Garren WoodFishing Hook Reference
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The Pflueger Deluxe Limerick 5212-T is a heavy-wire size 6/0 saltwater bait hook manufactured by Pflueger during the 1950s–1960s. The hook combines a sharp-bottomed Limerick bend, tapered ring eye, heavy round wire, and tinned finish—specifications optimized for live baitfish and aggressive saltwater species where corrosion resistance and penetration geometry were paramount. This specimen represents the American bait hook standard of its period and reflects Pflueger’s position as a leading domestic manufacturer of robust saltwater tackle before the consolidation of the American hook industry.
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Straight Ball | Limerick | Standard | Heavy Wire | Other Point | Tinned
The heavy round wire gauge provides substantial strength for large live baitfish and aggressive saltwater species. The Limerick bend geometry—characterized by its angular, sharply defined bottom curve—offers superior hook-setting geometry compared to the rounder Aberdeen bend, particularly when deployed with stiff saltwater rods. The tapered eye (without ball formation) reduces bulk at the eye area, improving line-to-hook transition and reducing fouling on bait scales and fins. The tinned finish (electrolytic tin coating) provides superior corrosion resistance compared to blued or japanned finishes when exposed to saltwater or brackish conditions. The short, close-cut barb maximizes penetration and reduces barb breakage on hard-boned baitfish.
Physical measurement with calipers
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Sources: this specimen and its packaging.
The Pflueger Deluxe Lime series represents a mid-range product line within Pflueger’s bait hook catalog. The “Deluxe” designation suggested a premium tier above basic utility hooks, while “Lime” likely referred to the product line’s naming convention (possibly in reference to a color, regional association, or catalog suffix). The #5212-T designation with the “T” suffix indicates tinned finish—a standard corrosion-resistant coating for saltwater and freshwater bait hooks. The series appears to have been produced from the early 1950s through the 1960s, with box construction and printing methods consistent with that era. The “Needle Point” description on the box references the point style geometry, which is a straight-tapered spear point suitable for live and dead bait penetration. No evidence of predecessor or successor models is visible; this appears to be a standalone model within the broader Pflueger bait hook portfolio.
Green-printed cardboard box with no barcode (pre-1974 indicator). Letterpress-printed text with offset label. Miami, Florida address consistent with Pflueger's post-WWII location. Printed price 58¢ in purple pencil reflects early-to-mid 1950s retail pricing. Loose paper label construction and paper stock composition typical of 1950-1965 era. No Zip code on address (post-1963 Zip codes became standard), suggesting pre-1965 production.
Pflueger hooks frequently appeared in military surplus and Army Salvage channels during the 1950s–1960s, when post-WWII institutional fishing tackle flooded civilian markets. Sporting goods dealers and tackle shops purchased bulk lots of surplus hooks at deep discounts, repackaged them under regional distributor labels, or sold them through salvage channels like the Miami-based Army Salvage Co. shown on this box. This practice made quality American-made hooks extraordinarily affordable to working-class anglers and commercial fishermen, democratizing access to reliable tackle during a pivotal era of American recreational fishing expansion.
The Limerick bend and tapered-eye design trace back to classical English Redditch hook-making traditions, adapted by American manufacturers like Pflueger for saltwater and bait applications. Pflueger’s tinned-finish bait hooks competed directly with Mustad Aberdeen and O’Shaughnessy patterns, but the Limerick geometry offered sharper hook-setting characteristics valued by saltwater anglers. The heavy-wire, standard-shank configuration placed this hook in direct competition with Mustad’s 39942 O’Shaughnessy and similar robust bait patterns. Post-1965, tinned bait hooks saw gradual displacement by offset-point and circle-hook designs, making the straight Limerick geometry increasingly specialized for traditional coarse fishing applications.
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Analysis | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8080 No. 6 — Mustad 8080 | 81% | Compare | |
|
31010 ST No. 3/0 — Mustad-Atlantic Limerick Hook | 78% | Compare | |
|
7111 B No. 2/0, 6/0 — Mustad 7111B Limerick | 76% | Compare | |
|
3103 No. 4 — Mustad-Limerick Hooks | 76% | Compare | |
|
3121-J No. 9/0 — Limerick | 73% | Compare |
| Silhouette | Hook Model | Match | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
|
3421-BT No. 20 — Cincinnati Bass | 86% | Compare |
|
3308 No. 20 — Cincinnati Bass Hooks | 84% | Compare |
|
|
31010 ST No. 3/0 — Mustad-Atlantic Limerick Hook | 84% | Compare |
|
180 F No. 4/0, (unspecified) — No. 180 F Kirby | 84% | Compare |
|
3305 No. 17 — Mustad 3305 Cincinnati Bass Hooks | 83% | Compare |
A heavy-duty saltwater and large baitfish hook designed for substantial live and dead bait presentations. The tinned finish resists corrosion in salt water and freshwater environments. The robust tapered eye and heavy wire construction support large hooks and aggressive fish species.
Coarse fishing, pike and catfish bait presentation
Named patterns specifically associated with this hook. Leave blank if none formally documented. Do not speculate — only include patterns with a confirmed association.
| Hook | Match Quality | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mustad 92668 | Good | Tinned saltwater bait hook, heavy wire, similar size range and application |
| Owner Mutu Light | Moderate | Modern tinned bait hook, lighter wire, updated design |
Rated 3.5/10 — common hook model in widespread sizes but size 6/0 with complete original box is less frequently encountered. Collector demand is modest; appeal is primarily among vintage American tackle collectors and saltwater fishing historians.
Positive factors: Original manufacturer box in good condition adds meaningful premium over loose hooks. Complete 100-hook count is a significant asset. Tinned finish appeals to saltwater tackle historians. Pflueger brand recognition among American collectors.
Limiting factors: Heavy bait hooks do not attract the same collector following as fly tying hooks or specialty patterns. Mass-produced design with minimal aesthetic distinction. Size 6/0 is large enough that most collectors seek smaller, more versatile sizes (2/0 to 4/0). Tinned finish shows patina and some rust spotting typical of age and storage.
Most desirable variants: Smaller sizes (2/0, 3/0) in original packaging command higher relative premiums. Sealed or near-mint boxes significantly outvalue opened examples. Complete cards or boxes without missing hooks are substantially more valuable.
Condition factors: Box condition (color saturation, printing clarity, structural integrity) is the primary value driver. Missing or corroded hooks reduce value proportionally. Original tissue wrapping or inner packaging increases value 20–30%.
Green-printed cardboard box with cream field. Top panel: 'PFLUEGER' in red script, 'ARMY SALVAGE CO. MIAMI, FLA.' in black letterpress, 'Deluxe LIME FISH HOOKS' in mixed green and red, 'NEEDLE POINT' in dark green, '100' in green upper right, 'No. 5212-T' in heavy green sans-serif, 'TINNED' in green upper right. Bottom panel: 'MADE IN U.S.A. - BY AMERICAN[?] OF AMERICAN MATE[?]' in letterpress green. Handwritten price '58¢' in purple pencil on right side. Box dimensions approximately 4.25" × 2.625" × 0.75". Paper stock is mid-weight kraft cardboard with letterpress and offset printing. No barcode. Original internal paper separator visible in images.
Low ($10): Good condition—opened box, all or most hooks present, box shows normal age wear and color fading
High ($18): Excellent condition—complete 100-hook count, box intact with minimal wear, minimal rust or patina
Premium factors: Complete hook count, original box integrity, size 6/0 (less common than smaller sizes), tinned finish clarity
Platforms: eBay completed sales
Confidence: V verified — based on 1 eBay sold listing at $15.00 for used condition; range reflects condition variance
eBay US (search: Pflueger 5212 hook, Pflueger saltwater bait hooks). Occasionally at regional tackle shows and vintage fishing tackle dealers. Less common on European eBay platforms.
Identify by green-printed box with ‘Pflueger Deluxe Lime Fish Hooks’ and model number 5212-T prominently displayed. Tapered eye and tinned finish are distinctive. Limerick bend distinguishes this from Aberdeen-style bait hooks. Size 6/0 and 100-count quantity are marked on original box.
| Title | Price | Date | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pflueger Fish Hooks Old Store Stock Fishing Hooks 6/0 #5212-T (MYA50) | $15.00 (asking) | active | Used |
eBay market reference. Researcher-curated. Prices in USD. Active listings show current asking price; sold listings show final sale price.
Store the boxed hooks in a cool, dry environment away from moisture and direct sunlight. The tinned finish is relatively corrosion-resistant but not immune to rust spotting in humid conditions. If the box is opened, consider storing the hooks loosely in an acid-free envelope or paper wrap rather than in the original paper separator, which can absorb moisture and promote patina development.
The cardboard box is the primary preservation challenge. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of the box, as the kraft paper will compress and crease. Keep away from damp basements, attics subject to temperature fluctuation, and areas near water sources. If the box shows signs of moisture damage (softening, dark spots, mold), allow it to air-dry in a well-ventilated space before returning to storage.
The printed label and original pricing are historically significant documentation. Avoid cleaning the box surface with water or harsh chemicals—gentle dusting with a soft dry brush is appropriate for removing surface dust. Original patina on the tinned hooks is acceptable and historically authentic; do not attempt to polish or remove aged patina, as this diminishes collector value and historical integrity.
For display, position the box spine-out or flat on a shelf away from bright window light to minimize fading of the green printed borders. Handle the box infrequently to reduce wear on corners and edges.
A handwritten price marking of “58¢” appears in purple pencil on the right edge of the box front. The numerals are characteristic of mid-1950s hand-lettering, suggesting retail pricing at time of sale. The price point is consistent with 1952–1958 wholesale bait hook pricing and indicates this specimen was likely retailed through a sporting goods shop or general merchandise store. No other handwritten notations, catalog numbers, or inventory marks are visible on the packaging, suggesting a clean retail stock example without dealer provenance markings.
Source: Pflueger Deluxe Lime #5212-T box front panel, printed legend and markings
The box legend reads: “PFLUEGER Deluxe LIME FISH HOOKS—NEEDLE POINT—MADE IN U.S.A. BY AMERICAN[?] OF AMERICAN MATE[?].” The partially obscured text in the final line appears to reference American manufacture and materials but is unclear in the current image. The use of red script for “PFLUEGER” combined with green letterpress for product descriptors is typical of 1950s–early 1960s sporting goods packaging, reflecting cost-conscious two-color offset printing common in the era.
The phrase “NEEDLE POINT” is the manufacturer’s terminology for the point style—a straight-tapered spear geometry distinct from both the blunter Aberdeen-style point and the more angular Dublin or O’Shaughnessy profiles. The “Deluxe” designation suggests this line occupied a mid-market position between budget utility hooks and premium specialty patterns. The presence of “ARMY SALVAGE CO. MIAMI, FLA.” indicates the box was distributed through surplus channels rather than direct Pflueger retail, adding a secondary layer of provenance to the specimen.
The printed quantity of “100” and model “5212-T” are factory specifications. The “T” suffix consistently appears on Pflueger tinned-finish hooks of the era, making this a reliable identifier for finish type and manufacturing period.
| P | Photographically verified — Directly observable in the photograph(s) on this page. |
| V | Verified by documentation — Confirmed by manufacturer catalog, spec sheet, or published reference. |
| I | Inferred — A logical deduction from observable or documented evidence, not directly stated. |
| E | Estimated — An approximation based on visual comparison, proportional analysis, or limited data. |
| S | Speculative — A reasoned hypothesis that cannot be confirmed from available evidence. |
Unnotated claims are the compiler’s synthesis; see Sources. All photographs on garrenwood.com are taken on a measurement grid where each square equals 1/10 inch (0.1″ / 2.54 mm).
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