A 1926 write-up on the Shakespeare T. Robb Fly touting its ability to catch small bass as well as lunkers. October 1926 Shakespeare Tackle Magazine. Image Bill Sonnett.

It is not often that a manufacturer brags that their lure catches lots of small fish as well as the usually illustrated lunkers. But these two ads from the April 1925 and October 1926 issues of Shakespeare Tackle Magazine do so.

This publication was sent to tackle dealers with promotional as well as informational write-ups. It also included occasional personal advice on life from company founder William Shakespeare Jr.

The T. Robb Bass Fly was named after Shakespeare’s  personal friend, Tildon Robb of Kalamazoo. Tildon Robb was an accomplished tournament caster as well as an early manufacturer of “Kalamazoo” short-casting rods.

A 1925 ad on the Shakespeare T. Robb Fly touting its ability to catch small bass as well as lunkers. April 1925 Shakespeare Tackle Magazine. Image Bill Sonnett.