PRADCO Report

PRADCO Outdoor Brands, manufacturer and marketer of fishing and hunting brands and products, has acquired War Eagle Custom Lures, formerly of Rogers, Arkansas.

War Eagle Custom Lures has operated in Rogers for the past 21 years. Keith Brashers started the company in his garage and built it into the No. 3 brand of spinnerbaits in the U.S., according to the 2016 Annual Anglers Trends Report by Southwick & Associates. Brashers will continue to be involved in the operation after selling to PRADCO.

War Eagle Custom Lures commanded 9.3 percent of U.S. market share in spinnerbaits in 2016, according to Southwick. Its best-selling model is the Screamin' Eagle, which is a weight-backward spinnerbait designed to be "burned" in clear-water situations to entice strikes from fish. War Eagle Custom Lures products have been credited with numerous top-level, national bass tournament victories and countless regional and local tournament wins. In addition to spinnerbaits, War Eagle offers a full
line of jigs, buzz baits, jigging spoons and jig heads.

"Thanks to successful tournament anglers across the nation, 21 years ago, an idea and a passion for fishing left the garage and became War Eagle Custom Lures," Brashers said. "I am confident with the marketing and distribution resources PRADCO Outdoor Brands has to offer we can take War Eagle to the next level. As I look back, I want to give a big thanks to my friend Gene Vandever. Without his partnership and help at the beginning, War Eagle wouldn't be where it is today."

The War Eagle Custom Lures business will be operated from PRADCO's Fishing Division in Fort Smith. All product development, marketing, accounting, manufacturing and purchasing functions will be managed in Fort Smith. Brand Manager Chad Warner will have responsibility for War Eagle.

"Keith Brashers has built an amazing brand and an extremely loyal consumer following," said Bruce Stanton, Vice President and General Manager of PRADCO Fishing. "He looks at everything through the eyes of a fisherman. And he is an outstanding fisherman. He has always wanted to solve the problems he faces as an angler and has had the ability to provide solutions through his War Eagle Custom Lures creations. We are very proud to add this dominant spinnerbait brand to our portfolio."