Heddon Fishing Lures

Heddon fishing lures go back to the 1890s when James Heddon was the one to invent the first artificial lures made of wood at that time. In the first decade of the next century, the basis of the Heddon Company was put and the first Heddon fishing lures were made by hand. At first all the accessories were manufactured in small workshops and there were no stores to sell them extensively. From the 1920s onwards, the company found distributors in Canada, and by 1950 Heddon fishing lures had become quite popular.

The facilities produced around 12,000 per day, which is quite impressive given the technology. The first plastic Heddon fishing lures were invented in 1932, opening a new direction in the evolution of the business. Back in those days plastic was of not too high quality that is why the lures would not resist for a long time and underwent decay after a while. However, since then, Heddon fishing lures have improved reputation beyond national boundaries, dominating the fishing equipment market.

It is a known fact among collectors that antique Heddon fishing lures are small treasures. Some of the antique models and series of Heddon fishing lures that are really looked for by connoisseurs include the 1898 Heddon frog, the 1907 Artistic Monnow, the 1910 Woodpecker 1001, the 1920 Midget Crab Wiggler, the 1923 Walton Feather tail, the Salt Water Special 500, the 1939 through 1949 Laguna Runt 10 and many, many more.

Many unique designs can be admired on display at the Heddon museum opened on the factory premises. The factory was and is in Dowagiac, Michigan where the family used to live. Besides the many Heddon fishing lures exhibited at the museum, you’ll also get the chance to learn something about the fishing tradition and the equipment manufacturing history of the family. The history of the Heddon family is also recorded and presented in this museum together with the Heddon fishing lures and the other equipment pieces such as ski poles, violin bows, box kites, radio antennae, club shafts and whatever else the family business took to in later years.

The costs of antique Heddon fishing lures is very high, and not anyone can afford them. Yet, there are pretty many collectors who have the financial power to invest in new items for their collections. Heddon fishing lures are also on display at other museums that have special sections with fishing tackle because such items mark a certain stage in the evolution of the fishing industry in the 20th century.

Filed Under: Fishing Lures