Paw Paw

Paw Paw Bait Company was a historic fishing lure manufacturer based in Paw Paw, Michigan. The company is notable for producing a wide range of innovative wooden baits, and its history is deeply connected to another pioneer—the Moonlight Bait Company.

Paw Paw's history began with the Moonlight Bait Company, established in the early 1900s. Moonlight got its name because its first lures were designed for night fishing and actually glowed in the dark.

In 1924, Clyde Sinclair and Floyd Phelps purchased the Moonlight Bait Company.

In 1928, they officially changed the name to the Paw Paw Bait Company, reflecting their location in Paw Paw, Michigan.

Paw Paw continued the tradition of creating high-quality wooden crankbaits.

The company offered an extensive catalog that included classic crankbaits, frogs, as well as duck decoys and ice spearing decoys, all of which are highly prized by collectors today.

Famous Paw Paw Lures:

Moonlight Pikaroon and Pollywog (inherited from Moonlight).

Wotta Frog

Pike Caster, Bass Caster, Trout Caster

Bass Seeker

Flapjack (a unique flat lure).

In the early 1970s, Paw Paw was sold to the Shakespeare Tackle Company of Kalamazoo.

A few years later, Shakespeare sold the brand to the Creek Chub Bait Company.

Today, Paw Paw lures are considered classics among collectors, reflecting their innovative past (especially the glowing Moonlight baits) and quality craftsmanship during the golden age of American fishing.