By Doug Bucha
Bass-Oreno turns 100.The city of South Bends 150th birthday was celebrated recently, but it wasnt the only historical landmark for the city.
The South Bend Bass-Oreno, a venerable topwater lure, turned 100 this year.
The Bass-Oreno was patented in 1915 by James S. Olds of Benton Harbor, Michigan. Mr. Olds sold the rights to his lure to the South Bend Bait and Tackle Company shortly after he received his patent. This makes the Bass-Oreno not only 100 years old but it also makes it an official antique.
There werent any parades or fireworks to celebrate its birthday but its memory will never die among old fishermen.
South Bend Tackle started production of the lure in 1916 and it became their signature lure. The lure became known among fisherman as the Old Redhead and it can still be found in most old tackle boxes today. This top water lure quickly earned the reputation as being the best surface lure sold, and some fishermen have called it the best surface lure ever made.
With a production run of over 80 years, this makes the Bass-Oreno the longest and oldest production run lure in history.
Millions of Bass-Orenos were manufactured over its 80-year run. As a result, the value of a Bass-Oreno as a collectable is small compared to some other lures.
You can learn more about the Bass-Oreno Aug. 1-2 during the Niles Trails and Ales Festival at the Niles River Front Park. Antique lure collectors will be on hand to display a variety of antique tackle, share their historical knowledge of the relics on display and to offer free appraisals of tackle that Festival visitors take to the event.
(For more info, contact Bucha at ndbucha@yahoo.com)