November 2014
Blue Scale Lightning Color (on a Midget Bass Oreno)
South Bend Bait Co
South Bend, IN
1964
In past “Lure Of The Month” articles, I have featured not only lures but decoys, a spear, a minnow bucket, fishing gadgets, and other tackle. This month will be a little strange as I will feature something else. A color.
Do fish see color? How important is the color of a bait? This is a tricky topic and researches and biologists have debated this for many years without a consensus. Many fisherman know that size, shape, “flash”, and action are far more important than color when attracting fish. However, most fisherman will agree that at many times, a certain color has out-performed another. I, myself, have experienced this many times. In fact, almost every time I go fishing! But, at the end of the day, only those with fins truly know what they see in regards to color.
But, sometimes there is another reason for the color of the lure. One of these reasons is to not catch the fish, but to catch the eye of the fisherman. It the bait catches his eye, then he has to purchase the lure.
In 1964, South Bend introduced a new lure color. It was only available for one year and they called it “Blue Scale”. But, most fisherman and collectors now refer to it as “Blue Lightning”. True, I am sure fish aren’t searching the waters for a blue “Speedy McQueen” lure to pass in front of them at feeding time…. But, if the lure was cast in front of them, I doubt they will even know what a lightning bolt is, and they would just identify it as food.
Why is this color featured this month? Well, because something else appeared in 1964…ME!! Yes, this color celebrates its 50th at the same time that I do.
What is the value of this color? A typical lure, like the Midget Bass Oreno, from this time frame is valued at under $5.00. However, just because of this color, it is valued at 5 times that ($25) or more!
