Jim Bagley

Jim Bagley (1923—2004) Jim never won a national bass tournament but, instead, dedicated his life to assuring that anglers all over the world have some of their happiest days on the water by creating some of the best fish catching lures ever made. Born in Safety Harbor, Florida on July 24, 1923, with a hard working mom, who was his family’s sole provider and his mentor, taught him he could accomplish anything in life that he truly wanted. His first job, at the age of 7 was pulling straws at an “ice plant”.

In the mid 1950s he became famous for his “New Black Magic Eel”. Of the over 143 different fishing lures, none were better known than the “Bang-o-Lure”, the “Balsa B”, the “Diving B”, the “Kill’r B”, the “007”, “Mighty Minnow”, and the “Salty Dog”. At one time, he was credited with helping win four BassMaster Classics, including being a part of both the 2003 and 2004 Classic wins. He started the “Super Line” craze, when he brought “Bagley’s Silverthread Fishing Line” to market, from 1983-1993.

By the time he retired, in 1992, his “little bait company” was employing as many as 170 people, in Winter Haven, Florida. an accomplishment that he held dear to his heart.

In addition to everything else this great american did, he also served in the US Army Air Corps, in World War Two, and flew 51 missions as a ball turret gunner, where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross along with other metals. Those of us who were privileged to know him, knew of his love of flying… especially when he’d show up for a tackle show or fishing tournament in his bright orange helicopter.

Jim Bagley won many awards, including: the Pradco Legend Award for contributions to the fishing tackle industry; the Dolphin Award; the Living Legends of American Sports Fishing award; the Big Business Gold Cup of Industry Award, and was awarded a charter membership into the International Fishing Hall of Fame,

Mr. Bagley passed away at the age of 80 in February 2004