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The Jumbuck Lure - History of the Designer

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ben View Drop Down
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    Posted: 14 Oct 2017 at 9:44pm
THE JUMBUCK LURE

History of the Designer:
Name:       John Law
Age:        39 Years
Occupation: Shire Secretary
Born:       Wangaratta, Victoria

Fishing interests date back to a very young age when introduced to the sport by my Father.
The family has had a strong fishing and game shooting background for a number of
generations.

As a boy many summers were spent water skiing at Lake Mulwala (approx. 15 years). My
parents had a holiday home at Majors Creek.

Naturally, being located close to the weir, many hours were spent fishing, in fact, nearly every
morning and evening. The fishing boat remained permanently in the water. My Father fished
the lake extensively from about 1953 onwards. During the duck season, we never missed a
Saturday morning 'shoot'.

I consider my knowledge of Lake Mulwala as being excellent considering that I have fished
and shot the area for about 33 years. However, many other rivers and lakes were also fished.

Those days, Redfin prevailed in Lake Mulwala, there were some Black Fish 'Greasy's', very
few Cod and no Yellowbelly. During the late 60's the Redfin thinned out quite considerably,
possibly due to disease, and as a consequence the lake was then very rarely fished by anyone.
Cod started to appear in the early 70's. By the mid to late 70's, Cod were starting to appear
in numbers.

The lake has naturally changed over the years with significant loss of timber and a dramatic
reduction in birdlife, especially Swans, Cormorants and Ducks. The lake is used extensively
for water skiing and the clarity of the water has reduced considerably.

Nearly all my fishing was with lures, the green-floppy and hog-back being my favourite. I
have never been a keen angler except for Black Bream in Gippsland. Even to this day I
rather fish a lure than bait.

My first wooden lure was crafted about 20 years ago, and I am not sure if I ever fished it.

Aeroplane spinners, particular the number three, Copper, were outstanding. During the 70's
aeroplane spinners were difficult to obtain due to the decline in freshwater fishing as they
were difficult to buy, I built a few for myself.

The introduction of the "Mudbug" was a new craze and I fished them for some time.

In 1982 I moved to Gippsland for about 14 months and enjoyed excellent estuary fishing.

Early in 1984 I moved to Nathalia in Northern Victoria on the Murray and it was at this time
my interests turned to building lures. I suppose I built about 100-150 different and various
lures for trout, redfin, cod, yellowbelly and anything that might take a lure.

                   
Some of the lures were used in the Murray, Lake Hume, Lake Mulwala, Lake Nillahcootie,
Lake Mokoan, the Ovens River and Dartmouth. To my surprise some even caught fish which
was a tremendous thrill and added another dimension to my fishing.

All my lures were hand-shaped with a file and sandpaper. The early ones were really rough.
The first lures were painted with hobbytex, then ordinary enamels and eventually automotive
paints. None of the lures had names, but were merely known by the fish they caught (e.g.
Redfin, Trout etc).

The lures were never built with a view to going into business. The Australian lure industry
was in its infancy and it never occurred to me that they could be produced for profit. As time
progressed local fishermen saw my lures and asked for some. Their use proved successful.

I started to produce a "Cod lure" (later to become "The Jumbuck") somewhere around 1986.
This lure evolved really from nothing special. The floppy was probably the greatest influence
having used this lure for many years. Purely by experimenting and altering shapes, sometimes
by accident with the sander, a 'cod lure' eventually evolved. At no stage did I really sit down
with any preconceived ideas as to the shape or design of the lure. The cod lure was used by
myself, Father and friends until one day, it was suggested I sell some.

It didn't take me long to realise that there was little future in handcrafted lures as my
employment and young family demanded a considerable amount of my time. After some
discussion with a close friend and Solicitor in Wodonga, Kevin Keating, it was decided to
have a go and produce the lure. It was going to be interesting, especially as we had no
experience at all in the lure industry. Even at the point of selling as only a very small
number of wooden lures had been marketed. At that time the lure didn't even have a name.

The business name of "Swagman Lures" and the "Jumbuck" was chosen to represent an
Australian Product. Following the release of the lure, it was decided to seek design
registration. Not for any egotistical reason, but to indicate the lure was not a copy and a new
design. Design registration has now been obtained. The lure has proved successful even
during these tough economic times.

Results of the Mulwala Classic were really pleasing and considering the small number of
fishermen using the lure, the results were quite outstanding.

The Jumbuck range will be further expanded in time with the introduction of at least a Trout
lure.

In addition, I have purchased the Big Barra mould from Jeff Reid, and market those lures
under the name of Lawsy's Lures" (myself and my wife). Further models will be released
under this label later this year.

I love fishing and I love making lures. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than to make a
lure to catch a fish.


Written 1992/93.
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Kimo View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kimo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 2017 at 11:39am
Interesting read Ben
I have a few Swagman Jumbuck`s of different sizes and I think a few Lawsy`s
Are any or all of these lures still made ?
I dont think I have ever seen them on the shelfs down here.
Cheers Kimo
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ben Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Oct 2017 at 9:06pm
I believe Kuttafurra Lures now own the Swagman and Lawsy's range of Lures.
I don't know if they are currently being made, It seems like Kuttafurra make timber lures only?
I believe they have done a 100mm timber Jumbuck, I am not sure if they intend to make any of the other lures in timber or moulded.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tony Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Oct 2017 at 7:05am
Thanks Ben, that's an excellent read.
Cheers, Tony

For the love of Fishing Lures.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kimo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Oct 2017 at 10:59am
Thanks Ben
Kimo
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote edgecrusher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Oct 2017 at 5:33pm
Originally posted by ben ben wrote:

I believe Kuttafurra Lures now own the Swagman and Lawsy's range of Lures.
I don't know if they are currently being made, It seems like Kuttafurra make timber lures only?
I believe they have done a 100mm timber Jumbuck, I am not sure if they intend to make any of the other lures in timber or moulded.


John Moran in Griffith now owns swagman lures, only a recent change, and only announced on the past weekend.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ben Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Oct 2017 at 6:25pm
Originally posted by edgecrusher edgecrusher wrote:

   

John Moran in Griffith now owns swagman lures, only a recent change, and only announced on the past weekend.


Do you know if he intends to produce the entire range, or particular models?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ducks Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Oct 2017 at 6:30pm
Believe (second hand info) he's going to put out close to the full range.
I know one of the reasons Aaron never got it going was because he couldn't do enough of everything to get ahead and he was looking to move it to someone who would give them a proper go.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote murraycod Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Oct 2017 at 6:50pm
Ben,
Hoping you may have extra knowledge which may clear up a few things for us poor collectors.
Do you have any more timelines for Nathalia,Kerang,Swan Hill,Albury/Wodonga,Fyshwick ACT?
Who originally purchased the large Jumbuck mould and changed them to R & M before they went to Gary Armstrong in Echuca?
It's hard to work out, what with Lawsy's Lures and R & M's in Swagman packets and cards.
 
Cheers and thanks for the wonderful introduction to this post.
 
Jim Bond
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote edgecrusher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Oct 2017 at 7:07pm
Originally posted by ben ben wrote:

Originally posted by edgecrusher edgecrusher wrote:

   

John Moran in Griffith now owns swagman lures, only a recent change, and only announced on the past weekend.


Do you know if he intends to produce the entire range, or particular models?

Full range I believe, I know of at least three models he has done so far, jumbuck, whiplash and a bara lure. Probably just a matter of $$$ to bring all online.

Here's a mispaint from him.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ben Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Oct 2017 at 8:15pm
Originally posted by murraycod murraycod wrote:


Ben,
Hoping you may have extra knowledge which may clear up a few things for us poor collectors.
Do you have any more timelines for Nathalia,Kerang,Swan Hill,Albury/Wodonga,Fyshwick ACT?
Who originally purchased the large Jumbuck mould and changed them to R & M before they went to Gary Armstrong in Echuca?
It's hard to work out, what with Lawsy's Lures and R & M's in Swagman packets and cards.
 
Cheers and thanks for the wonderful introduction to this post.
 
Jim Bond


Nathalia pre 92
Kerang 92-95
Swan Hill 95-97
Wodonga 97-99

The Swagman and Lawsy's Lures' businesses were sold to Paul Leahy in Albury in 1999, I'd say everything would have been branded Swagman from there on. If you have lures in packets, there could of course be some cards with previous address printed on them due to old stock cards but it will give you a close indication of the year of manufacture.

I can't help with any info post 1999.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ben Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Oct 2017 at 8:21pm
Originally posted by edgecrusher edgecrusher wrote:

Originally posted by ben ben wrote:

Originally posted by edgecrusher edgecrusher wrote:

   

John Moran in Griffith now owns swagman lures, only a recent change, and only announced on the past weekend.


Do you know if he intends to produce the entire range, or particular models?

Full range I believe, I know of at least three models he has done so far, jumbuck, whiplash and a bara lure. Probably just a matter of $$$ to bring all online.

Here's a mispaint from him.



That would be the 100mm version.

Good to see them still being made.
Hopefully they can produce the 60mm & 85mm versions again.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote murraycod Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Oct 2017 at 10:47pm
Sheesh am I embarrassed by a seniors moment. Please forget that crap about R & M lures. I got my Swagman Jumbucks and my RTB Legends mixed up.
 
Thank you for the timeline Ben.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cod Classic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Oct 2017 at 10:51pm
The fella who had Swagman Lures in Albury was Paul Leahy. I dealt with Paul for a long time through his generous support of the Cod Classic as a major junior sponsor. Swagman Lures remained with Paul until it was taken on by Aaron Young @ Kuttafurra Lures (guessing around 2014). Interesting to read in another post that it has now been moved on to another owner.

If you look hard enough in some of the older "genuine" tackle shops that specialise in Murray Cod lures i'm sure you may find the odd Swagman still hanging around somewhere.

Cheers TB

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote murraycod Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Oct 2017 at 11:30pm
Tony, What would be the earliest time you know of Paul Leahy being at Albury?
The Fyshwick ACT packets must come somewhere between 1999 and then. Wonder if Paul moved around or if there was another owner involved?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cod Classic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Oct 2017 at 5:44pm
Jim

I started dealing with Paul from early 2000. I thought he seemed fairly established in Albury then from what I saw at his house in the way of lure production, paint shed, set up ect.

To comment on anything pre 2000 would only be guessing.

Cheers TB
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ben Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Oct 2017 at 9:14pm
Paul Leahy was in Albury when he purchased the business in 1999.
I can only guess the Fyshwick ACT packets may have came sometime after then.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cod Classic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Oct 2017 at 11:56pm
The reference to the Fishwick stuff relating to Paul & Swagman Lures has me stumped. I have only ever known Paul to have lived in Albury??

Was talking to Aaron (last owner!) tonight and noticed he was wearing a Kuttafurra / Swagman shirt. Because of the quality of his work and limited output of "Kuttafurra Swagman's" I believe they should become a fairly highly sought after collectors lure pretty soon? Any body got a few spares????!!!!!!

Cheers TB
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MadDogLures Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Oct 2017 at 6:25pm
Originally posted by Cod Classic Cod Classic wrote:

The reference to the Fishwick stuff relating to Paul & Swagman Lures has me stumped. I have only ever known Paul to have lived in Albury??

Was talking to Aaron (last owner!) tonight and noticed he was wearing a Kuttafurra / Swagman shirt. Because of the quality of his work and limited output of "Kuttafurra Swagman's" I believe they should become a fairly highly sought after collectors lure pretty soon? Any body got a few spares????!!!!!!

Cheers TB



I was talking to the new owner of Swangman Lures today and he brought it in early August this year.

The new owner is John Moran.

Cheers,
Dave
Life is fishing!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ben Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Oct 2017 at 7:03pm
I notice the 3 sizes of Jumbuck's are selling on ebay at the moment.
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