By Doug Bucha
Heddon Underwater MinnowsIn the last article, I discussed Heddons introduction into the fishing lure business in 1902 with the Perfect Casting Bait. This was a surface plug.
Just a few months into the 1903 fishing season, Heddon announced that it was going to enter the new underwater fishing lure craze that was sweeping the nation with the introduction of its own underwater minnow design.
The first attempt at making underwater minnows was not very successful.
The small white lure in the background of the photograph with the large front propeller represents this attempt. The large prop at the front of the lure caused the line to twist.
Heddon made several changes to this lure during the next year and finally got it correct in 1904. The dark lure in the foreground of the photograph represents the changes they made. This two-propeller design proved to be very functional and Heddon used this design until they stopped making underwater minnows in 1966.
In fact, the new version was so well received by the fishing public that it made it possible for Heddon to build their first factory in Dowagiac.
Before this time, Heddon lures had been made in the familys home. It is said that Mrs. Heddon would put the lures in her kitchen oven to dry the paint faster.
Because the white lure was only manufactured for a short time, it makes it the most valuable at $500 or more. If you could find the correct box for this lure it would increase the value by three times.
The more common two-propeller lures go from $50 to $300, depending on when they were made, 1904-1966.
If you have any further questions please write me at: ndbucha@yahoo.com