The South Bend Babe Oreno is a vintage fishing lure that was first produced in the 1930s by the South Bend Bait Company. The lure was popular among fishermen for its realistic design and durability.
The Babe Oreno was available in a variety of sizes and colors, and was often used to catch bass, pike, and other game fish. Some of the most sought-after versions of the Babe Oreno include the glass-eyed models, which are highly collectible.
The price of a vintage South Bend Babe Oreno can vary depending on a number of factors, including its condition, age, rarity, and color. In general, these lures can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, with the most valuable examples fetching thousands of dollars at auction.
As for its history, the South Bend Bait Company was founded in 1906 in South Bend, Indiana, and quickly became one of the leading producers of fishing tackle in the United States. The Babe Oreno was one of the company’s most popular lures, and remained in production until the 1960s, when the company was sold to the Shakespeare Fishing Tackle Company.
Today, vintage Babe Orenos are highly prized by collectors and fishing enthusiasts, and remain a beloved part of American fishing history.