1966 - Mr. Charles Spence Purchased an individual's small garage operation thus establishing "Strike King Lure Company"

1966 - Ray Murski makes his first sales call on a small six store retail chain located in Northwest Arkansas. The "Ben Franklin Five and Dime Stores" and "Walton Variety Stores", owned by a Mr. Sam Walton.

1967 - The first BASS (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society) tournament is held on Beaver Lake Arkansas. Charles Spence and Ray Murski participate with Murski placing in the top five finishers.

1968 - Ray Murski makes his first sales call on behalf of Strike King Lure Company to one of Mr. Walton's buyer.

1970's - 1980's - Strike King Lure Company's growth parallels that of the tournament bass fishing sport and related interest in fishing and the expansion of mass merchants who brought the goods to the consumer. Company growth was fueled by quality products, tremendous distribution and the best promotion in the industry, especially via effective use of television.

Early '80's -The Company became best known for its spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and jigs and is now the largest producer in the world.

1984 - Polarized sunglasses are added to the line and quickly add significantly to the growth of the Company.

1991-1992 - Following a clever promotion during this tackle year, the Company enters into the pork bait market and follows with catfish baits. The Company quickly becomes the 2nd largest producer of pork lures.

1995 - Mr. Murski purchases Strike King Lure Company from Mr. Spence. His sporting goods representation company has been selling Strike King since 1968 and can be credited with much of its success.

1996 - the sport fishing industry has experienced little growth for approximately the last six years as evidenced by flat license sales throughout the country (US Fish and Wildlife Service data).

1997 - The Strike King brand name is one of the most recognized on the market as noted in 1994 and 1998 BASSMASTER member surveys.

1997 - 400 new products are introduced for the tackle year 1998. Over 400 more new products are introduced for the 1999/2000 tackle year as well as many more scheduled for the 2000/2001 season.

1998 - System upgrades were made and an MRP system was installed to better manage inventory and production.

1998 - The company decided to get into the crankbait market to diversify its line and make use of an expert pro staff and lure design talent and to leverage its brand name.

Late 1998 - The Company enters the soft plastics market to leverage successes by one of its top professional fisherman.

1999 - The Company introduces a new line of silicone products which were new to the industry.

2000 and beyond - Strike King Lure Company continues to excel in the fishing lure industry with the introduction of the new 3X product line of soft plastics!

Stay tuned for more updates!