Category Archives: Heddon Lures

Heddon Lure Catalog 1928

Heddon Lure Catalog 1928

Heddon Lure Catalog 1928 The Heddon Lure Catalog 1928 is a great example of Heddon asserting quality or quantity. The national reputation, for over a quarter of a century, enjoyed by Heddon Tackle, is due to its founder’s high ideals and principles, which were to manufacture a superior product and always maintain its high standard […]

Heddon Trade Catalog 1927 Antique Lures Reels Rods

Heddon Trade Catalog 1927

Heddon Trade Catalog 1927 In this Heddon Trade Catalog 1927 is a great example of an early Heddon Catalog, At almost 100 years old we get a glimpse into the world of James Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan. 1927 Heddon Trade Catalog

Heddon Luny Frog Lure

Heddon Luny Frog Lure

Heddon Luny Frog Lure Initially the Heddon Luny Frog Lure was introduced around 1927. Changes in material would influence the way Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan would do business for decades to come. Making a switch from the standard wooden material, Heddon would evolve into a colossal giant making artificial baits with plastics. It widely known […]

Heddon Tiny Punkinseed Lure

Heddon Tiny Punkinseed Lure Salesman Sample Ring

Heddon Tiny Punkinseed Lure The Heddon Tiny Punkinseed Lure was given a model series 380. James Heddon expounded upon a fisherman favorite line with this little zig zagging plastic antique fishing lure. The lure measures 1 5/8″ in length and tips the scales at 3/8 ounce. Originally priced at $1.35 this classic was first introduced […]

Heddon Chugger Spook Lure

Uncatalogued Heddon Chugger Spook Crappie White Spot

Heddon Chugger Spook Lure The Heddon Chugger Spook Lure has a long history that begins in 1938. The antique lure made by Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan would take on a model number 9540. This painted eye spook lure measure right at 3″. Like many of the base model lures they would be the inspiration for […]

Heddon Giant Jointed Vamp

Heddon Giant Jointed Vamp Lure Frog Scale

Heddon Giant Jointed Vamp Frog Scale Lure The Heddon Giant Jointed Vamp Lure is a serious wooden lure and admittingly larger than most of the fish I catch. The model 7350 was wooden, glass eyed, antique fishing lure is 6″ in length, jointed in the middle. This antique lure crafted by Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan […]

Heddon Dowagiac Underwater Lure 1902 Ad

Heddon Dowagiac Underwater 1902 Ad

Heddon Dowagiac Underwater Lure 1902 Ad This Heddon Dowagiac Underwater Lure 1902 Ad is one of the earliest lure articles and ads I’ve seen or have run across for Heddon and their antique fishing lures. You just wont find many items in 1902, the same year the Dowagiac Underwater Casting lure and the Dowagiac Expert […]

Heddon Zaragossa Lure

Heddon Zaragossa Lure

Heddon Zaragossa Lure The Heddon Zaragossa Lure was a widely popular top water fishing lure. This antique fishing lure was made and marketed by Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan. The lure was first introduced in 1920 and last for over a half a century to 1971. This wooden, glass eyed lure was given a model series […]

Heddon Basser Antique Lure

Silver Herring Basser Lure

Heddon Basser Antique Lure The Heddon Basser Antique Lure was first introduced in 1922. The great wooden Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan lure was in the Heddon lure line up for over three decades. The Basser lure was given a series model 8500. This glass eyed fishing lure was 4 1/4″ in length and traditionally came […]

Heddon Baby Dowagiac Lure

Heddon Baby Dowagiac Lure Circa 1951-1956

Heddon Baby Dowagiac Lure The Heddon Baby Dowagiac Lure made a few appearances in the Heddon antique fishing lure line up. Its first appearance was in 1909, and would run on and off up through the year 1929 when it would disappear. It would make a reappearance a quarter century later in 1951 and last […]

Heddon Dowagiac Spook Lure

Heddon Dowagiac Spook Lure

Heddon Dowagiac Spook Lure The Heddon Dowagiac Spook Lure was first introduced in 1930 and last quite some time up until the 1970’s under one of its names. The Dowagiac Spook is one of those lure where they never could seem to keep its name straight and can be found under 4 different yet similar […]

Heddon Bass Bug Spook

Heddon Bass Bug Spook

Heddon Bass Bug Spook The Heddon Bass Bug Spook was first introduced in 1939 and lasted until 1953. This antique fly fishing lure was made by Heddon of Dowagiac, Michigan. Coming in two different distinct sizes, the fly lures were given model 974 for the Trout size and 975 for the larger Bass size. The […]

1931 Heddon Lure Catalog

1931 Heddon Lure Catalog

1931 Heddon Lure Catalog This 1931 Heddon Lure Catalog has some new great lures presented like the New Dowagiac spook. We even get a great synopsis of the Rod with the Fighting Heart. Heddon, – the Rod with the Fighting Heart! Or, as Mr. V. A. Hart of Greenville, California, so expressively puts it: “Heddon […]

Heddon Zig Wag Lure

Heddon Zig Wag Lure

Heddon Zig Wag Lure The Heddon Zig Wag Lure is a fisherman and antique lure collector favorite. The lure was stated to have been released in 1926, however it would not make its debut on paper until Heddon 1928 antique lure catalog. This wooden articulated lure resembles the Basser in shape but where it differs […]

Heddon Wiggler Lure Paperwork

Heddon Wiggler Lure Paperwork

Heddon Wiggler Lure Paperwork The Heddon Wiggler Lure Paperwork is a scarce desirable vintage lure Paperwork. The paperwork shows both the Deep Diving Wiggler Model 1600 and the Near Surface Wiggler, Model 1700.  The paper dates to Circa 1915 and explains the features functions and benefits of the classic collectible lures. The Latest from Dowagiac Heddon’s […]

Heddon Surface Spook Lure

Heddon Surface Spook Lure

Heddon Surface Spook Lure The Heddon Surface Spook Lure was a model series 210. This version was released in 1974 and was sold through 1983. While it was being sold it did not make the catalog each year and was sporadically shown. This Heddon of Dowagiac lure was made of plastic unlike the early versions […]

Jointed Vamp Spook Lure

Jointed Vamp Spook Lure

Jointed Vamp Spook Lure The Jointed Vamp Spook Lure was a short lived lure by Heddon standards. Originally released in 1932 this Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan made antique fishing lure was cataloged through 1943 lasting only a decade. This classic bait was given a model series 9730, akin to its wooden brother the Jointed Swimming […]

Heddon Dummy Double Ad 1917

Heddon Dummy Double Ad 1917

Heddon Dummy Double Ad 1917 This ad is a Heddon Dummy Double Ad 1917 copy. Believe it of not this ad came out of all things a Shakespeare Lure Catalog. I’ve got a bunch of ads to share out of there and I’ve always found it funny that The Shakespeare lure company would advertise its […]

Heddon Tiny Spook Lure

Sunfish (Code SUN) Tiny Spook

Heddon Tiny Spook Lure The Heddon Tiny Spook Lure is a model series number 310. This small spook antique fishing lure measure a mere 1 7/8″ in length. The lure only lasted for two years in Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan lure product line up starting in 1955 and gone by 1957. The lure only ever […]

Reissue Punkinseed Spook Lure

Cobalt Blue Shore (Code BWBG) Reissue Punkinseed

Reissue Punkinseed Spook Lure The Reissue Punkinseed Spook Lure came with a sheet explaining its purpose etc. I’m not a fan of re-issue lures, not that I dont appreciate them or consider them collectable, or cool or enjoyable. My issue with them stems from when newer or younger collectors get fooled into thinking they are […]

Heddon Hi Tail Antique Lure

Heddon Hi Tail Antique Lure

Heddon Hi Tail Antique Lure The Heddon Hi Tail Antique Lure was first introduced into Heddon’s Line up in 1960. This plastic spook lure is 2″ in length and tops the charts at 1/3 oz. The antique lure a model series #305 can be found in both white painted eyes, or with gold. The lure […]

Heddon Sonic Lure

Heddon Sonic Lure The Heddon Sonic Lure was first introduced to the public in the 1957 Catalog. Heddon of Dowagiac, Michigan continued to move forward with a long standing tradition of innovation, research and of course master marketing. The antique fishing lure was given a model series 385, and was the middle size Sonic produced […]

Heddon Baby Vamp

7402 Heddon Baby Vamp Lure

Heddon Baby Vamp The Heddon Baby Vamp Minnow was a logical and pragmatic continuation to the Heddon Vamp family. Made in the silhouette of of its larger older brother, the Baby Vamp was given a model series 7400 by the antique tackle colossus James Heddon & Sons of Dowagiac Michigan. This fishing lure was first […]

Heddon Widget Fly Lure

Heddon Widget Lure

Heddon Widget Fly Lure This Heddon Widget Fly Lure was first introduced in 1952. This antique fly lure was given model series number 300. This fly lure measures 1 1/4″ in length and has a #10 size treble hook. The lure has a small split shot ring attached to the front line tie on the […]

Heddon Baby Torpedo

Heddon Baby Torpedo Lure Model 361; Color Code LBLS; Light Blue Shad

Heddon Baby Torpedo The Heddon Baby Torpedo Spook was first introduced in 1969, by Heddon of Dowagiac, Michigan. This classic antique fishing lure and ran all the way through 1984 and was given a model series number 361. This plastic fishing lure weighs roughly 3/8oz and measures in at 2 1/2″ in length and has […]

Heddon Punkie Spook Fly Lure

Heddon Punkie Spook Lure White Shore

Heddon Punkie Spook Lure The Heddon Punkie Spook Fly lure was made no doubt due to the popularity of the now famous Heddon Punkinseed lure. This antique fly lure was a series 980, and shown in Heddon’s White Shore Finish Color Code XS and XRW. The lure was made in the in roughly a half […]

Heddon Scissortail Fishing Lure

Heddon Scissortail Fishing Lure

Heddon Scissortail Fishing Lure The Heddon Scissortail Fishing Lure Model 9830 derives its function from its namesake. The lure was created by Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan in 1952 and only lasted for 4 years and was gone from catalogs by 1956. This antique lure is made of plastic (Tenite) in the shape of a snake […]

Heddon 9630 Punkinseed Lure

Red Head Flitter Punkinseed Spook Lure Color Code RHF

Heddon 9630 Punkinseed Lure The Heddon 9630 Punkinseed Lure was first introduced in roughly 1950. In 47 and 48 we see the new 730 and that is what the spook transitioned from and they even used the same printers block from the 730 in the early 1950s catalogs shown below. This antique fishing lure made […]

Heddon Little Luny Frog Lure

Heddon Little Luny Frog Lure

Heddon Little Luny Frog Lure The Heddon Little Luny Frog Lure is the smallest size in this collector favorite series. The lure a model 3400 was first introduced by Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan in 1927 and only lasted through 1931. The lure is made of a plastic, or pyralin substance and measures 3 3/4″ in […]

Heddon Darting Zara Lure

Heddon Darting Zara Lure

Heddon Darting Zara The Heddon Darting Zara lure dates back to 1933 if not a little earlier. This straight bodied fishing lure was Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan’s series model number 6600. The wooden, glass eyed lure measure 3 3/8″  inches in length, and had 3 trailing treble hooks. The Frog Spot Zara’s three trebles are secured […]

Heddon River Runtie Spook Lure

Heddon River Runtie Spook Lure

Heddon River Runtie Spook Lure The Heddon River Runtie Spook Lure was first introduced in 1937 and was assigned a model 950. This second coming of this Heddon from Dowagiac Michigan fly lure was like many of the other period lures made from plastic. Although first introduced in a wood variation it wouldnt take Heddon […]

Heddon Tiny Punkin Spin Fishing Lure

Smoky Joe (SJ) Heddon Tiny Punkin Spin Fishing Lure

Heddon Tiny Punkin Spin Fishing Lure The Heddon Tiny Punkin Spin Fishing Lure was a short lived offshoot of the famous James Heddon Punkinseed line. This plastic fishing lure was first introduced in 1974 and was made through 1977 and given a model 382. This bottom fished sinking lure measures 1 5/8 inches in length […]

Heddon Chugger Jr Lure

Heddon Chugger Jr Lure

Heddon Chugger Jr Lure Before we talk about the Heddon Chugger Jr Lure let me tell you about my friend Andy Tindale. What does one thing have to do with the other, well a lot.Let start with a brief intro; Andy was born November 14, 1949 in Chicago to the former Harriette Ramsey and Thomas […]

Heddon Crab Spook Lure

Heddon Crab Spook Floater

Heddon Crab Spook Lure The Heddon Crab spook was a short lived antique lure. This plastic crab shaped lure was first introduced in 1935 and was produced all the way through 1943. The Crab Spook was given a model series number 9900 & 9909. This classic vintage lure used 2 bead eyes, and flap rig […]

Heddon Gamefisher Lure

Heddon Frog Scale Gamefisher Minnow

Heddon Gamefisher Lure This is a vintage Heddon Gamefisher antique fishing lure minnow, a model series 5500. This triple segmented, wooden, no eyed lure measures 4 3/4″, and weighs in at 3/4oz. The lure was first introduced in 1923 and made through 1933 just at a decade. The lure has L Rig Hook hangers and […]

Heddon Ice Decoy Antique Lure

Heddon Ice Decoy Antique Lure

Heddon Ice Decoy Antique Lure This version of the Heddon Ice Decoy Antique Lure is distinguished by its 4 point fin shape. Not all antique lures are technically lures, but they are all attractants of some type. This wooden 4 point Heddon Decoy was given a series model 400. This Ice fishing decoy would be […]

Heddon Dowagiac Expert Lure Ad 1903

Heddon Dowagiac Expert Lure Ad 1903 The is a Heddon Dowagiac Expert Lure Ad from 1903. Telling folks that finding any advertisements for early Heddon antique Lures is tough is an understatement. This has always been one of my favorite catalogs of mine to look through. Heddon having just begun to produce commercially in 1902 […]

Heddon Black Sucker Lure

Heddon Black Sucker Lure

Heddon Black Sucker Lure The Heddon Black Sucker Lure seem to be on most collectors want list and is often reffed to as the quintessential antique Heddon lure. This antique fishing lure is first seen around 1911, so its another over the century mark. Personally I can only hope to look this good after 100 […]

Heddon Antique Lure Ad 1904

Heddon Antique Lure Ad 1904

Heddon Antique Lure Ad 1904 This Heddon Antique Lure Ad was found in a 1904 VL&A Fishing Tackle Catalog showing the following antique lures. The Dowagiac Expert No. 1 The Dowagiac Minnow No. 1 1/2 The Dowagiac Underwater Expert No. 3 The Dowagiac Killer No. 5 What a great find early Heddon Adds are few […]

Heddon Midget Digit Spook Lure

Heddon Midget Digit Spook Lure

Heddon Midget Digit Spook Lure The Heddon Midget Digit Spook Lure was first introduced in 1948 and made all the way until 1976. Interesting tidbit, you will find this lure spelled both ways in catalogs, both Midgit & Midget are used. The lure was a continuation of Heddon’s very popular wooden line, and was given […]

Heddon Dowagiac Minnows Newspaper Ad 1919

Heddon Dowagiac Minnows Newspaper

Heddon Dowagiac Minnows Newspaper Ad This Heddon Dowagiac Minnows Newspaper Ad comes to us from 1919. Often we think only to look to magazines for ads, artwork and for information. This Ad is from the Arizona Republican Newspaper published in 1919. The Palace Hardware and Arms store provides us with this outside the box glimpse […]

Heddon Wilder Dilg Bob Davis Fly Lure

Heddon Wilder Dilg Bob Davis Fly Lure

Heddon Wilder Dilg Bob Davis Fly Lure We’ve come to know the Heddon Wilder Dilg Bob Davis Fly Lure as Yellow Head Yellow Hackle fly. But, do we know who Bob Davis the American Editor and photographer is? Why is this a face on the cover of the intro Heddon Fly rod antique lure box. […]

Heddon No Snag River Runt Lure

Heddon No Snag River Runt Lure The Heddon No Snag River Runt Lure is a great little lure. First introduced in 1941 this spook lure has become a favorite among collectors. Unfortunate it wasn’t as big of a hit for fisherman, and was out of the Heddon Line up by 1946. The antique lure takes […]

Heddon Musky Crazy Crawler Lure

Heddon R&W Musky Crazy Crawler Lure

Heddon Musky Crazy Crawler Lure The Heddon Musky Crazy Crawler Lure was first introduced in 1940. This antique fishing lure was manufactured in Heddon’s plant in Dowagiac Michigan and was assigned a model series number 2150. This giant lure makes quite a commotion coming across the top of the water. The lure lasted 17 years […]

Heddon Dummy Double Lure Paperwork

Heddon Dummy Double Lure Paperwork

Heddon Dummy Double Lure Paperwork This Heddon Dummy Double Lure Paperwork is a scarce and desirable piece. It usually is the last piece to complete the lure box and paperwork combo. This is the short version (As there is a larger size as well) of the paperwork and dates to 1916-1918. the paperwork shows a […]

Heddon Wilder Dilg Spook Fly Lure

Green Shore Minnow (Code XRG) Heddon Wilder Dilg Spook Fly Lure

Heddon Wilder Dilg Spook Fly Lure The Heddon Wilder Dilg Spook Fly Lure was a transition from its very popular Cork Bodied fly lures over to plastic, or spook bodied lures. The Wilder Dilg itself came to be 16 years prior to this culmination. The spook bodies began production in 1939 and were in the […]

Heddon Deep Diving Wiggler

Heddon Deep Diving Wiggler Lure

Heddon Deep Diving Wiggler The Heddon Deep Diving Wiggler Lure is a true classic. First introduced in 1914 this wooden lure would be a staple for roughly the next dozen years in Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan’s Lure line up. It was assigned a model series number 1600. This lure features to very identifiable diving planes […]

Heddon Meadow Mouse Lure

Heddon Meadow Mouse Lure

Heddon Meadow Mouse Lure The Heddon Meadow Mouse Lure was first introduced in 1929. This Heddon mouse lure made in Dowagiac Michigan would last for more than half a century in the antique lure line up. This fishing lure the wooden enameled version is a series number 4000. This antique lure measures 2 3/4″ in […]