Luck “E” Strike Lures has begun shipping the first batch of its new American Originals series of hard baits. The first lure in the line is the Wart Hog crankbait, a deep diver that soon will be joined by two other versions.

One hallmark of the American Originals series is that they are made of a softer plastic and glued together rather than sonic-welded, as most modern hard-plastics are now. Because American Originals are produced by manufacturing techniques employed in the 1970s up through the mid-80s, the performance capabilities are enhanced, according to Bobby Dennis, lure designer for Luck “E” Strike (www.luck-e-strike.us). He adds that the softer plastic used in the Wart Hog and other American Classics to come results in a duller, more realistic sound and is not as susceptible to breakage or cracking, especially in colder water.

“Nowadays guys hoard some of the great lures that were produced back in the era when quality really mattered,” says Dennis. “American Originals lures will run and sound the way lures were originally made to perform. This is the first attempt by a major lure company to bring production back to this country, and we’re very pleased with the results. We think that fishermen will be too.”

American Originals will retail for about $6 or less. Between 15 and 20 new positions will eventually be created for their production at the Luck “E” Strike facility in Cassville, Mo.