Virgil Ward Fishin-Soap

Question
I have a box of Virgil Ward Fishing-Soap that I
purchased at a local yard sale.

Each, hotel sized, bar is labeled:
"May be used for chumming and bait, in states where anise oil is
legal.
DIRECTIONS:
wash hands and bait, using lake or stream water where you are
fishing.

The soap was manufactured by Nor Mor, Inc, Omaha, NEB

How old is this stuff, did (does) it work, Do you think I have
anything of value?

Thanks
Paul

Answer
Paul,
First off, thanks for using All Experts.  Secondly, thanks for asking a question about one of my favorite subjects - Virgil Ward.

As you may know, I was the producer and host of The World of Virgil Ward, which was a documentary about his life.

Now, for your soap.  Whatever you do, don't throw away the case in which it came.  If it is the original case it would be worth more.

If I remember correctly, I think this product came available in the early to mid 70's.  I have some of the liquid Virgil Ward Worm Oil, which was very effective.  In fact, I caught my first 5 pound bass using it in conjunction with Virgil Ward's Slinky Worm.

I'm sure the product worked, and most likely will still work.  The main purpose of the soap is to mask negative orders.  However, in applying it to lures, it does something else, in that some small bubbles, and a odor trail can be produced.

I hosted a video for the Odor Away Soap company in the 80's, and told how washing a lure in their soap could catch more fish.

Few people know that if you catch a northern pike, while fishing for another species - especially bass - you should first wash the lure in an odor eliminating soap before using it again.  The pike places a scent on the lure, which can spook off fish, especially those that are in a non-aggressive mode.  I learned this from a fishing buddy when I was fishing tournaments in the 80's.

Here is a contact that may be able to tell you the value, or steer you in the right direction.  It is Ted Dzialo of the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, in Hayward, WI.  His email is [email protected], and phone is (715) 634-4440.  He isn't always very fast at responding to emails.

I think Virgil might get a kick out of this as well.  He will be 93 years old in May.  If you would like to talk to him, you can call (660) 267-3292.  Virgil lives in Amsterdam, Missouri.

Let me know if I can help in anyway.  I will be interested in finding out how you do with the soap.

Best of fishing,
Dan