The Tropical Bait Company manufactured lures in Indianapolis, Indiana during the 1930s. Ned Danforth started the company from his home in Indianapolis, IN. His 4 daughters and 1 son helped make the lures.
The company had a variety of lures, but the two most common lures are the Bugeyed Babbler and the Stormy Petrel. These lures looked like the “Pac Man” character and could be used as a floating popper lure.
This Tropical Bait Company Brochure shows that the company manufactured the Stormy Petrel and Bugeyed Babbler lures at 717 S. Emerson Avenue, Indianapolis, IN.
Some other lures made by the company include the Duckbill, Small Guppy and Double-Header.
The Tropical Bait Company often displayed lures at trade shows including the Indianapolis Sports Show and others. This Tropical Bait Company Brochure was given out at trade shows. After a brief relationship with Sears & Roebuck that did not work out, Ned formed the Danforth Manufacturing Company which stayed in business making tackle until 1959. This Danforth Manufacturing Brochure was used at trade shows.
Old Indiana Lures 