Weezel
Weezel Bait Co. The Feathered Lure
The Weezel Bait Company was a classic American fishing tackle manufacturer, primarily operating out of Cincinnati, Ohio, during the mid-20th century (active particularly in the 1940s and 1950s). In an era dominated by wood and metal lures, Weezel carved out a niche for itself by producing highly distinctive, often unusual baits that are now prized by collectors of vintage fishing equipment. The company was relatively short-lived compared to its contemporaries, making its surviving products quite rare.
The Lure Philosophy: The Combination of Materials
Weezel Bait Co. is best known for combining traditional lure materials (wood or metal) with natural, lightweight elements to create unique action and appearance.
The Weezel Sparrow: This is the brand’s most iconic and unusual lure, dating back to around 1948. It featured a wooden body or head that was partially or entirely covered with real bird feathers. This combination of materials created a unique topwater action and a highly realistic profile, making it a difficult lure to find today.
The Rex Spoon: Weezel also successfully produced more conventional, yet high-quality, metal lures. Their Rex Spoon was a popular item, often sold in various sizes and finishes, sometimes packaged as a "Pocket Packet."
Other Products: The company’s line included various spoons (like the Rex Spoon), spinners (the Weezel Spinner), and other unique items such as the wood lure Rex Wigdig and the smaller "Baby Weezels"
