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Home Canadian Lure Companies Ontario Companies Helin Tackle Company Limited
Helin Tackle Company Limited

Helin Tackle Company Limited

Lasalle/Windsor, Ontario


      Charlie Helin patented his Flatfish in 1936, and by his own claim, the Detroit, Michigan, plug maker had sold 5 million of them before 1950. The lure was made by Charlie Helin and marketed during the 1930s by a tackle company that carried his name in Detroit, according to michigansportsman.com. It was originally made from wood, but Helin switched to plastic/tenite in the 1940s.

      Helin had 2 different plant locations in Ontario - One in Lasalle, and one in Windsor. According to an early advertising brochure from Helin, the company was producing over 5000 lures a day, and was shipping its flatfish all over the World. If his wealth was any indication of his business success, you can't argue with his claims (Note Charles Helin taking Miss Universe on a lavish flight on the Flying Flatfish 5 in the picture).

      Today, the flatfish is made by Yakima Bait Co. in Granger, Wash., under strict guidelines established by Helin, with over 50 different color combinations and l1 different sizes, according to yakimabait.com. The Web site provides a host of tips on how to use the lure to catch just about all species of fish, including the salmon, trout, bass and perch that swim at the Quabbin.

Early Helin Flatfish Lure Box

An early U20 Helin Flatfish in its original box. Even with its age, the Flatfish is not an exceptionally rare or valuable lure, but it has to be respected for its enduring design and product longevity.

Helin Flatfish Boxes Showing Windsor and Lasalle Locations

2 sizes of Helin flatfish, showing boxes from 2 different locations of the Canadian branch.

Early Helin Catalogue Picture of Windsor Branch Location

A picture from an early Helin tackle catalogue showing the Windsor branch location.

Helin Flatfish Lure Box Paperwork

Lure box paperwork insert showing the range of sizes available in the Flatfish product line.

Charles Helin on the Flying Flatfish V

I think the caption below the picture speaks for itself, and gives you an idea of how well the company did during its hayday. Notice the big picture of the Flatfish on the body of the plane...advertising at its best.