Bender & Flynn
Learn about the Bender & Flynn Manufacturing Co.
Bender & Flynn History
The Company was founded by two individuals, Albert C. Bender (Born – May 1904) – A skilled woodworker, and E.C. Flynn, who was an Artist, both comprised Bender & Flynn Manufacturing Co. in Pinellas Park, FL in 1945.
Together they produced two lures which patents expired, one was the 2000 Creek Chub Darter and the other was the 6500 Heddon Zaragossa.
Together they lasted only about a year. Bender soon bought out Flynn and went on to make two lures of his own design in 1946, the Potbelly and the Smarty.
The Potbelly was made in two sizes and offered in 11 colors.The Smarty was sold in one size and had four colors available.
In 1952, Bender sold the company to Owen W. Chase who had owned Chase Rod and Tackle Company since 1946 (the Owen W. Chase story will be covered at a later date). Albert Bender died February 2, 1987.
Jointed Bender Rainbow
Bender Darter
Bender Smarty
Bender Darter
Bender Potbelly
Much of the information on this page was obtained by utilizing the information provided by Doug Brace, Bill Stuart, and Russell Riddle in “Florida Lure Makers and Their Lures” (Currently out of print). The information we have provided is only a portion of the story. If interested in purchasing this book, please reach out to other collectors in our forum to inquire about availability.