Bomber Bait Company

Bomber Bait Company founded in the early 40's by Ike Walker and C.S. 'Turby' Turbeville. These two fishermen like to fish their local lakes as well as the deep and brushy Lake Murray in Oklahoma. Their favorite lure to fish was the Creek Chub Crawdad, which unfortunately was very erratic and less than a deep diver. These two partners looked to improve  this lure. Only one out of about ten lures would run right. After a lot of experimentation these two found that an elongated, non-fixed line tie would provide a more consistent performance. Experimentation with lips shapes proved a straight lip would dive more deeply. After a few months of experimentation these two men set up a shop in one of their garages. They started out only making lures for themselves, but after a while the demand from friends and other fishermen pushed them into business. In 1946 they incorporated and formed the Bomber Bait Company. I won't go into the entire history of Bomber Baits, but a great source for the companies history is a book by Jim Bourdon (copyright April 1983).The NFLCC (National Fishing Lure Collectors Club) also has some good information in its library (www.nflcc.com).

Below are some examples of earlier Bomber Baits.

Note the earliest Bombers had Handmade line ties, shoe eye grommets, and the earliest were hand dipped, this is why some of the lures have a funny point of the front nose. The White no eye Bomber in the bottom of the two pictures has Patent Pending stamped on the belly of the lure...very tough lure to come by. 

Next examples, of the five size lures, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and show the later shape and probably is the most common Bomber seen today. 

Next Examples, 1949 Plastic Bombers, noted the reinforced line tie. This Bomber was made only one year, and did not fare well with the fishermen.

Next Example,s the  Bomberette made from 1949 to 1983. There were 3 sizes, Series 27 Midget made from 1949 to 1983, Series 70 Mid size and Series 80 Large size. The last two sizes were only made from 1949 to 1954. 

Next examples, the Knothead made from 1948 to 1950 in two sizes. Series 120 and Series 130 

Next examples, the Bomber Top made from 1951 to 1954 in two sizes. Series 40 and Series 60.

Next examples, the Bomber Jerk made from 1953 to 1983+. They came in three sizes, Series 4300,4400 and 4500. Notice the L-rig hook hangers. These were made for saltwater fishing. They had a reputation of being very deadly on Speckle trout and Redfish.

Next examples, Waterdogs made from 1955 to 1972 in three sizes. Series1500, 1600 and 1700.

Next example, Bomber Stick and Spinstick made from 1954 to 1983+. Spinsticks came in two sizes, Series 72 baby Spinstick and Series 73 regular Spinstick. The Stick only came in Series 74 which is the regular size. Notice theBomber stick and spinsticks have a groove cut in the body above the front hook. This is a great way to identify Bomber from other companies.

Bomber also made Bushwacker spinner baits, weed whacker (buzzbait), Hair jigs, Gimmick and moved into the plastic era from @ 1974 to include Model A Crankbait, Speed Shad, Rattle R, Popper, Slab Spoons, Salt Water Jigs and Smillin-Minno.

Next Examples, Looboyle Special, a bait made especially for a Sporting Goods store in Tulsa Oklahoma named Looboyle. They were only sold from this store and came in six colors. Notice the eyes are near the bill and they have been found with the willow leaf spinner as well as the colorado spinner like the waterdogs.

Next examples are some uncataloged color Jerks and some tougher colored Jerks. Frog jerk has waterdog spinner attached, Black Jerk with tarpon hook was fished by Turby himself in Florida, third row of jerks are all based on an orange pearl base coat, made especially for a fishing marina in Venice La. area, Swirl paint jobs are very tough and have also been found on spinsticks and sticks.

Next examples, Lipless Waterdogs. These have been found with spinners on back and also both front and back. Most are found with no spinners at all. Some older fisherman have referred to these as Top Dogs.

Next examples, Bomber Darter and Saltwater Spinstick, both uncataloged lures.

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