Depending upon who you talk to or what article you read, Elwood "Buck" Perry has been referred to as both 'The Father of Modern Day Fishing," and 'The Daddy of Structure Fishing." In 1984, Fishing Facts editor George Pazik wrote: "Perry started the whole modern era of freshwater sport-fishing. He is known as the 'Father of Structure Fishing,' and his discoveries and teachings have brought pleasure and success to millions of anglers that never even heard his name." Strong praise indeed, but it only begins there.
Buck had a degree in physics and mathematics from Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, N.C., and he later went on to study engineering at North Carolina State University, with service in the Army during World War II. In 1946, he patented the Spoonplug, but it would be another decade before his theories and invention would start a small firestorm in the Midwest, and ultimately the freshwater fishing world.
Buck passed away at the age of 90 in August 2005, but his impact has not been forgotten. For a short review on just how important his contributions to the sport of angling were, take a moment to check out the following story links;