Hummon and Clarkson - Leipsic, Ohio

Florian L. Clarkson and Oscar P. Hummon invented the H&C  Surprise Bait. They applied for patent rights on August 1, 1913.  On March 16, 1915 patent rights were granted under patent # 1,131,909.

The patent discusses the "rabbeted front lower end" which causes the lure to dive like a fish. The holes are intented to trap air, when diving, then release bubbles when the lure is horizontal under water - simulating a fish breathing.

The rights to this bait were subsequently purchased by Pflueger Mfg Co and continued to be sold as the Surprise Minnow starting in 1915. The lure was sold under the Four Brothers label using Neverfail hardware.

These lures are from the collection of Jim Hall. He specializes in Surprise Minnows.

Contact Jim: ibjunkn@comcast.net

H&C Surprise Bait

White with black eyes (drilled holes)

Screw eye hardware

Original box (Very rare)

Note the mouth is not painted a different color, while Pfluegers are.

H&C/Pflueger Comparison

Note: H&C Surprise bait (top) uses simple screw eyes, Pflueger (bottom) has Neverfail hardware.