Heddon Jerk and Crankbait Fishing Lures

James Heddon is acknowledged the world over as the creator of the first artificial fishing lure. Little did he know that fishing lure history was being made as he cast that first "plug" onto the still waters of the Dowagiac, Michigan mill pond. The ripples that first plug made as it hit the water have touched the lives of generations of anglers. And now, present day versions of many of his early lure creations are still being produced and sold around the world. Many more of the earlier models have found their way into the hands of collectors everywhere. He would not have believed that his early creations would spawn such an avid following of antique lure and fishing tackle collectors.