Legendary tackle inventor Ron Lindner shares some history behind the Lindy Rig and the worm blower, both of which he invented way back in the day.
In this article, I had the opportunity to sit down with Ron Lindner, a fishing industry legend, to discuss the history of the Lindy Rig and the Worm Blower. Ron, who is known for his expertise in fishing tackle and techniques, brought in some of his old terminal tackle and magazines to share with us. Let’s dive into the fascinating story behind these iconic fishing tools.
The Lindy Rig: A Nostalgic Favorite
Ron Lindner began by explaining that he tried to find an original Lindy Rig, which would have been over 50 years old, but could only find some components that were laying around. He shared a catalog from 50 years ago, showcasing the Lindy Worm Blower, a popular accessory at the time.
When asked about the year the Lindy Worm Blower was introduced, Ron estimated it to be around 1968 or 1969. He mentioned that other companies, such as Berkley and Magic Bait, have also produced their own versions of the worm blower over the years. Ron spoke to Ron Kiffmeyer, a sales emeritus at Lindy Tackle, who estimated that around three million of these worm blowers have been sold over the years.
Why a Worm Blower?
Ron explained the purpose of a worm blower. When fishing with a Lindy Rig, the sinker is placed at the bottom, the line is above it, and the Nightcrawler is threaded onto the hook. However, if the Nightcrawler is left as is, it will sink to the bottom. By using a worm blower and giving the Nightcrawler a little touch of air, it becomes a floater. Ron demonstrated that by blowing air into the Nightcrawler, it would float on the surface of the water. This allows the angler to present the bait in a way that is more enticing to fish, particularly walleye.
The Invention and Market Reception
Ron shared that when the worm blower was first introduced, many people couldn’t understand why anyone would make such an item and bring it to market. He mentioned that newspapers even called Lindy Tackle to inquire about the purpose of the worm blower. Despite the initial confusion, the worm blower became popular, and over the years, various companies, including Lindy Tackle, have produced their own versions of it. Ron estimated that there are currently three to four million worm blowers in circulation.
Terminal Tackle and Lindy Rig Components
In addition to the worm blower, Ron also brought in some Lindy Rig components. He explained that he tried to find an original package with the one snell and one sinker, but couldn’t find any. He mentioned that Lindy Rigs have become a generic term for similar rigs made by other companies, such as EMC Northland. Ron pointed out that there are two different types of sinkers, one made by Northland and the other being the original Lindy sinker. He also mentioned that the original Lindy Rig had a small hook, a three-inch leader, and a three-foot leader. The line and hook were both pink, which was determined through extensive testing and experimentation.
Ron noted that the original Lindy Rig also featured a swivel clip, which allowed for easy attachment of the pre-tied snell. However, this feature is not commonly used in modern versions of the rig. He explained that the Lindy Rig has evolved over the years and is now referred to as a “live bait rig” or a “commodity” in the fishing industry.
The Legacy of the Lindy Rig
Ron emphasized that the Lindy Rig, along with other fishing tools like bottom bouncers and Lindy Jigs, is considered one of the pillars of walleye fishing. He stated that every walleye fisherman has some version of these tools in their tackle box. The Lindy Rig has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice among anglers.
Conclusion
In this article, we had the privilege of learning about the history of the Lindy Rig and the Worm Blower from fishing industry legend Ron Lindner. We discovered that the Lindy Rig, with its unique design and innovative features, has become a staple in walleye fishing. The worm blower, although initially met with confusion, has proven to be a valuable tool for presenting bait in a more enticing manner. The Lindy Rig and its components have evolved over the years, but their effectiveness and popularity remain unchanged. So next time you’re out on the water, consider giving the Lindy Rig a try and see why it has become a favorite among anglers.
