K&E Tackle Purchases Best Manufacturing

Fishing lure manufacturer K&E Tackle, Inc., of Hastings, Michigan has purchased the Best Manufacturing Company. Best Manufacturing is best known for their line of Russian jigging spoons and the Mitzi line of ice fishing jigs. Originally founded by Art Best in the Saginaw Bay area of Michigan, Best manufacturing replicated the designs of immigrant Russian farmers who were avid anglers on the Saginaw Bay. The Russians brought with them from Russia their expertise in designing jigging spoons by cutting small spoons from tin cans and soldering hooks to them. Their success in catching Walleye, Perch and Bass were well known and there became a huge demand for this style of “Russian” spoons.

Over the years, Best expanded the line to include several styles of spoons and jigs to target a variety of species and conditions. K&E Tackle plans to maintain these styles and update the line with new finishes, new lures and related accessories. Production and warehousing for Best Manufacturing will be moved to the Hastings, Michigan facility.

“We’re fortunate to add the well known Best brand to our line of ice fishing products.”, says Jim Sprague, Owner of K&E Tackle, Inc, “The Best lures round out our wide range of panfish jigs with more jigs to target perch and walleye. Our goal is to target specific species and this is a huge addition for us.”

Established in 1968, K&E Tackle currently manufactures fishing lures and accessories under the brands Stopper Lures, Arnold Tackle, Dot, Bear Creek, Skandia and Carlisle. Products include rigged worms, fly fishing, floats, crappie jigs, fishing rods, walleye rigs, and both open water and ice fishing accessories.

For more information, contact K&E Tackle at 269-945-4496 or at www.stopperlures.com.