Exploring the Legacy of Vintage True Temper Fishing Equipment
A Brand Spotlight on Innovation, Style, and American Ingenuity
Before high-tech composites and sleek carbon fiber rods dominated the shelves, there was a time when craftsmanship and color met on hardware store pegboards and backcountry lakesides alike. And in that era, True Temper quietly delivered some of the most stylish, well-built, and innovative fishing equipment ever made — without the flash or fanfare of the big-name brands.
Sold in places like True Value Hardware stores, True Temper gear was accessible, dependable, and surprisingly forward-thinking. Today, for those in the know, it’s a badge of nostalgia — and quality.
A Look Back at True Temper's Heritage
Originally known for making garden tools and steel shafts for golf clubs, True Temper’s foray into the fishing world was no afterthought. By the 1950s and 60s, the brand had expanded into rods, reels, and lures that catered to the everyday angler — but with designs and details that made collectors and seasoned sportsmen take notice.
While the name might not carry the same weight today as Shakespeare or Pflueger, True Temper gear from this golden era holds up — and then some.
Blue Heron Spinning Reels: Great Lines and Smooth Casts
Let’s start with one of the most eye-catching offerings: the Blue Heron spinning reel series. With their soft metallic blue and silver colorways and compact, precision-built bodies, these reels didn’t just perform — they looked good doing it.
They were workhorses on the water, capable of withstanding years of use. But their distinctive styling and vintage charm have turned them into collector favorites for those who appreciate form and function.
The Speed Shad Lure Was Ahead of Its Time
The Shad line of lures might be True Temper’s most slept-on innovation. With vibrant paint jobs and realistic swimming action, they were ahead of their time in mimicking baitfish movement — especially for a mainstream retail product.
These lures were molded for both casting distance and lifelike wobble. In a market crowded with gimmicks, Speed Shads quietly delivered results.
The Unispin is A Rod & Reel Combo Worth Revisiting
Perhaps the most iconic design in the True Temper catalog is the Unispin rod and reel combo. These integrated units featured a unique over-the-top spinning reel layout and became a favorite among shore anglers and tackle tinkerers alike.
Unlike their steel-shafted garden tools and early fishing rods, True Temper outfitted many Unispin combos with durable fiberglass blanks, making them both lightweight and resilient. The Unispin 63L and its siblings still turn up at garage sales and collector hauls, often in working condition decades later — a testament to the brand’s clever engineering and commitment to longevity.
A Feather Light Step-Down Tubular Steel Fly Rod
When most fly rods were either cane or fiberglass, True Temper released a feather light step-down fly rod, a tubular steel masterpiece with delicate tapers and unexpected casting finesse.
This rod wasn’t just durable — it had feel. Paired with a classic click-pawl reel and a floating line, it offered a refined experience that surprised many anglers expecting something clunky or crude from steel construction.
The gold-lettered script and dark green finish added to its elegance, making it as handsome in the rod rack as it was in action.
Why True Temper Deserves More Love
True Temper gear may not command top dollar in vintage gear auctions, but that’s part of the charm. For those who know, these pieces are practical treasures — relics from an era when even hardware store brands took pride in design, durability, and usability.
Whether you fished a Blue Heron as a kid or found a Unispin at a flea market, you know the feeling. True Temper gear had a certain honesty — and a style that still stands out.
Got a True Temper Memory?
We’d love to hear from fellow anglers and collectors. Share your favorite True Temper gear photos and stories with us on social media — and don’t forget to tag us with #jbicklesbee to help keep the legacy alive.
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Final Cast
True Temper may not get the museum treatment — and that’s just fine. Their gear wasn’t made for glass cases. It was made for docks, backseats, tackle boxes, and Saturday mornings. And in that sense, True Temper is as authentic and American as fishing itself.
