• Starboard Choice Marine
  • Moore Boats
D&R Sports Center
Clear H2O Tackle

Tournament News Powered By Lake Drive MarineTournament News Powered By Lake Drive Marine


By Louie Stout

Antique Heddon Muskie Flap Tail in  strawberry finish.Antique Heddon Muskie Flap Tail in strawberry finish.

Antique Heddon Muskie Flap Tail in strawberry finish.

Looking for some extra cash? Dig around in the garage or attic for old fishing tackle.

If you have some oldies in good shape, take them to the Niles Riverfest Aug. 2-4 and have Rick Ladonski and Doug Bucha appraise them. You won’t be pressured to sell, but at least you’ll get an idea what they’re worth.

As they have for 22 years, the two antique tackle collectors will be exhibiting some of their prized items at the Riverfest. Ladonski specializes in rods and reels while Bucha is a lure guy with a deep interest in lures produced in Michiana.


The next gathering for antique tackle collectors will be held at Heddon Museum June 11 at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held at the former Heddon factory at 414 West St. in Dowagiac, Mich. The Museum is located two blocks north and two blocks west of the Mc Donald's.

The informal meeting of antique fishing lure collectors is mostly a show-and-tell with some selling, trading, and buying of old tackle taking place.

It’s open to anyone interested in old antique fishing tackle or who has old gear that he or she would like to be appraised.


By Doug Bucha

Heddon Underwater MinnowsHeddon Underwater MinnowsIn the last article, I discussed Heddon’s 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.


The next gathering for antique tackle collectors will be held at Heddon Museum May 14 at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held at the former Heddon factory at 414 West St. in Dowagiac, Mich. The Museum is located two blocks north and two blocks west of the Mc Donald's.

The informal meeting of antique fishing lure collectors is mostly a show-and-tell with some selling, trading, and buying of old tackle taking place.

It’s open to anyone interested in old antique fishing tackle or who has old gear that he or she would like to be appraised.


This 1902 Heddon “Dowagiac” Perfect Casting Bait, type No.2 lure, was Heddon’s first production model. There are still a few of these lures around which gives them a value of up to $500, if in mint condition. The box and paper could add considerably more value.This 1902 Heddon “Dowagiac” Perfect Casting Bait, type No.2 lure, was Heddon’s first production model. There are still a few of these lures around which gives them a value of up to $500, if in mint condition. The box and paper could add considerably more value. This photo shows the 1902 patented open-faced (quick-change) hook hanger and its cup. Special Note: On the first year’s production model the cups were washed in gold.This photo shows the 1902 patented open-faced (quick-change) hook hanger and its cup. Special Note: On the first year’s production model the cups were washed in gold.
This 1902 Heddon “Dowagiac” Perfect Casting Bait, type No.2 lure, was Heddon’s first production model. There are still a few of these lures around which gives them a value of up to $500, if in mint condition. The box and paper could add considerably more value." title="This 1902 Heddon “Dowagiac” Perfect Casting Bait, type No.2 lure, was Heddon’s first production model. There are still a few of these lures around which gives them a value of up to $500, if in mint condition. The box and paper could add considerably more value. This photo shows the 1902 patented open-faced (quick-change) hook hanger and its cup. Special Note: On the first year’s production model the cups were washed in gold." title="This photo shows the 1902 patented open-faced (quick-change) hook hanger and its cup. Special Note: On the first year’s production model the cups were washed in gold.

 

In the beginning, God made man, then he made woman, and then Heddon made fishing lures for them.

As we all know, this is not quite how it all went down, but if you were to believe the Heddon version of history you might think otherwise.