 1960 and 1983. I'm not sure what the lure is worth to a collector. Fishing lures in the original packaging are always worth more than if they are unpackaged. Antique lure collecting is a big time hobby in the USA... a good place to start researching would be EBAY.

Visitor: Shantel Parker Location: Lloydminster, AB Shantel explains: I am a 20 year old gal who grew up fishing Saskatchewan's northern lakes with my father. I will always remember his only words of fishing advice 'just put a Len Thompson on the line and wait for them to bite!' He swears by your hooks and so do I. I am heading on a fishing trip next week and I can't wait to pull out a good old 'Len Thompson' and wait for them to bite!! (June/03)

Visitor: Jaymie Location: Regina, SK Jaymie comments: Len Thompson spoons are absolutely my spoon of choice. I have caught many a fine pike on the five of diamonds and have had great success with rainbows on the five of diamonds, red and white and the green frog. Actually, there is not much I haven't caught on the good ole five of diamonds... pike, trout, perch, walleye and bass. (June/03)

Visitor: Jason Englot Location: Regina, SK Jason comments: Needless to say, I was raised using Len Thompson lures. My dad's tackle box consists of nothing but your spoons and plain old jigs. I have a large selection of your spoons myself, but also have various crank baits, etc. My dad just laughs at the expensive $10+ lures and catches just as many fish with his old spoons. My 5 year old son caught his first Perch on a Len Thompson 5 of diamonds while ice fishing 2 years ago and just recently caught his first walleye on a bigger version of the same. They work well for him because of their easy castability and it doesn't seem to matter an awful lot how fast or consistently they are retrieved. It is nice to see that you still have our little town's name on the back of your new lures, even though you have relocated to Alberta. (June/03) Richard replies: We are very proud of our Sask heritage.

Visitor: Joe Location: Edson, AB Joe claims: It doesn't get any better than LEN THOMPSON fish hooks, top of the line, been using them since I started fishin and nothin else, Len Thompson ALL THE WAY. (May/2003)

Visitor: J.P. Bushey Location: Mississauga, ON J.P. claims: Just wanted to let you guys know that here on Georgian Bay in Ontario, your #4 Platinum Series is one of my top-producers for lake trout and pike. The 'Rainbow' pattern imitates the small rainbow trout these fish rely on to gain their impressive size. Great lures, guys. I read thru the Response/Tips section on your site...us guys in ONT have to catch up! Sounds like they're killers out West. One of my fishin buddies is a transplant from Saskatoon. Every winter (this past included) he kills the trout thru the ice with good ole 5 of Diamonds. (May/2003)

Visitor: Steve Uwazny Location: Lethbridge, AB Steve asks: My brother and I where fishing In Ft. McMurry, for rainbow. My brother and I could not get a bite. We just got nibbles on the end of our rods. What can my brother and I do differently? (April/2003) Richard replies: You are certainly most of the way to successful fishing if you are attracting the fish. That means you are fishing at the right speed and the right depth in the right spots with the correct colours and lures. My recommendation would be to briefly STOP the spoon when you sense a nibble. Fish often follow right behind a spoon and only bite hard when forced to make a decision.

Visitor: Rachel Kunz Location: Naicam, SK Rachel proudly declares: Just a word to thank you. On March 15th, I entered an ice fishing derby at Wakaw, Sask. After 2 hours of catching nothing, I put a #7 Fire Tiger spoon on my line with a trailer and baited it all with maggots. I was hoping for a perch so I could register a fish. Within 5 minutes I had caught a 4 lb pike. This fish won me the derby and I went home $10,000 richer!!! THANK YOU!!! PS. Now everybody went and bought this spoon for the next derby!!!! (March/2003)

Visitor: Mike Collier Location: Calgary, AB Mike offers: I see a lot of people praising the red and white as well as the five of diamonds, which are both excellent lures, as a matter of fact, I don't believe there is a better lure on the market for northern pike than the five of diamonds. However, I am amazed there is very little comment on the plain silver spoon. This is an extremely effective lure for trout, (rainbow, cutthroat, lake trout and bull trout). I have used it for years with great success in the small mountain lakes of southern Alberta. This is definitely my favorite Len Thompson lure and you will always find a healthy supply of them in my tackle box. (January/2003)

Visitor: Mike Vesel Location: Weston, WI Mike comments: I think the difference in the lake trout catch is that we were the only fishermen there using Len Thompson lures....(we really were -- the other two fishermen we saw were using imitations or XXXX, on which I have never caught a fish in Lake Superior). (October, 2002)

Visitor: Keith Merkel Location: Lincoln, NE Keith comments: I live in Lincoln Nebraska (U.S.) and go to Canada every year. We fly out of La Ronge into a private camp. Your lures are "freeken awesome". Instead of ordering from you now, I will buy quite a few when we get to Northern Canada. I had good success with the five of Diamonds and the orange and black last year.

Visitor: Brian Fink Location: Abernethy, SK Brian asks: I live on a farm 5 mi. S.E. of Abernethy, SK. This past summer while trenching I unearthed what I thought was a shoe horn I just couldn't account for the holes at either end. Later when it was cleaned up I found the name Len Thompson No. 4 stamped in it. I believe it to be made of copper and it is not a perfect tear shape - the one side looks to be cut out with a slight dish in it. Is there any info you could give me about this spoon? (November/2002) Richard replies: Always nice to hear from someone from the old hometown. As you may already know, Len Thompson owned the land immediately to the east and south of Abernethy. The spoon you found must have been discarded by an old friend of grandpa's. We've donated items to a small display in the Abernethy Heritage Museum about him and his fishing lures. You may be able to compare what you found with items in the museum.

Visitor: Erin Schmalz Location: Prince Albert, SK Erin comments: I've always enjoyed the success of the infamous "Len Thomson". When my boyfriend (now husband) would take me fishing that is the only lure he would use. So then the fun started as to who would catch more fish, the one using the red & white or the one using the five of diamonds. It was only a month ago I found out that my Grandma Jean Penny is first cousins to Cecil Pallister... now I've got the greatest fishing story of all time!!!!! Any chance of an autographed Len Thompson? (August/2002)

Visitor: Neil Garratt Location: Milestone, SK Neil boasts: Last Sunday Oct 12, 2002 while fishing on the Raferty Dam Reservoir near Halbrite, SK I was pulling a #0 Tigerfire lure (stolen from Greg's tackle box last summer). I latched on to a northern pike that was 41 inches long with a 18 inch girth. proving that Len Thompson Lures really work. I would have sent you a picture but as fate would have it the camera was at home. (October/2002)

Visitor: Bob Simpson Bob asks: I understand that you have discontinued the original 00 series in silver (Nickel). I used these lures for many years with great success for steelhead in BC waters especially northern BC. I am out of this lure now and am wondering if any could be found. even blanks would do as hooks have to be changed to single barbless anyway or do you have any suggestions? Greg replies: We never made too many No. 00 Nickel Silver spoons. My brother Rick remembers a short run or two of No. 00 Nickel with a Flame Stripe and I remember seeing some plain Nickel spoons on the old cards. Unfortunately, I doubt we have any laying around. However, we do have a couple of options that may fit your requirements. (October/2002) For the past few seasons, we have been producing the Platinum Series. The Platinum Series combines our traditional solid brass spoons with nickel plating. The spoons are slightly lighter than the model you may be used to fishing with, however, we know they work well. Just last October we experienced great success with the 50/50 Nickel Blue (NB) version when fishing the Terrace area. I'm sure the nickel (N) spoon in the Platinum Series would produce for you. We also manufacture a couple of Len Thompson models (11X and 13X) out of the "extra heavy" nickel silver that are well suited for the fast waters in Northern BC.

Visitor: Marc Allard Location: Edson, AB Marc asks: I have been using Len Thompson Spoons for 20 years now and I have a large selection of your spoons. I cannot recall ever catching anything with your green spoon with black dots. In what conditions should I use this spoon for better effectiveness? (October, 2002) Greg offers: Green Frog is a very funny color pattern. There are certain times and places where it becomes extremely useful. Some people swear by it... Others, like you, have very little confidence in the color. I personally use it when fishing for rainbows or cutts. In fact, a No. 8 GF is the first spoon I put on when fishing in the Crowsnest River. The action of the Len Thompson is the key factor in their success... color, in our opinion, is secondary. However, there is something about GF in that River that just works. (Maybe it could be attributed to grasshoppers on the banks, water color, frogs, etc...) Other people feel this way about GF as well. There are certain pockets throughout the country that have discovered how effective it is on Rainbows... Vancouver Island and some steelhead rivers in Ontario to name a couple. Although small, another group of anglers like to use Green Frog when fishing for pike. I know of one particular lake where I have had great success with Green Frog. This lake is small and deep. The water is "tea-stained" at best and full of fresh-water shrimp. The pike are very small but at times quite aggressive and loads of fun. (While typing this response, my Dad walked in... I asked him about Green Frog. He's not a fan but he says Aunty Kay only fished with Green Frog. Back when they were fishing, she and Uncle Ed spent many hours in Northern Saskatchewan chasing after walleye and northern pike. I assume that many of these lakes may have shared one trait with "my" little pike lake... the tea-stained water.)

Visitor: Roger Kulack Location: Lewiston MN Roger inquires: Can you tell me which of your lures will work for jigging for lake trout? We usually fish in late August in Loonhaunt Lake near Fort Frances, Ont. We have been using two oz. white jigs and XXXXXX to get them down quickly since we are fishing in 100 foot water. Any suggestions? (August, 2002) Greg replies: 100 ft of water is pretty deep... Obviously, a two ounce jig is going to get to the bottom quicker than one of our traditional spoons. However, jigging a No. 1 (3/4 oz) or No. 2 (1 oz) Len Thompson has great potential as long as you're not dealing with any current in the water. I've been told that jigging big Len Thompson lures is a very productive fishing method for the locals up North. Another website to go visit would be www.gibbsfishing.com ... our brother owns this company and they make a fantastic jigging lure called the Gibbs Minnow. They may have some recommendations regarding jigging for Lake Trout.

Visitor: Lori Lori asks: My friend and I were just wondering what is the best Len Thompson fishing lure for pike fishing? I told my friend that it was the red and white Len Thompson and he said it is the Green Frog so I am asking someone that knows. We go fishing almost ever weekend and I have every one of your hooks (July, 2002) Richard answers: Your question is simply impossible to answer but it is fun to speculate. Everyone has their own opinion. However, I personally usually put on a Red& White first when fishing Pike. My brother puts on Flame & White (or Nickel Blue) first and my dad would use a Yellow & Red.

Visitor: Kevin Clark Location: Edmonton, AB Kevin offers: Thanks again for the tour of you plant. My boys and I went fishing at Jackfish Lake just west of Edmonton today. We had lots of fun catching 17 jacks. Ironically more than half were caught on the Firetiger lure. The one you gave to me at the end of our tour. You were bang on the money suggesting the Firetiger. Happy Fishing. (July, 2002)

Visitor: Gerald Bradfield Location: La Ronge, SK Gerald offers: I have been using your spoons since I was a little kid and I love them. I have tried other spoons before but they just don't match up to Len Thompsons. Bright & strong and they don't break as easily and they don't rust the first week you get them. So thanks for listening and the good memories. (June, 2002)

Visitor: Mike Bonn Location: Shannonville, Ontario Mike reports: 5 of Diamonds - All you need - just returned from trip in N. Ontario for pike and walleye - started using Brand XXX 5 of Diamonds with moderate success - switched to Len Thompson 5 of Diamonds and caught more and bigger ones - rest of crew (8) were using the same - caught 1200 fish in a week - at least 75% on your lures - I'll buy nothing but Len Thompson spoons from now on. - Thanks for the great lures (June, 2002)

Visitor: Don Bosch Location: Edmonton, Alberta Don boasts: Five of diamonds rule for walleye! This past weekend I traveled to Red Deer for the long weekend. My brother and I set off on Saturday for an afternoon of fishing on the Blindman River. Not long after arriving I put on a #00 Five of Diamonds and cast it out. After about 3 casts my reel brake began to scream and I knew immediately I had a lunker on. After a few minutes of the fight of the season so far I pulled this gorgeous walleye to shore, where my bro hooked the scale onto it and to my amazement it weighed in at 6 and 1/2lbs (May, 2002)

More Tips and Comments