Heddon Fishing Lures

The story of Heddon fishing lures begins in the 1890s when James Heddon made the first wood artificial lures. In the opening decade of the 20th century, the basis of the Heddon Company was put and the first Heddon fishing lures were made by hand. At the time, there were no stores to display and sell the merchandise, and all the operations had to be carried out in small family workshops. During the next decade, the company contracted Canadian distributors, and by 1950 Heddon fishing lures had become quite popular.

Although the technology was far from what they have today, Heddon managed to produce an impressive number of 12,000 lures per day. The first plastic Heddon fishing lures were invented in 1932, opening a new direction in the evolution of the business. Even if the plastic used at the time was of poor quality and fell to decay after a while, plastic lures were a step forward even so. 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. The museum indeed presents many models and series of Heddon fishing lures and, in addition, it enhances the history meant to be preserved in Dowagiac. Besides fishing lures, the museum also houses ski poles, radio antennae, club shafts, violin bows, box kites and many other items of collection.

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. Museums that take to preserving and displaying fishing tackle are also interested in Heddon fishing lures as they are key evidence of how the tackle industry developed throughout the 20th century.

Filed Under: Fishing Lures