Louis S. Axe, Alliance OH, 1875-1933

Lou Axe was one of serveral lure makers in the the Alliance Ohio region. He was a preacher by trade, but also made lures on the side.

His son was interviewed by Bill McVeigh in 1995 at the age of 92:

"Made lures in Alliance, OH during the teen’s and 20’s.  Predominantly in the 20’s.  Considered in his time as a quality local lure maker.  Lures were quite popular, and caught plenty of fish.  He was known for inventing the one lure design that became known as the “Leg Bait”. They were called this because when stood on end, they looked like a leg with a foot."

Lou Axe lures are tough to distinquish from the other Alliance Makers, but here are some tips:

1. He made his own screw eyes for some of his lures

2. Usually had a "small" lead weight about 3/8" in diameter

3. Lures are generally smaller in size than other Alliance makers of this era.

Wiggler style bait with flat sides - similar to a punkinseed in flatness

Wiggler style bait round body, great paint.

Wiggler style bait round body, nice spotted pattern.

Leg Lure - this is the only jointed Alliance lure I own. The lead weight is protruding from the belly.

Shad type bait - great paint pattern one of the nicer Alliance baits I own.

Wiggler group purchased together - possibly Lou Axe