The South Bend Babe-Oreno (Catalog Model # 972) is a very early South Bend Lure. First produced in the mid 1910’s it was available through to the mid 1960’s. A great selling lure, it must have worked well!! 2 3/4″ long weighing in at 1/2 an ounce it was available in over 40 colour schemes. The most prevalent colors seem to be red and white. In the mid 20’s eyes were added as a feature, this sometimes helps with lure dates. A fairly common lure (with some exceptions) this lure can fetch from $15 to $100 depending on age and condition.
A topwater lure the Babe-Oreno is made to resemble the surface movement of a wounded baitfish. When the lure is recovered, its metal lip and wooden body provide a swimming action. In order to help hold the fish when it strikes, the lure also features treble hooks on the underside.
Bass, pike, and musky are just a few of the game fish that may be caught using the Babe-Oreno, which is available in a number of colours and sizes. It works best when the water is calm or very slightly choppy.
South Bend Babe-Oreno and Box
South Bend Babe-Oreno (Red/Yellow)
South Bend Babe-Oreno (Scale Finish)
