CCBCO Information
Highlights Of Creek Chub Lure History
| Date(s) | Special Observation On The Production Of CCBCO Lures |
| 1916 | Creek Chub begins production of their first lure, the Wiggler. |
| 1917 | There were now three lures in seven colors. |
| 1919 | Patent received for scale pattern produced by spraying through netting. |
| 1920 | Patent received on metal diving lip. |
| 1920 | The pikie was introduced and would become one of the most successful lures ever. |
| 1921 | The classic Creek Chub box replaces the early "Intro" boxes. |
| 1924 | This year saw the introduction of 11 casting lures and eight fly rod baits. Five were gone by 1934. In contrast, four would last until the company was sold in 1978; the rest would last at least 20 years. |
| 1936 | Improved lip and thru-wire construction was introduced for heavy duty lures. This advancement would continue as a standard through 1978. |
| 1939 | Another big year for new lures saw the introduction of 11 more lures and two fly rod baits. Three lasted less than 10 years, but nine would last 16 - 19 years and two would last until the close of the company. |
| 1942 - 1945 | Limited production continued through WWII. |
| 1946 - 1949 | Post-war demand was overwhelming. The catalogs ask fishermen not to order from the factory because they are so far behind. Supplies such as Mustad hooks were back ordered as much as two years. The 1947 catalog states the company was 18 months behind on orders. |
| 1947 - 1949 | Thirteen casting lures and one fly rod bait were stamped "Not Available" while the company concentrated on making the most popular baits. Some would return in 1950, some never returned. |
| 1948 | After six years of war and post-war boom, CCBCO resumes introduction of new lures with the Midget Darter. (Six years was a very long time for CCBCO to go without introducing a new lure.) Many new lures would follow in the next few years. |
| 1950 | The Deep Diving Lip is introduced on several lures. |
| 1952 | Spinning lures were introduced, beginning a new era for the company. |
| 1952 | The plastic top box is introduced on some lures. It would later become standard on all lures. |
| 1953 - 1959 | Motivated by the success of the Striper Pikie (1950), 13 new saltwater baits were introduced, but only six found long term success. |
| 1954 | This was the last year for fly rod baits. |
| 1956 | Creek Chub begins mass production of plastic lures with the introduction of the Nikie. |
| 1960 | The last totally new wooden lure, the Giant Straight Pikie, was introduced. |
| 1961 | Transition from glass eyes to tack eyes takes place. |
| 1961 | The Pikie and Jointed Pikie are introduced in plastic. By 1964, 23 different wooden baits would be offered in plastic models. |
| 1961 | Five new Ultralight lures are introduced for ultralight spinning tackle. |
| 1965 | Due to changing demand and a severe shortage of white cedar, only 12 different lures were produced in wood. |
| 1967 | Wooden lures begin a comeback that would continue to 1978. |
| 1975 | The last new lure, the Cheekie, is introduced. |
| 1977 | After the summer vacation, the plant does not resume production. |
| 1978 | The company is sold to the Lazy Ike Corporation and moved to Iowa. |
| 1981 | The old Creek Chub building is torn down in Garrett, Indiana. |
800 Giant Jointed Pikie
| First Produced | 1957 |
| Last Advertised | 1978 |
| Length | 14" |
| Weight | 4 oz. |
| Colors | 00, 01, 02, 13, 18, 30, 33, 34, 35 |
2600 Jointed Pikie
| First Produced | 1926 |
| Last Advertised | 1978 |
| Length | 4 1/2" |
| Weight | 3/4 oz. |
| Colors | 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 07, 08, 13, 18, 19, 31, 32, 33, 34, R&Y Pickerel Pikie |
| Plastic Colors | 00, 01, 02, 03, 18, 34, 40 |
6000 Giant Straight Pikie
| First Produced | 1960 |
| Last Advertised | 1978 |
| Length | 8" |
| Weight | 3 1/2 oz. |
| Colors | 00, 01, 02, 06, 12(RE), 13, 18, 34 |
Reference
Smith, Harold E., "Collector's Guide To Creek Chub Lures & Collectibles", 1997
The most comprehensive resource for information on Creek Chub Lures & Collectibles.
(The Creek Chub Bait Company information located on this website was taken directly from this book.)
Author Contact Information
Email: hsmith7150@aol.com