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Merlin, Craftmaster Merlin & JBennett Lures

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bullrout22 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote bullrout22 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Merlin, Craftmaster Merlin & JBennett Lures
    Posted: 29 Apr 2010 at 4:19pm

Here are my favorite lures I hope you like them, I reckon they are the best lures ever made

 

I put these in order that I think they was released if any is wrong please let me know, there is one I do not know much about if any one can tell me when it was released be great

 

This first one a Merlin I think was made in the late eighties but could be wrong does any one know for sure?

The next one is a top little lure that John and one Peter Newell worked on this one was originally called a Baby Scorpion but it’s name was changed after it’s released date in 1991 to Baby Merlin

The above info was in Freshwater Fishing in issue 16 spring 1991

 At the same time the small lure was released John had one he named a Merlin this lure

Is still being made today but a name change it is now a Wide Body Bennett lure, also there is no mention that Peter Newell help with the design of this lure so I believe it is a JBennett lure

John later changed the Baby Merlins to a molded lure he had a rounded bib and a pointy bib im not sure when he first made these molded lures any info be great

This one was made in either 1993 or 4 the only difference between the early one is the hook hangers the early one has twisted wire and this one screw in

 

I put this one here as I do not know any thing about this lure if any one does please let us all know the year made would be great

The next ones I have are a Molded lures im not sure when these was first released have heard it was around 1996 I first picked them up around 1998

John released a deep diver and another Baby Merlin then later released one with a different bib that would dive deeper


In 2000 John released a set of Cod lures there was six in the set these also came with a Certificate of Authenticity

In 2004 John changed the name of his lures to Craft master Merlin he released these lures

A Cod lure that he called CDM14 and one called a Turtle he made these out of Timber with a smaller painted bib and also a molded lure with a bigger bib


He also still made these lures they are to good a fish catcher, I put my Merlin lures here as they are the same as the later name changed ones

In 2006 he released another Cod lure they are nice like all of his lures


Around the same time he released another wide body Merlin these are different to the earlier ones

I think some time in 2008 he made this one this is my thoughts if you know please let me know, This one is the same as the ones in with the JBennett Lures it is my first Widebody I picked up

Also around this time John sold the name of his Merlin lures can any one let us know when be great

After he sold the Merlin name he is still making lures but changed the name of some

A Cod lure

And some of his other lures he still makes today


All my Merlin Craftmaster & J Bennett lures

If any one can help with date’s year any of these where made would be great

I hope you all like these lures as much as me  


Dave Lake Macquarie N.S.W

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tooch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Apr 2010 at 8:18pm
nice collection of Merlins Dave  I have a couplr of the later ones they are a very cllectable Item, Well Done.ClapClapClap Regards Pete.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ropes.basstard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Apr 2010 at 10:45pm
Check this lure out, it looks a lot like your Number 1 photo. They look very similar to me, if they are, you have an RMG "Yellow Boy".
 
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bullrout22 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Apr 2010 at 11:58pm
Originally posted by tooch tooch wrote:

nice collection of Merlins Dave  I have a couplr of the later ones they are a very cllectable Item, Well Done.ClapClapClap Regards Pete.


Pete

Thanks mate yes they are all collectable and look great,be great to see your lures Clap
Dave Lake Macquarie N.S.W

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bullrout22 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Apr 2010 at 12:02am
Ropes

A top looking lure you have there it looks like a Bennett lure also very nice

My top lure is a J Bennett Merlin mate Wink
Dave Lake Macquarie N.S.W

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Alistair Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Apr 2010 at 8:43am
Dave,
 
Great to see your favorite lures mate. They look nice.
 
What is it about these that make the core of your collection over so many other makers? I assume there was something special about them or something that happened that put them above the rest for you?
Alistair.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bullrout22 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Apr 2010 at 12:15pm
Originally posted by Alistair Alistair wrote:

Dave,
 
Great to see your favorite lures mate. They look nice.
 
What is it about these that make the core of your collection over so many other makers? I assume there was something special about them or something that happened that put them above the rest for you?


Alistair

From the first one of these I brought to fish back in the late 90s I liked them and since I started
to collect lures these have been my No1 to find the same as you and your P Newell lures
Just look at them they are great lures
Dave Lake Macquarie N.S.W

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote bullrout22 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 May 2010 at 6:00pm
I was lucky enough to pick this one up not a lot of these where made app 5 years ago hope you
like it one of my favourite Lure makers
 





Dave Lake Macquarie N.S.W

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tooch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 May 2010 at 8:41pm
Hi Dave, I only have three baby merlins and they are very close to the ones you have posted up but three is a start. I bought mine about six years ago, I'll have to have a look around the tackle store to see if he has any more on the wallWinkWinkWinkRegards Pete.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bullrout22 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 May 2010 at 8:59pm
Originally posted by tooch tooch wrote:

Hi Dave, I only have three baby merlins and they are very close to the ones you have posted up but three is a start. I bought mine about six years ago, I'll have to have a look around the tackle store to see if he has any more on the wallWinkWinkWinkRegards Pete.


Tooch

You just never know what some shops have hanging on there walls some lures get missed hopefully
you will be lucky and get a few evan the molded ones are great to fish
Your local shop has some nice lures in there it's been awhile since I was down that way will
have to head down for a look soon I think and a top bunch of blokes that work there also Wink
Dave Lake Macquarie N.S.W

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tooch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 May 2010 at 9:45pm
Hi Dave , If you come down this way give me a call and come around to have a look at my lures your always welcome. I haven't got any of my lures in the shops yet Maybe before the new bass season startsWinkWinkWinkWink Regards Pete.
I'd rather be fishing with





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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bullrout22 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 May 2010 at 9:56pm
Originally posted by tooch tooch wrote:

Hi Dave , If you come down this way give me a call and come around to have a look at my lures your always welcome. I haven't got any of my lures in the shops yet Maybe before the new bass season startsWinkWinkWinkWink Regards Pete.


Pete

For sure mate not exactly sure just yet but will let you know
Ill be down that way in October for sure fishing with a few mates on the Colo River love it there ,the
Hawkesbury is great except the power boat,Wave Boats and skiers are all crazy so we
stay away from it
Dave Lake Macquarie N.S.W

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote justlooking Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jul 2010 at 9:04pm
Is the single Pink lure a Kingfisher ? longer than normal sized Merlin.
Made in Vic or Tas
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote bullrout22 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Jul 2010 at 11:22pm
Originally posted by justlooking justlooking wrote:

Is the single Pink lure a Kingfisher ? longer than normal sized Merlin.
Made in Vic or Tas


I do not know much about this lure I think it is over 10 years old where it was made id say
NSW as John lives here still I think

this is it


Dave Lake Macquarie N.S.W

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bullrout22 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2010 at 7:09pm
Originally posted by ropes.basstard ropes.basstard wrote:

Check this lure out, it looks a lot like your Number 1 photo. They look very similar to me, if they are, you have an RMG "Yellow Boy".


Ropes

I found out a bit about your lure,it was made by Rob to show JB that his lure could be hand carved
it is a rare lure I do not think many was made Wink
Dave Lake Macquarie N.S.W

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ropes.basstard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2010 at 11:12pm
How on earth do you find this stuff out? Thanks Dave.
 
Ropes
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mearzie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2010 at 11:28pm
great set of lures mate the look fantastic
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bullrout22 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2010 at 11:54pm
Originally posted by ropes.basstard ropes.basstard wrote:

How on earth do you find this stuff out? Thanks Dave.
 
Ropes


Ropes

From Rob mate Wink
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bullrout22 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Sep 2010 at 11:55pm
Originally posted by mearzie mearzie wrote:

great set of lures mate the look fantastic


Thanks mate they are great I reckon they are the best lure ever made Wink
My opinion only LOL
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote bullrout22 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Oct 2010 at 12:33pm
I picked up a couple more of these top lures,two widebody shape lures both are different to
my others
the first one has a painted bib with what I call twisted wire hook hangers but I do not think they
are twisted,I have no idea when this one was made 
The second one was made between 1995 and app 2000 this is the info I have





Dave Lake Macquarie N.S.W

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CaptainCranky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Oct 2010 at 8:44pm
Dave a great display of Merlins and history .
Thankyou for posting them all up.
PS You need to change your Lurelovers post pics from Dampers to Merlins.
Thanks again Dave
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bullrout22 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Oct 2010 at 9:17pm
Originally posted by CaptainCranky CaptainCranky wrote:

Dave a great display of Merlins and history .
Thankyou for posting them all up.
PS You need to change your Lurelovers post pics from Dampers to Merlins.
Thanks again Dave


Barry

Im glad you like them I think they are the best lure ever made Wink

I put in a Merlin for my signature,I also like Damper Divers they are nice Wink
Dave Lake Macquarie N.S.W

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote bullrout22 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Aug 2012 at 9:55pm
I picked up a couple of Merlins and I thought I better put them up I am a very happy Merlin & J Bennett collector with these two

The first one was made in 2010 not many was made



Sorry Pictures are a bit big

The next one I picked up at the Expo am I happy I have been trying to swap one for over 12 months










Dave Lake Macquarie N.S.W

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ropes.basstard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Aug 2012 at 11:36pm
Dave as always you show us top shelf kit. Great score by the way. Clap
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stinger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Mar 2013 at 8:12am
MATE THAT LAST LURE YOU HAVE THERE ANY STORY ON AGE ,,,AND WHY SUCH A LARGE BIB NEVER SEEN 1 LIKE THAT ,,,ROD
REMEMBER FOOLS RUSH IN WERE ANGELES FEAR TO TREAD
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bullrout22 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Mar 2013 at 8:40am
Originally posted by stinger stinger wrote:

MATE THAT LAST LURE YOU THERE ANY STORY ON AGE ,,,AND WHY SUCH A LARGE BIB NEVER SEEN 1 LIKE THAT ,,,ROD


Rod

As for the age I just do not know Confused

The size of the bib id say it would dive a bit deeper than the normal shallow diver

Sorry but I do not know a lot about this one no one does but hopefully in the futre we will find
out about it
Dave Lake Macquarie N.S.W

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Powelly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Mar 2013 at 9:24am
Originally posted by stinger stinger wrote:

MATE THAT LAST LURE YOU HAVE THERE ANY STORY ON AGE ,,,AND WHY SUCH A LARGE BIB NEVER SEEN 1 LIKE THAT ,,,ROD
 
Only JB would know, but I'd say that large bib is probably a Scorpion bib.  When John Bennett and Peter Newell had their 'arrangement", in the early 90's, John sent a heap of Merlin blanks and bibs up to Peter for checking/testing.  Rob Gaden used to visit Peter fairly regularly, in those days, which is where that RMG "Yellow Boy", of Ropes, would have come from.
 
Cheers
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bullrout22 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 11:16pm
I have some more Merlins hope you like them

Molded Cray



Large bib Timber Turtle and eyes up Merlin made app 1992 or 3

A John Bennett Key ring

I have A couple more but ill take some betternpictures
Dave Lake Macquarie N.S.W

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