The Lauby Bait Company
Founded in 1932 by Anton J. Lauby in Marshfield, Wisconsin, the Lauby Bait Company is rooted in the tradition of quality craftsmanship and innovation. What began as Anton’s hobby of handcrafting wooden fishing lures in his garage quickly evolved into a thriving business that set a high standard in the fishing tackle industry.
Lauby’s commitment to excellence was evident in every aspect of his work. He was a dedicated inventor who received multiple patents for his groundbreaking lure designs, including the iconic Wonder Spoon, the Weedless Wonder Spoon, and the Special Minnow. Each of these lures was meticulously crafted, featuring unique design elements that improved performance, durability, and success on the water. The lures were known not only for their effectiveness but also for their striking, air-brushed finishes.
From the mid-1930s through the late 1930s, the Lauby Bait Company expanded rapidly. Backed by local investors, the company moved from a small basement shop to a full-scale production facility, employing up to 35 workers. The lures were marketed widely, with advertisements appearing in national outdoor magazines. With Anton’s ingenuity and a dedicated team, Lauby Lures became a favorite among anglers across the Midwest and beyond.
Despite the success, the company faced challenges. By 1940, financial difficulties, combined with the material shortages brought on by World War II, led to the decline of production. Anton sold the company to Albert Bates, who continued making Lauby designs under the Bates Bait Company name in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, before production ultimately ceased as the war effort intensified.
Anton J. Lauby’s passion for creating innovative lures remained strong, even after the company’s closure. He continued to experiment with designs and partnered with other manufacturers to produce lures on a smaller scale throughout the 1940s. His legacy lives on through the classic Lauby lures that are highly valued by collectors today—symbols of a time when craftsmanship and creativity defined the fishing tackle industry.
Today, the Lauby Bait Company remains a testament to Anton’s craftsmanship, capturing the spirit of early 20th-century lure design. We are proud to honor this legacy, sharing the history and innovation that made Lauby Lures a staple for anglers and collectors alike.
