Maker
Immel Bait Company
Blair
One of the most sought after Wisconsin baits would certainly be the very unique Chippewa bait invented and produced by Omer F. Immell of Blair, Wisconsin. Immell received a patent for this bait in 1911. There were 6 different sizes of this lure made from a 3 1/2" bass size to the 5 1/4" Musky version. The lures featured an integrated spinner in the center of the lure that served as an attractor for fish, or at least for fishermen buying the lures. The Immell Bait Company continued making the lures until sometime before 1917 when it ceased production. Finding a Chippewa without a lot of paint chipping is a challenge and those rare baits with 100 year old paint that is unchipped can be a very valuable find.
