Who invented the Flatfish lure?
Charles Helin
The Flatfish was invented in the 1930s by a multi-talented Detroit auto worker named Charles Helin. A devoted fisherman, Helin bounced around from job to job so that he could keep his summers free to fish. Helin also liked to tinker around and create his own fishing lures.
How deep do Flatfish lures dive?
Flatfish is generally considered a slow speed crankbait that runs shallow, which is a mistaken myth. With proper tuning this banana shaped lure can easily run speeds to about 3 miles an hour. The T-4 Flatfish can reach depths to at least 10 feet on 20 pound test Ande mono, which has a thickness akin to goat rope.
How do you cast a FlatFish lure?
FlatFish can be cast cross current and allowed to swing through fish-holding water. To add casting weight, crimp a split shot on line 18-to-24 inches ahead of lure. You can make FlatFish even more effective by adding scent to your lure or tipping one prong of treble hook with maggot, small section of leech or worm.
What size are FlatFish?
Flatfishes range in size from Tarphops oligolepis, measuring about 4.5 cm (1.8 in) in length, and weighing 2 g (0.071 oz), to the Atlantic halibut, at 2.5 m (8.2 ft) and 316 kg (697 lb).
What is the best bait for FlatFish?
Top bait in many regions is a lugworm or ragworm tipped with a small sliver of fresh mackerel. On some beaches shellfish catch flounders when a storm dislodges the contents of a sandbar onto the inshore shallows with razorfish, clams and cockles top of the menu.
When did Charles Helin make the first flatfish?
He applied for the patent in 1934 and it was granted in 1936. The first Flatfish were handmade and hand painted, assembled by Charles, relatives, friends and neighbors all under the close eye of Charles Helin. These first lures, some 3,900 Flatfish were crafted in his home. In 1937 the first Helin factory was opened in Detroit.
Who is the founder of Helin Tackle Company?
The Helin Tackle Company was founded by Charles Helin in 1933. The most famous of the companies lures is the Flatfish. The Flatfish, not to be confused with a Lazy Ike, started with two offset hooks on a patented attachment that was a first of its kind. He applied for the patent in 1934 and it was granted in 1936.
Who was the inventor of the flatfish fishing lure?
The Flatfish was invented in the 1930s by a multi-talented Detroit auto worker named Charles Helin. A devoted fisherman, Helin bounced around from job to job so that he could keep his summers free to fish. Helin also liked to tinker around and create his own fishing lures.
Where are the Helin baits still being made?
Yakima purchased all the original molds from Helin and moved the manufacturing operation from Michigan and Canada to Granger, Washington. Helin lures are still produced under the Yakima Bait brand and are still catching fish almost 100 years later. 1933: Charles Helin crafted the Flatfish and began the Helin Tackle Company.