Creek Chub Vintage Fishing Lures

The Garrett, Indiana maker

Creek Chub Bait Company was established in 1916 by Henry Dills, Carl Heinzerling, and George Schulthess. Historical sources emphasize the company’s patented spray-painted scale pattern, metal lips, and a skilled workforce that produced highly finished artificial lures.

Core model families

Wiggler, Pikie, Darter, and Injured Minnow are essential names, with many sizes, joints, and finishes within those families. The same silhouette may exist in common and highly sought variations, so exact measurements and color documentation matter.

What to document

• Body length without lip and hooks.
• Joint count and hinge construction.
• Metal lip shape, stamp, and attachment.
• Scale pattern, color transitions, eye style, and belly markings.
• Box end label, model number, finish code, and insert.

Special-order color caution

Unusual colors attract attention, but “special order” should not be assumed without documentation or strong comparison. A repaint may also look unusually bright. Study paint wear around hardware and under edges where later work can reveal itself.