Antique and Vintage lure pics

[DarkSkies]

Bomber Bait Co, Gainesville, Texas




** A little history of the Bomber Bait Company...
I believe it was started in 1946 by Ike Walker, John W Parker, and CS Tuberville. They quickly became successful as they filled a need for lures, initially for freshwater, that few were addressing.

They had many different varieties tooled and built out of their factory in Gainesville, Tx.
I believe they were eventally acquired by Pradco, which now has several brands under that umbrella and has attempted to resurrect some of the old time favorites.

[DarkSkies]

Heddon Hellcats...and Hellcat Whopper Stopper



Brief History:
I believe Heddon Lures was started in 1894 and claim they are the world's oldest fishing lure maker.

The Heddon Hellcats were average in success initially. I think they were first produced in the mid 1960's. Eventually a following grew among hardcore surf fishermen in the 1970's. They are said to be the go to lure (if you want to throw plugs) when sandeels/spearing are around and on the surface, and good for strong rips. They are also hailed by Russ Bassdozer in his "Surf Plugology" article as being a killer profile at Cape Cod beaches when the big fish were there for awhile.

They made several sizes,
4 1/2" 4500 series
5 1/2" 4800 series

And some heavy duty ones later on..the S (Magnum) Series, assuming for saltwater? These S series seemed to have better hooks and stronger split rings so that may separate them from the others.
5 1/2" S4800 Magnum
7 " S4900 Magnum

** I'm not completely sure of the exact history. If anyone has more accurate info please feel to post and clarify....















Top pic above is of a Hellcat/Whopper Stopper Magnum 7".
Picked it up for low dollars on Sunday. The hooks and tail are not original.

The boxes and case pics are from the 5 1/2" Series.
The best I understand it, the Heddon Company stopped making them, and a company called Whopper Stopper bought the rights and continued producing and selling. I remember Charlie K once mentioning to me that he thought they were eventually acquired by Pradco, but I'm not exactly sure.

1. The negatives are the plastic lip which is glued in. Some guys actually pry them out and re-glue with crazy glue, or epoxy (IMO better choice)

2. The Hellcats are still highly sought after, not only by collectors but guys who believe they are superior in fish catching abilities. Bassdozer talks of a week of great action at Cape Cod where another guy using Hellcats outfished them almost 2:1. They can be bought on E-bay for a range of $6-25, depending on the size and condition.

[stormchaser]

That bomber lure was $1.40 when it first came out. Now guys don't bat an eye paying 20-30 for just one wood plug. Amazing how things have changed.