Hooked on Quality Since 1985: The Story Behind Widow Maker Lures.
The Widow Maker Lures journey began with the Palmer family in 1985. The Palmer’s had a local bait shop along the Mississippi River in Port Bryon, Illinois. The Palmer’s daughter, Kelly was a machinist by trade and began making custom lures. They were an instant success among the local fishermen! The lures worked so well, that the fisherman would stay out all day and wouldn’t come home to their families; the name "Widow Maker Lures" was born. Over the following years, a full line of ice and open water lures were created. When Kelly passed away suddenly in 2002; Kelly’s daughter Kate and her Grandparents Carl and Bette decided that they would keep the family legacy going.
In 2012, Brian Oberfoell was looking to get more of his “go-to” lure, the Caddis Cane; but he was unable to find it anywhere. Brian contacted the Palmer’s directly to try to get his hands on some Caddis Canes’. During the conversation Brian was informed the Palmers were looking to sell the business, as they were in their 80’s. A couple months later Brian and his soon to be wife Mandy purchased the business!
Many of Kelly’s creations continue to be manufactured today and are still made to the highest quality. In 2015 Widow Maker Lures introduced their first line of tungsten lures. With the market continuing to evolve, the line expands each year with new creations. Even though we have grown; you can expect the same, small family business customer service that our customers have experienced since 1985.
We wouldn’t be able to do this without the great support of our customers. We look forward to making fishing memories for years to come!
Thank You!
– The Oberfoell's
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