Mars Hill Skipper Bill Lure

The Skipper Bill lure was produced in small quantities for a very short time during the 40-50s. This antique fishing lure was manufactured by the Mars Hill Wood Product Company at 3638 W. Troy Ave in Indianapolis, Indiana (Mars Hill area).

Skipper Bill

The Mars Hill Wood Product Company produced pallets and furniture, but when orders were slow they would take the scraps and make clothes pins. At some point they decided to use the scraps to make bobbers, then later the Mars Hill Skipper Bill lure.

Mars Hill Skipper Lure

These old, wood Indiana fishing lures measure approximately 2 3/4″ and they are eerily similar to Homarth Near Surface Lures. Apparently the accessories were more important to Homarth, as the metal “wings” of the Mars Hill lure are stapled to the side of the lure.

Skipper Bill Glass Eyes