Heddon Dowagiac Underwater Lure 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 lures were said to have been made.

Heddon Dowagiac Underwater Lure 1902 Ad

“Dowagiac” Casting Baits

    James Heddon & Sons, Dowagiac Michigan are placing on the market “Dowagiac” Casting Baits, Illustrated. These baits are all hand made.

    The “Dowagiac Expert” bait is made for surface casting for bass etc., and is largely used in warmer waters in the southern parts of the Northern States, and also in the South, The “Dowagiac Underwater” bait is intended for use in deep waters and where the temperature is lower in shallow waters, as will be found in the Northerly parts of states bordering Canada and the lakes. All the baits which are of wood are finished with three preparatory coats and then with three coats of hard enamel which will not crack or rub off and then necessitate frequent painting. The surface is a glistening white that creates a reflection of light which makes it attractive and enables fish to see it a long distance. The sockets or inserts into which the hooks are fastened keep them always outward and presented to the fish. All hooks are so fastened by means of a small open eye screw that the can be removed in a moments time in case of breakage, or should other sizes be preferred by the angler. The baits will not leak or soak water and are thus always of the proper weight. The hooks do not come in contact with the body of the bait and mar or otherwise injure it. The method of securing the trebles prevent their interlocking. It is stated that by reason of the side hooks this bait is a sure killer in as much as a large majority of the strikes are directed toward the side instead of at the back end of the bait. The Baits cast nicely because of the relation between the size and weight and buoyancy. They reel easily, offering only that resistance necessary to make good speed and are not tiring to the nerves nor wearing on the tackle. There are no whirling parts. By reason if the collar there is but little likelihood of catching weeds or rushes. In casting the surface bait jets of water are thrown in the air caused by the angling collar which attract the fish. The angling collar by the elevated fore end keep the baits always the same side up when running.

    The “Dowagiac Expert” Baits contains two trebles, six hooks of the proper side and in the right place where they are held at all times when the bait is on the water. The makers state that the black bass almost always strike this lure from behind or on the underside, being usually caught by the hooks hanging in the direction of the approach and when biting are practically sure to be hooked. This bait complete weighs half an ounce.

    The “Dowagiac Underwater” complete weighs one ounce. It has three treble hooks and the weight or sinker. The latter is the means by taking the bait down into deep water; it also prevents the spinner at the for end from revolving.