1875 : George B. Pierce, 1st Michigan Resident to Receive Fishing Lure Patent

Michigan has long been a hotbed of creativity for fishing lure designers.

According to the late George Richey, author of “Made in Michigan Fishing Lures,” the first known lure patent was issued to George R. Pierce of Grand Rapids, a gunsmith, on September 14, 1875, for his Pierce Spinner, only two of which are known to exist today.

This was the start of an industry in which numerous Michigan companies have produced hundreds of thousands of lures.

Tom Huggler, “Tackle Box Treasure“, Michigan Blue, April 1, 2017.

Historical Society of Michigan, Michigan History Calendar : September.