Hydro Lures — Vintage Plastic Weedless Spoons
Hydro Lures, Inc. operated out of Huntsville, Alabama, during the 1970s and 1980s. The company functioned as a division of Plasform Inc., which was established in 1970. For nearly five decades, Glenn Robert Huskey led the organization, overseeing its operations from its inception until 2017. While Plasform Inc. remains active, the specialized fishing tackle production has since transitioned into the realm of vintage equipment.
The Hydro Spoon represents a technical departure from traditional metal casting spoons. Constructed from durable plastic rather than metal, this lure was engineered to navigate environments where standard spoons would succumb to snags. The choice of plastic provided specific buoyancy and action, allowing the lure to be worked through heavy cover where traditional hardware is often ineffective.
The design features a dedicated anti-snag system for fishing in dense structure. A single hook is rigidly fixed within the body, and the lure is balanced to ensure it consistently lands and retrieves with the hook point facing upward. To provide additional vibration and conceal the hook, the lures were equipped with a silicone skirt, which mimics the movement of live forage during the retrieve.
The technical applications of these lures include fishing in thick vegetation and shallow water. Because of the plastic construction, the Hydro Spoon can function as a glider over the surface of lily pads and weed beds. It was also designed for use around submerged timber and brush piles. Among others, the catalog included the 5.5 cm Hydro Spoon Jr. and the standard 7.0 cm Hydro Spoon, intended for targeting largemouth bass and pike in difficult fishing spots.
