PRADCO Outdoor Brands, the parent company of YUM, Booyah, Rebel and other lure manufacturers, announced today that it's acquired Mississippi-based Bandit Lures.
Bandit was founded in 1976 by Jim Winter, who launched a series of spinnerbaits at that time. In 1980, the company exploded onto the crankbait scene with introduction of the 200 Series, which was followed by other models.
Former Bandit owner Chris Ross will remain on board as a brand manager.
“I’ve lived and breathed Bandit for the past 21 years and it’s an extremely important part of my life,” he said. “I’m very excited that it’s becoming a part of the PRADCO family. I look forward to working with the new team and feel very good about the future of Bandit. PRADCO has proven over time that it cares deeply about historic fishing lure brands such as Heddon, Arbogast, Bomber and many others.”
The Bandit operation in Mississippi will be shut down immediately and the business will be operated from PRADCO's Fishing Division in Fort Smith, Ark. All product development and marketing functions will be managed in Fort Smith.
“Bandit is an iconic brand with a strong crankbait product set for bass fishing,” said Bruce Stanton, VP and GM of PRADCO's Fishing Division. “Chris Ross has done a tremendous job with product development – particularly colors – and will be an important part of the brand going forward.”
