Dayton Bait Company

Dayton Bait Company was an American firm, founded in Dayton, Ohio, known for its lures marketed under the Dixie brand. Its history is closely tied to the introduction of plastic fishing lures in the 1930s.

The company was founded by Harold P. Gibb in the 1930s in Dayton, Ohio.

Gibb was one of the pioneers in using thermoplastic materials (plastic) for the mass production of fishing lures. This was a significant step forward at a time when most manufacturers, like Creek Chub, were still using wood. Plastic allowed for more stable and durable lure bodies.

Key Lures under the Dixie Brand:

Dixie Jet 

Dixie Spinner (The Dixie Lure): This is arguably the most famous product. The Dixie Spinner is a unique in-line spinner/spinnerbait (though the modern spinnerbait design was yet to come) that was an effective lure for bass and pike. It stood out due to its bright colors and well-balanced blade rotation.

 Dayton Bait Company also produced a range of classic plastic crankbaits and minnow lures, although the Dixie Spinner remained the most recognizable.

Dayton Bait Company continued operations into the late 1940s.

Its lures are valued by collectors not only for their effectiveness but also for their historical significance as some of the earliest industrial lures made from plastic. They symbolize the transition from wooden, handcrafted items to modern mass production.