The Inline Men

[Mobasser]

In 1938, a Frenchman, Andre Meulnart invented the Mepps spinner. World war two ended in 1945, and there were still many American G.I.s stationed in France.                One of these soldiers was Frank Velek, who brought some Mepps spinners home to Antigo Wisconsin when he returned after the war.                                   He gave some Mepps spinners to Todd Shedon, who owned a tackle shop in Antigo. At first, Todd Shedon dismissed these lures as no good. He had them for two years, before he finally tied one on while having a bad day on the Wolf river in Wisconsin. He caught several fish that day, all on Mepps.                                             He wanted more, and initially the only way he could get them was sending nylon stockings to a French woman, who Mr. Velek had met while stationed in France in exchange for Mepps spinners. He eventually struck a deal to import Mepps from the French manufacturer.                     In 1956, he sold his tackle shop and formed Sheldon's Inc, focusing on selling Mepps. Sales grew fast, and by the mid 1960s sales were in the millions.             Todd Sheldon passed away in 1995, and his son Mike Sheldon took over. They now own Mepps S.A.( France), and Mr. Twister, a great soft plastic manufacturer.                                  They're still located in Antigo Wisconsin. And, if your a squirrel hunter, you can send them some squirrel tails, which they exchange for Mepps spinners.                                          The Sheldon family got the ball rolling with Mepps. They distributed them, and helped to popularize them.  But, had it not been for Frank Velek, an avid fisherman, and an unknown American G.I, who saw the potential of these spinners, American anglers may have never known about them.                         Sales of Mepps spinners are still in the millions.

[volzfan59]

Neat story, thanks!

[Skunkmaster-k]

That’s a great story.  

[Spankey]

When I first got hooked on Smallie fishing on the local creeks and river starting in 1976 that was my lure of choice. Was an easy choice and no brainer to throw. Fell right in line with all the trout fishing I was doing with Panther Martins, CP Swings and Rooster Tails. Still throw them on occasion in shallower river sections. 
Great post. Brings back many memories. Thanks. 

[Bankbeater]

Cool piece of history, thanks.

[papajoe222]

My dad introduced me to Mepps spinners at the tender age of ten. We, I was a walleye angler then and Mepps spinners were rarely used on the Wisconsin River flowage that we fished every year. They caught everything from 1.5lb. crappie to +36in. pike. When I started targeting bass a few years later, They were the only spinners I threw, still do.

[T-Billy]

The Mepps Muskie Killer put several quality fish in the net for me this year. The best was this chunky 45.5". When they're chasing bigger blades but don't want to commit, downsizing to the Muskie Killer will often seal the deal.