Classic Heddon Antique Fishing Lures

On April 7, 1920 the James Heddon's Sons Company bought two Canadian Curtiss Biplanes that was used as an advertising vehicle to help launch their new fishing manufacturing company Heddon Lures. They printed their first fishing tackle catalog in 1903.

Since those humble beginnings Heddon fishing lures have become a household name in every tackle box across the world. With thousands of lures made every year and hundreds sought by collectors it's easy to see why Heddon Lures still are tops among today's fisherman. Whether your a fan of the river runts, tiny torpedoes or the new line of Super Spooks, Heddon has been richly involved in fishing and fishing tackle and will sure to be around for many years to come.

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Getting started in collecting Heddon fishing lures is a daunting task, that simply cannot be covered in just one page, which is why I highly recommend you take a look at getting the books recommended below, those books cover in details all things you need to know about collecting vintage Heddon lures. From color charts to details about each lure and it's variation, if your really interested in learning more about Heddon lures then you really should consider getting those books that specialize in this fishing tackle company. But to get you started I will look at one area that can help you out

Identifying Heddon Lure Hardware

Learning to identify Heddon lures can be made much easier if you know the types of hardware and the time period they were used.

Cup Rig: The earliest type of hook hardware and was used and on Heddon lure made prior to 1916-1917. There is an eye screw in the center of the cup and this holds the hook. The cup was made so as to prevent the hook from hitting the lure body. The idea was to help protect the wood and provide durability.
L-Rig: Was a hook hanger that appeared in use around 1914 and was featured in the Heddon catalog in 1916 The hook screw has an arm for an attachment screw which comes out of the cup and on to the body. This piece of hardware was most commonly used on the "Prop" style Heddon Lures.
Toilet seat: As funny as the name implies this piece of hardware is made in two pieces and the toilet seat shape gives it the name. This hardware was in use during 1927 to 1936.
Two piece: ls also known as "Flap" hardware was used starting in about 1936 and continued through the war until replaced by the surface rig.
Surface Rig: The surface rig hardware was a flimsy one-piece surface mounted hook hanger held on with two screws and is usually found on most Heddon post 1950 lures.

The following chart can help you identify the different types of Heddon hardware discussed and give you a visual idea of what we are talking about. The next best thing is to simply dive into your tackle box and start examining the hardware on your lures and learn to differentiate the different kinds of hardware used.

Why do I collect Heddon fishing lures? Because I learned to fish with my Dad's Heddon Lures. Those old fishing lures can still be found today, and sometimes at very reasonable prices. an enduring reminder of the Ol' Heddon slogan, "Heddon Made, Well Made."