by Joe Martino
Ever since I tied on my first Hildebrandt lure, I have had a special attachment to them. Hildebrandt baits have always seemed to catch fish for me, usually in greater quantities than most other lures I used. Fishing companions would stare in awe as these "magic" baits produced fish after fish compared to other baits we threw.
What makes this lure even more special to me is the fact that it is manufactured in Logansport, Indiana; a mere stones throw from my home. It is extremely gratifying for me to catch fish in the nearby waters on a bait that was "home grown". It is perhaps just as gratify to catch fish in waters far from home on a good old "Hoosier made bait". Hildebrandt baits are much more than local favorites, however, as they have markets for their jigs and spinnerbaits throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan.
Apparently I am not the only person to feel strongly about the fish catching ability of Hildebrandt baits. Mark Hicks saw fit to write an article in Bassmaster magazine about the company's Snagless Sally in-line spinnerbait, praising its performance and innovation.
The deep infatuation that I have for Hildebrandt lures prompted me to contact Mark Hildebrandt recently for an interview. Mark was very accommodating, even on his tight schedule.
I was full of anticipation on hearing the rich history behind this reputable lure manufacturer. I could hardly wait to meet with Mark, as I was excited at touring the facility where the famous baits were made.
Mark's Great Grandfather, John Hildebrandt, known as "Big John" to his friends, founded the company in the late 1890's. Big John was a plumber by trade, but his love of fishing led him to begin tinkering with spinners. Big John also served as a conservation officer for a while. Legend has it that Big John's first spinner was made from one of his wife's hairpins and a dime. He supposedly pounded out a dime that would serve as the spinner blade itself, while the hairpin would serve as the spinner's shaft. This was to become the beginning of a very long and proven reputation for manufacturing some of the best spinners in the business.
Big John died in 1912, willing the business to his son, Hiram, on the condition that Hiram provide and care for his mother and his two younger sisters. Hiram ran the business until his death in 1954, briefly being shipped to France to serve in the infantry in WWI. Hiram's son John had also joined the venture in 1948.
Upon Hiram's death, John asked his brother Alan to join him in the family business. Both of these distinguished men were pilots in WWII in 1944. John flew B-24's and Alan flew B-26's, respectively.
John retired from the business in 1985, and Alan ran it alone until his son Mark joined him in 1987.
As I spoke with Mark, a gentleman walked in and said goodbye to Mark and that he would see him tomorrow. Mark grinned and told me that that was his 79-year-old father, Alan. Alan still puts in a 40-hour workweek at the family business. Mark also mentioned that the business is still run in the house that Big John built back in 1905. More impressive is that each lure is still manufactured in the carriage barn that sits behind the house. Big John also built this building in 1905.
As my conversation with Mark continued, it was obvious that he possesses a true devotion to the sport of fishing and to the manufacturing of premium quality baits. As he showed me through the facility, it was also apparent that each employee puts an extra amount of care and devotion into their work. I could tell this by observing the workstations and the general "feel" of the place.
Hildebrandt has established a niche in the premium fishing tackle industry. Their spinners are legendary, and have earned high marks with fisherman all over. Couple this with the fact that the company operates much the same way it has for more than 100 years, and the fact that each of the company's fifteen employees puts much caring and compassion into each lure, it is no wonder that these lures are so successful.
I get a special feeling whenever I tie on a Hildebrandt lure. I know that I am tying on much more than an ordinary lure, I am tying on a rich family tradition that was built on quality. A tradition that still runs strong today. It is unusual to experience this type of craftsmanship and dedication in today's world of mass production and board meetings.
If you would like to tie on a piece of this legendary history for yourself, visit your local fishing goods retailer. If they do not carry Hildebrandt baits, they can most likely order them for you. You can also feel free to give the Hildebrandt Corporation a call, they would be glad to assist you in obtaining their lures.
Note:
I ran into Charlie Cropper of Kokomo, Indiana the other day while I was visiting Kokomo Marine and he informed me of the second annual Charlie Cropper and Friends boat poker run for We Care, which will begin at the Madison boat ramp in Madison, Indiana on Saturday, August 10th, 2002.
We Care is a nationally recognized program that generates funds for local charities through several fundraising events and donations. Kokomo's WWKI radio personalities Dick Bronson and Charlie Cropper work tirelessly along with a host of volunteers, and the community as a whole to make this program the best of its kind in the country
The boat poker run costs $15.00 per player, with cash prizes going out to the best 5 hands. This event will be held on approximately a 65-mile course. This will not be a race. There will be a 50% pay back, up to $1000.00, with the balance of the funds going to We Care.
This worthwhile event will be limited to the first 300 entrants, so get in early for a chance to help this wonderful organization - and to have some fun!
Interested persons should contact Charlie Cropper (765) 459-4191 or toll free at (800) 456-1106. Checks can be made payable to Charlie Cropper c/o WWKI 519 N. Main, Kokomo, IN. 46901.
Ever since I tied on my first Hildebrandt lure, I have had a special attachment to them. Hildebrandt baits have always seemed to catch fish for me, usually in greater quantities than most other lures I used. Fishing companions would stare in awe as these "magic" baits produced fish after fish compared to other baits we threw.
What makes this lure even more special to me is the fact that it is manufactured in Logansport, Indiana; a mere stones throw from my home. It is extremely gratifying for me to catch fish in the nearby waters on a bait that was "home grown". It is perhaps just as gratify to catch fish in waters far from home on a good old "Hoosier made bait". Hildebrandt baits are much more than local favorites, however, as they have markets for their jigs and spinnerbaits throughout the United States, Canada, and Japan.
Apparently I am not the only person to feel strongly about the fish catching ability of Hildebrandt baits. Mark Hicks saw fit to write an article in Bassmaster magazine about the company's Snagless Sally in-line spinnerbait, praising its performance and innovation.
The deep infatuation that I have for Hildebrandt lures prompted me to contact Mark Hildebrandt recently for an interview. Mark was very accommodating, even on his tight schedule.
I was full of anticipation on hearing the rich history behind this reputable lure manufacturer. I could hardly wait to meet with Mark, as I was excited at touring the facility where the famous baits were made.
Mark's Great Grandfather, John Hildebrandt, known as "Big John" to his friends, founded the company in the late 1890's. Big John was a plumber by trade, but his love of fishing led him to begin tinkering with spinners. Big John also served as a conservation officer for a while. Legend has it that Big John's first spinner was made from one of his wife's hairpins and a dime. He supposedly pounded out a dime that would serve as the spinner blade itself, while the hairpin would serve as the spinner's shaft. This was to become the beginning of a very long and proven reputation for manufacturing some of the best spinners in the business.
Big John died in 1912, willing the business to his son, Hiram, on the condition that Hiram provide and care for his mother and his two younger sisters. Hiram ran the business until his death in 1954, briefly being shipped to France to serve in the infantry in WWI. Hiram's son John had also joined the venture in 1948.
Upon Hiram's death, John asked his brother Alan to join him in the family business. Both of these distinguished men were pilots in WWII in 1944. John flew B-24's and Alan flew B-26's, respectively.
John retired from the business in 1985, and Alan ran it alone until his son Mark joined him in 1987.
As I spoke with Mark, a gentleman walked in and said goodbye to Mark and that he would see him tomorrow. Mark grinned and told me that that was his 79-year-old father, Alan. Alan still puts in a 40-hour workweek at the family business. Mark also mentioned that the business is still run in the house that Big John built back in 1905. More impressive is that each lure is still manufactured in the carriage barn that sits behind the house. Big John also built this building in 1905.
As my conversation with Mark continued, it was obvious that he possesses a true devotion to the sport of fishing and to the manufacturing of premium quality baits. As he showed me through the facility, it was also apparent that each employee puts an extra amount of care and devotion into their work. I could tell this by observing the workstations and the general "feel" of the place.
Hildebrandt has established a niche in the premium fishing tackle industry. Their spinners are legendary, and have earned high marks with fisherman all over. Couple this with the fact that the company operates much the same way it has for more than 100 years, and the fact that each of the company's fifteen employees puts much caring and compassion into each lure, it is no wonder that these lures are so successful.
I get a special feeling whenever I tie on a Hildebrandt lure. I know that I am tying on much more than an ordinary lure, I am tying on a rich family tradition that was built on quality. A tradition that still runs strong today. It is unusual to experience this type of craftsmanship and dedication in today's world of mass production and board meetings.
If you would like to tie on a piece of this legendary history for yourself, visit your local fishing goods retailer. If they do not carry Hildebrandt baits, they can most likely order them for you. You can also feel free to give the Hildebrandt Corporation a call, they would be glad to assist you in obtaining their lures.
Note:
I ran into Charlie Cropper of Kokomo, Indiana the other day while I was visiting Kokomo Marine and he informed me of the second annual Charlie Cropper and Friends boat poker run for We Care, which will begin at the Madison boat ramp in Madison, Indiana on Saturday, August 10th, 2002.
We Care is a nationally recognized program that generates funds for local charities through several fundraising events and donations. Kokomo's WWKI radio personalities Dick Bronson and Charlie Cropper work tirelessly along with a host of volunteers, and the community as a whole to make this program the best of its kind in the country
The boat poker run costs $15.00 per player, with cash prizes going out to the best 5 hands. This event will be held on approximately a 65-mile course. This will not be a race. There will be a 50% pay back, up to $1000.00, with the balance of the funds going to We Care.
This worthwhile event will be limited to the first 300 entrants, so get in early for a chance to help this wonderful organization - and to have some fun!
Interested persons should contact Charlie Cropper (765) 459-4191 or toll free at (800) 456-1106. Checks can be made payable to Charlie Cropper c/o WWKI 519 N. Main, Kokomo, IN. 46901.