Heddon Lures

Heddon Lures Reels & Fishing Tackle; Fitting everything known about Heddon Lures the maker & its heritage into a single web page is a daunting task. Its like trying to wrap your arms around a Sequoia tree. This antique fishing lure and reel maker transcended over a century’s worth of time. As far as the American Fishing Lure history story, it would be hard to tell without including  Heddon. From the folksy story of James Heddon creating his first frog antique lure next to old mill pond to today’s giant conglomerate EBSCO – Pradco one cannot traverse American fishing history without them.

As the years moved forward so did Heddon lures in their innovations. Through the field testing of lures in the Bass filled lakes of Florida to the frozen ponds of Michigan, the Heddon Company lead through innovations. The antique lure giant bought, fought and marketed their way to success. Famous lures such as the Heddon Dowagiac Expert, and its early brethren the Underwater Minnow would morph into some of the most successful lures for both fishermen and present day collectors.  The lures themselves adapted through the decades bringing with them a giant patronage (whichever account you read from) of the American fishing Industry. Anyone who reads and studies the works or craftsmanship of early American Fishing industry, will no doubt conclude and see the sometimes subtle and not so subtle similarities in the competitors. Striking an unarguable link between the giants or Big 5, Creek Chub, Shakespeare, South Bend, Jamison, Pflueger and many others in paint, performance, and technology. Some of these would work their way out in court and others would be decided by the consumer.

As the site grows so will its pages to help identify and expound up the Heddon Lure line up. Through the use of key dates, paint schemes and color codes, hook hardware, and seemingly endless lure varieties of the lures themselves we will attempt to tell the story.

Heddon Lures Reels & Fishing Tackle

Heddon Underwater Minnow

Heddon Model 100 Minnow in White Boarder Down Bass Box & Papers Circa 1912

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Heddon Dowagiac Lures Reels & Fishing Tackle Posts

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 [...]

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Heddon Trade Catalog 1927 Antique Lures Reels Rods

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

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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 [...]

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Heddon Tiny Punkinseed Lure

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 [...]

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Heddon Chugger Spook Lure

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 [...]

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Heddon Giant Jointed Vamp

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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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Heddon Basser Antique 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″ [...]

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Heddon Baby Dowagiac Lure

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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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, [...]

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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 [...]

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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. [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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Heddon Tiny Spook Lure

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 [...]

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Reissue Punkinseed Spook Lure

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 [...]

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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, [...]

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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 [...]

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Heddon Baby Vamp

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. [...]

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Heddon Widget Fly 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 [...]

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Heddon Vamp Lure

Heddon Vamp Lure The Heddon Vamp Lure is a series 7500 and measures 4 1/2″ in length. This antique lure was first produced in 1920, and from then on was a regular staple in the James Heddon and Son fishing lure lineup for over 50 years. This antique fishing lure [...]

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Heddon Baby Torpedo

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 [...]

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Heddon Punkie Spook Fly Lure

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 [...]

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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 [...]

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Heddon 9630 Punkinseed Lure

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. [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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Heddon Crab Spook Lure

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 [...]

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Heddon Gamefisher Lure

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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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Heddon Dowagiac Minnows Newspaper Ad 1919

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 [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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Heddon 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. [...]

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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 [...]

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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 [...]

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Heddon Deep Diving Wiggler

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 [...]

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Heddon Big Tiger Lure

Heddon Big Tiger Lure Baby Bass The Heddon Big Tiger Lure is a model 1040 and was first introduced in 1968. The lure would only make a short run for 3 years until it was discontinued in 1971. Although it would make a brief appearance again in 1980 it would [...]

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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 [...]

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Heddon Musky Flap Tail Lure

Heddon Musky Flap Tail Lure The Heddon Musky Flap Tail Lure was first introduced around 1935. This antique fishing lure was given the model number 7050 inside the Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan’s lure line up. While not the largest in the Flap Tail series this wooden lure measures 5″ in [...]

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Heddon Magnum Torpedo Lure

Heddon Magnum Torpedo Lure The Heddon Magnum Torpedo Lure was first introduced in 1969. This Antique Lure was Heddon / Pradco in Ft Smith Arkansas model series number 362. This plastic spook lure is the largest of the Torpedo Spook lures and measures 3 1/4″ inch in length. This antique [...]

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Heddon No. 45 German Silver Reel Antique Fishing Reel

Heddon No. 45 German Silver Reel Antique Fishing Reel This is a Vintage Heddon No. 45 German Silver Reel Antique Fishing Reel . 1917, designed by Jack Welch and William Carter for Heddon, marked “Made By James Heddon’s Sons Dowagiac Mich. No.45” on the front and “Carter’s Pat. Jul 5. [...]

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Heddon Dummy Double Lure

Heddon Dummy Double Lure The Heddon Dummy Double Lure is a antique lure collector favorite. This classic vintage fishing lure designed by James Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan is a model 1500. This clean and nice condition 3″ wooden lure was first introduced in 1913 and made into the 1920’s. This [...]

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Heddon River Runt Go Deeper Scoop Lip

Heddon River Runt Go Deeper Scoop Lip This is a Heddon River Runt Go Deeper Scoop Lip Lure. This River Runt spook lure is from the Go Deeper Series, a model series D9110 having the highly collectible Scoop Lip. The scoop lip was made on this series of lures between [...]

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Heddon 00 Lure 5 Hook Underwater Minnow

Heddon 00 Lure The Heddon 00 Lure is a 5 sided or flat sided underwater minnow fishing lure. The Dowagiac 00 is a wooden, glass eye 5 hook lure which first came in around 1915, making it one of the many classic Heddon antique lures that came out of the [...]

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Heddon Craw Shrimp Lure

Heddon Craw Shrimp Lure The Heddon Craw Shrimp Lure was a short lived antique fishing lure. The plastic or spook lure made by Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan was first introduced in 1969. This classic fishing lure was given a model series 375. It was present in the 1969 and 1970 [...]

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Heddon Midget Crab Wiggler Lure

Heddon Midget Crab Wiggler Lure The Heddon Midget Crab Wiggler Lure was first introduced in 1921, by James Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan. This wooden, glass eyed minnow would be the smallest lure produced in the fisherman favorite Crab Wiggler line up or series of baits. While the lure was created [...]

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Heddon Top Sonic Lure

Heddon Top Sonic Lure The Heddon Top Sonic Lure was a Heddon Dowagiac Series number 300. This antique lure was made from 1966 to 1969, so it was a short run in comparison to some of its other sonic lure brothers. The Top Sonic fishing lure features a tail and [...]

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Heddon Wood River Runtie Fly Lure

Heddon Wood River Runtie Fly Lure The Heddon Wood River Runtie Fly Lure was first introduced in 1937. Made by Heddon in Dowagiac Michigan this antique fly rod lure was given a series 750. The 1930’s was a time of transition for the America, and the fishing lure industry. In [...]

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Heddon Waltonian No31 AB Reel

Heddon Waltonian No31 AB Reel The Heddon Waltonian No31 AB Reel was first introduced around 1927. Made in Dowagiac Michigan by James Heddons Sons, the Heddon NO.31 AB “WALTONIAN” Casting reel was produced. The level wind reel themselves made are of lightweight aluminum. The casting reels were first introduced by [...]

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Heddon Water Wave River Runt Lure

Heddon Water Wave River Runt Lure The Heddon Water Wave River Runt Lure was introduced in 1938. This antique Heddon lure made in Dowagiac, Michigan was given a Model E9400 for the Floater and a E9110 for the Sinker. Sown below are both version of the iconic Heddon lure. This [...]

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Heddon Giant River Runt Lure

Heddon Giant River Runt Lure The Heddon Giant River Runt Lure was made for Salmon, Musky and Pike. The shape is what appears to have been just the front end of Giant Vamp is now a Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan Series number 7510. The antique lure was first found around [...]

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Intro Heddon Crab Wiggler Paper

Intro Heddon Crab Wiggler Paper The Intro Heddon Crab Wiggler Paper dates to the 1916. This is the large size Wiggler papers vs the more common found smaller format used inside Baby Crab Wiggler boxes. Baby Crab Wiggler Heddon’s Dowagiac Floating Diving Wiggling Minnow The above illustrates our new “Baby [...]

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Heddon Minnow White Pasteboard Box

Heddon Minnow White Pasteboard Box This is a Heddon Minnow White Pasteboard Box. The lure is a early circa 1911 era Combo made by James Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan. The wooden, glass eyed, minnow lure has 3T and cup rig hardware. The lure has three red gill marks, a single [...]

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Heddon Big Mary Lure Salt Water Special

Heddon Big Mary The Heddon Big Mary Lure is another antique lure in the Salt Water Special series lure line up. The antique lure shown is series 800, and the color code is a letter P for Shiner Scale. The lure would have been housed in a red border up leaping bass [...]

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Heddon High Forehead Lure in Wood Box

Heddon High Forehead Lure This Heddon High Forehead Lure in Wood Box is a great example of a classic and one of the earliest Heddon minnow styles. Shown below is a desirable vintage Heddon High Forehead Underwater Minnow antique fishing lure, a wood box model series 100. Being a wooden, [...]

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Heddon White Down Bass Box Minnow

Heddon White Down Bass Box Minnow This Heddon White Down Bass Box Minnow Lure is quite a package. This is a wonderful, and over 100 year old complete antique fishing lure package. A desirable vintage 1912 Heddon Underwater Minnow antique lure. A model series 100, this wooden, glass eyed lure [...]

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Heddon Cousin II Antique Lure

Heddon Cousin II Antique Lure The Heddon Cousin II Antique Lure was the second version in the Cousin line and came about around 1974. This Heddon of Dowagiac, Michigan made lure was assigned a model series number 7335. This plastic spook lure that resembles a cross between a snake and [...]

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Heddon SOS 170 Minnow Lure

Heddon SOS 170 Minnow Lure The Heddon SOS 170 Minnow Lure is the second to the largest in the family of 4. This antique fishing lure was first introduced in 1928 by Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan. The wooden fishing lure measures in at roughly 4 1/2″ in length. The lures [...]

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Heddon 100 Green Crackle Back White Pasteboard Box

Heddon Fat Body 100 Antique Lure Green Crackle Back White Pasteboard Box This is a Heddon Dowagiac Underwater Model 100 Minnow Lure. The lure is a early circa 1911 era Combo. The wooden, glass eyed, minnow lure has 3T and cup rig hardware. The lure has three red gill marks, [...]

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Heddon Artistic Minnow Lure with Buoy

Heddon Artistic Minnow Lure with Buoy The Heddon Artistic Minnow Lure was first introduced in 1907. This wooden glass eyed Heddon Dowagiac antique fishing lure was a series number 50. The lure was available with a single, a double and a triple belly weight in this tiny unit. The lure [...]

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Heddon Laguna River Runt Antique Fishing Lure

Heddon Laguna River Runt Antique Fishing Lure This is a Vintage Heddon Laguna River Runt lure. This antique lure was first introduced in 1939 and lasted through 1952/. What makes this one scarce is it has the toilet seat rigging for the hook hangers, most will be found in two [...]

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Black Bass in Florida James Heddon Janette Hawley

Black Bass in Florida James Heddon Janette Hawley In the Black Bass Florida James Heddon Janette Hawley article from 1904 printing of Angling Stories we get this great article from James Heddon, I think. The book is a compilation of Angling stories from other Magazines, such as Sports Afield. We [...]

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Vintage Heddon 100 Minnow Stanley Props Depression Era Antique Lure

Vintage Heddon 100 Minnow Stanley Props Depression Era Antique Lure This auction is for a Heddon Dowagiac Underwater Minnow Lure, a Series 100. This wooden, glass eye lure has Cup Rig hardware even though it dates to the late 1920’s. The lure has a front Prop marked Heddon Stanley and [...]

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Heddon 100 Antique Lure Fancy Sienna in Wood Box

Heddon 100 Antique Lure Fancy Sienna in Wood Box This is a very tough and super desirable vintage Heddon Underwater Minnow antique fishing lure, a wood box model series 100. This wooden, glass eyed lure measures 2 3/4″, and weighs in at 2/3oz. The 100 minnow model lure was first [...]

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Heddon Torpedo Antique Lure Model 130 Series

Heddon Torpedo Antique Lure Model 130 This is a Heddon Torpedo antique fishing lure minnow, a model series 130. This wooden, glass eyed lure measures 4 1/2″, and weighs in at 3/4 oz. The lure was first introduced in 1924 and made through 1959 with a short hiatus from the [...]

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Heddon Torpedo Lure Model Series 130

Heddon Torpedo Lure Model Series 130 This gem is a Heddon Torpedo Lure Model Series 130. The 130 was first introduced by Heddon of Dowagiac, Michigan in 1924 and would last for 35 years until 1959. The Torpedo would cross decades of composition changes from material it was made from, [...]

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Heddon Jointed Vamp Antique Lure

Heddon Jointed Vamp Antique Lure The Heddon Jointed Vamp Antique Lure was first introduced in 1927 by Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan. Expanding upon the success of its straight uni-body predecessor the Heddon Vamp, the Jointed Vamp was given a model series 7300. This wooden, glass eyed vintage fishing lure would [...]

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Heddon Spoony Fish Antique Lure

Heddon Spoony Fish Antique Lure This Heddon Spoony Fish Antique Lure was a short lived model. This solid metal antique Heddon lure was given a model series 590, has the outline of a fish, measures 4 1/4″ in length and tops the scales at 1 oz. This lure is the [...]

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Heddon Floating Vamp Spook Lure

Heddon Floating Vamp Spook Lure The Heddon Floating Vamp Spook Lure was a transition lure produced between 1931 and 1934. This lure was an attempt to usurp the wooden Vamp with the newest technology in plastics, it would in in 1932 run a parallel line to it. This vintage lure [...]

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Heddon Tiny Teaz Fly Lure

Heddon Tiny Teaz Fly Lure The Heddon Tiny Teaz Fly Lure was first introduced in 1930. This pint sized Heddon lure, made in Dowagiac Michigan was very short lived. While introduced in 1930 this lure would disappear into obscurity by 1934 and not even make the lure line up catalog [...]

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Heddon Pal P-41N Narrow Spool Reel

Heddon Pal P-41N Narrow Spool Reel The Heddon Pal P-41N Narrow Spool Reel dates back to the early 1950’s. This antique Reel has Ruby Red Jewels on its matte black scribed Face plates. The reel features “New” Demount-able Head Rings for easy cleaning and oiling. The head rings feature a [...]

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Heddon Musky Vamp Antique Lure

Heddon Musky Vamp Antique Lure The Heddon Musky Vamp Antique Lure over went many identities and names through its lifespan. The antique lure was first introduced as the Musketeer Vamp in 1927, The name was changed to Musky Vamp in 1928 and would also be referred to as a Giant [...]

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Heddon 300 7 Hook Minnow Lure

Heddon 300 7 Hook Minnow Lure This Heddon 300 7 Hook Minnow Lure dates to 1925. The model Heddon of Dowagiac, Michigan assigned this was a model 300 which had been being produced already for 20 years, just another version of it. This behemoth of a antique lure was a [...]

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Heddon Spinfin Antique Lure

Heddon Spinfin Antique Lure The Heddon Spinfin Antique Lure was first introduced in 1956 and was in Heddon’s lure catalog line up until 1976. The lure was assigned a model number 411-413. The numeration is based on its weight and color ranging from 2 1/4″- 2 5/8″ and weights between [...]

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Heddon Salt Water Torpedo Lure

Heddon Salt Water Torpedo Lure The Heddon Salt Water Torpedo Lure was first introduced in 1946 and was produced until 1956. The lure was assigned a model series number 30 by Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan and is stamped by its maker on its underside. This salt water version of very [...]

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Heddon Crackleback Antique Lure

Heddon Crackleback Antique Lure The Heddon Crackleback Antique Lure was first introduced in 1971 and manufactured all the way to 1976. Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan created this little whale or dolphin look alike and assigned it a model series number 8000. The lure is made of plastic, measures 3 7/8″ [...]

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Heddon King Zig Wag Antique Lure

Heddon King Zig Wag Antique Lure The Heddon King Zig Wag Antique Lure was first introduced in 1938 and manufactured all the way to 1953. The 1930’s through the 1950’s was considered a boom time for Salmon targeted fishing lure. Many of the top lure companies would be integrating Salmon [...]

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Heddon Crazy Crawler Lure 2120 Series

Heddon Crazy Crawler Lure 2120 Series The Heddon Crazy Crawler Lure 2120 Series antique fishing lure was first introduced in 1941. This Crazy Crawler lure made by Heddon of Dowagiac, Michigan would be a great seller for Heddon over the next few decades. The offered the wooden version in three [...]

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Heddon Crazy Crawler Lure

Heddon Crazy Crawler Lure The Heddon Crazy Crawler Lure is a collector favorite, and was first introduced around 1939-1940. Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan purchased the patent rights to this winged creature from Jim Donaly, of Hoptacong NJ. This version is the Model 2100 series and is the second to largest [...]

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Heddon Bubbling Bug Fly Rod Lure

Heddon Bubbling Bug Fly The Heddon Bubbling Bug fly rod minnow lure is Heddon’s Series number 90. The fly rod fishing lure is not your A Typical small trout Fly one thinks of, as you can see in the gallery against a ruler this fly measures 1 3/4″ in length. [...]

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Heddon 3-15 Antique Fishing Reel

Heddon 3-15 Antique Fishing Reel This Heddon 3-15 Antique Fishing Reel is quite a looker. This was Heddon’s first reel that they made for themselves, not using a jobber and they went about doing it as many companies would continue to source people over the next century, they just hired [...]

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Heddon After Heddon Part I

Heddon After Heddon Part I Heddon After Heddon Part I; Many people know the legend of the founding of Heddon. Indeed, the story of James Heddon, the erstwhile beekeeper-turned-fisherman, has become apocryphal, and has been covered in great detail by collectors and fishing historians alike. Yet it is easy to [...]

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Heddon Bucktail Surface Minnow Lure 400

Heddon Bucktail Surface Minnow Lure 400 The Heddon Bucktail Surface Minnow Lure 400 is a tough little lure to find. The lure is larger in girth than say a Heddon Artistic Minnow Lure. The lure a Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan series 400 was made in 1908 and disappeared around 1909. [...]

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Heddon Plunking Basser Lure

Heddon Plunking Basser Lure The Heddon Plunking Basser Lure is a smaller lure than its bigger brother the Heddon Basser antique lure. The Plunking Basser is a wooden lure measuring 3″ inches in length. The lure was given a model series number 8400 by Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan. This lure [...]

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Heddon Spin Diver Antique Lure

Heddon Spin Diver Antique Lure The Heddon Spin Diver Antique Lure is one of Heddon’s most iconic, and identifiable golden age lures. The antique lure first was introduced in 1918 and wouldn’t last as long as most of the other under-water minnow versions. The Spin Diver made by Heddon of Dowagiac, [...]

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Heddon Tiny River Runt Spook Lure

Heddon Tiny River Runt Spook Lure The Heddon Tiny River Runt Spook Lure was first introduced in 1953. This lure made by Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan was given a model series number 350. This Plastic spook lure was made in the likeness of all the previous runt spooks yet just [...]

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Heddon Lure Memorial Day Ad

Heddon Lure Memorial Day Ad This great Heddon Lure Memorial Day Ad falls in line with our thoughts and thanks. For those that made the ultimate sacrifice we thank you. And thank you Mr. Bill Sonnet for finding this and allowing me to share it with my readers. A Boy [...]

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Heddon 800 Series Swimming Minnow

Heddon 800 Series Swimming Minnow The Heddon 800 Series Swimming Minnow, was only ever cataloged in 1911. This was the smaller of the Swimming Minnows. This antique lure made by James Heddon of Dowagiac Michigan was another in the part of a marketing series called “It Swims” or focusing on [...]

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