Bagley Lures

Bagley Lures: The Bold Legacy of Balsa and Brilliance

When it comes to vintage fishing gear, few names spark as much admiration—and debate—as Bagley. Founded in 1954 by Jim Bagley in Winter Haven, Florida, the brand carved its niche with handcrafted balsa wood lures that didn’t just catch fish—they caught the imagination of anglers across generations.

🪵 Built from Balsa, Tuned for Action

Bagley’s early success hinged on balsa wood, a lightweight material that allowed for erratic, lifelike movement in the water. Unlike plastic-bodied competitors, Bagley lures had a buoyancy and responsiveness that made them deadly in shallow water and irresistible to bass.

Key models like the Balsa B, Bang-O-Lure, and Diving Kill’r B became staples in tackle boxes from the 1960s through the 1980s. Each was hand-painted, often with foil finishes or scale patterns that gave them a flash and realism unmatched at the time.

I will be adding more Bagley lures to my website in the coming days, please check back often.