Fred Arbogast — Classic Bass Lures and Innovations
The history of the Fred Arbogast Co. began in Akron, Ohio, as a personal pursuit of its founder. Fred Arbogast, while employed at Goodyear Tire and Rubber, carved lures to use in casting competitions and for his own fishing. The commercial introduction of the Tin Liz around 1930, which existed in at least six variations, provided the necessary success for Arbogast to leave his industrial job and establish a dedicated manufacturing business. The company subsequently became a notable supplier of lures designed specifically for bass fishing.
Among the developments of the company were surface lures that relied on specific acoustic and mechanical properties. The Jitterbug was designed with a wide, double metal lip that creates a rhythmic gurgling sound as it rocks from side to side during a steady retrieve. This model is frequently utilized for night fishing. Another surface lure, the Hula Popper, features a deep concave nose designed to produce a splashing sound when moved with a rod twitch. A defining characteristic of many Arbogast designs is the Hula Skirt, a rubber attachment that pulses and opens during pauses in the retrieve.
The product range also included lures for various water conditions and depths. The Hawaiian Wiggler was designed for fishing in heavy vegetation, featuring a weedless construction with a front spinner blade and the signature Hula Skirt. For subsurface fishing, the Hula Dancer utilized a front lip to generate vibration. The Sputterbug, a surface lure, incorporated a large front propeller to create a noisy trail on the water surface, complemented by the movement of the tail skirt.
Following the passing of Fred Arbogast in 1947, the company continued to expand its catalog with new models. Lures such as the Arbo-Gaster, Bug-Eye, Hustler, Mud Bug, and Pug Nose were added to the lineup. The Akron factory remained in operation until 1997, after which the company was sold to PRADCO, which continues to manufacture several of the established models.
