Lake Erie "Hellion" & West Sister Twister

[Maumeemoon]

I was going through some of the old lures I got from my father years ago and came across a handfull of Lake Erie "Hellions" in various colors, some knock-offs of the Hellion, and a West Sister Twister.
A friend told me that the Hellions were made from the 40's - 60's. I believe this was the spinner commonly used for Walleyes before the Erie Dearie came along. Am I correct in this assumption? Anyhow I would be glad to hear any information about the Hellion or West Sister Twister. Dates of Manufacture, colors available, old marketing information, whether or not they worked well, etc..or would be glad just to hear some old stories about them. Thank You in advance for whatever you know about them that you share. It's the only way us young pups can find out info about regional lures like these.

Hi Maumeemoon,
The Lake Erie Helion was made by Jim Frofich around 1966.The Molds were available from Finnysports in toledo before than.Another Lure that was made at this time was the Lau Lure made by Glen Lau.(I have one).

The West Sister Twister came out in the early 80's, I believe. It was promoted by a chaarter captain from the western basin area. Basically, a johnny-come-lately weight forward spinner.
PS: I still have my Lau Lures and Shannon spinners as well as Lake Erie Bass Hellions. Those were some great baits at the time. Remember the Skinner Spinner?

[bob oh]

Anyone remember the June Bug Spinners from the 40s - 60s?

[eyegetit]

I sure do. They were the spinner harness of choice on Pymatuning up until about the mid 70's. Caught my largest [inland] walleye, 7 lbs, on a june bug spinner in 1972. We also used a lot of CP Swings and Swiss Swings at Pymy in the late 60's & early 70's.

[eyegetit]

Correction...That was my largest "inland" walleye.

[RANGER]

Boy, you stuck a nerve there!! I still have 6 of them and the still CATCH fish!!