The Legendary Norman Top Dollar Fishing Lure's Rise to Icon Status

The Origins of Norman Top Dollar Baits

The Norman Top Dollar lure has become an iconic bait in the fishing world, known for catching big bass and commanding high prices among collectors and anglers. But how did this lure become so popular and coveted? To understand the rise of the Top Dollar, we have to go back to the early days of the Norman Lures company.

The Founding of Norman Lures

Norman Lures was founded in 1963 by famous fisherman and lure designer Norman Fulton. Based out of Louisiana, Norman's goal was to create lures that perfectly imitated baitfish in both appearance and action. He experimented extensively with different shapes, weights, and paintjobs before settling on his signature line of crankbaits and topwaters.

Early on, Norman saw success with the Norman Deep Little "N" crankbait. But it wasn't until the late 1960s, when he debuted the Norman Top Dollar, that his lures really took off in popularity.

The Innovation of the Top Dollar

When it hit shelves in 1967, the Norman Top Dollar had several innovative features that separated it from the competition. Firstly, it used a hard plastic instead of traditional balsa wood or soft plastic. This made it more durable and easier to tune by changing the line tie position.

Additionally, the Top Dollar had a unique sideways moving action compared to traditional topwater lures. Combined with a loud rattle chamber, it perfectly mimicked wounded baitfish and drove bass wild. The price also set it apart - originally retailing for a then-expensive $10, when most lures cost $1 to $3 at the time.

Winning Big Tournaments

As word spread about the effectiveness of the new Norman Top Dollar, it began showing up in the tackle boxes of tournament anglers across the south. And they found great success with it very quickly.

In 1968, bass fishing legend Tom Mann famously caught a massive 10 pound bass on the Top Dollar at the All-American Bass Tournament. This victory, and the giant bass he landed with it, thrust the Top Dollar into the spotlight. Everyone wanted to get their hands on Norman's pricey but productive new lure.

The Rise to Iconic Collectible Status

As demand for the Top Dollar climbed throughout the 60s and 70s, it achieved almost cult-like status among hardcore anglers. Norman could barely keep them in stock. Spawning imitations were made by competitors, but none quite matched the quality and fish-catching ability of the original.

Finding and collecting different models and color patterns also became an engaging hobby during this era. Certain Top Dollar variants like the ultra-rare Ghost Minnow pattern still command eye-popping prices from collectors today.

Discontinuation and Rebirth

After over 20 years in production, Norman Lures was bought out by Storm Lures in 1988. They decided to discontinue the legacy Top Dollar bait despite its fame and popularity.

For over a decade the Top Dollar languished out of production. But Storm eventually decided to bring back the classic lure due to continued enthusiast demand. In 2001, production of certain Top Dollar lures resumed in limited quantities.

Collectible Icon Today

Since its return to market in the 2000s, the vintage appeal and high performance of the Norman Top Dollar has only grown its prestige and collectibility. Special edition color patterns still routinely sell out instantly.

Finding a rare Top Dollar model in good condition has becomes a badge of honor among fishing collectors. And hardcore hunters of trophy bass swear by the bait for tempting out the biggest bucketmouths.

Over 50 years since its debut, Norman's innovative design remains effective as ever. Combined with its history and reputation, the Top Dollar has cemented its status as a fishing icon for years to come.

FAQs

What makes the Norman Top Dollar so effective for catching bass?

The Norman Top Dollar has several key features that make it excellent for catching bass. These include its wounded baitfish action from the plastic body and rattle chamber, its ability to run at a variety of depths, and its high-quality durable construction allowing for easy tuning and long lifespan.

What is so special about the collectible color patterns?

Certain Norman Top Dollar color patterns like the Ghost Minnow are incredibly rare and only released for limited production runs. Finding one in good condition is a badge of honor among dedicated collectors. Special edition tournament colors or prototype colors can also be very valuable.

Why did Storm Lures originally discontinue the Top Dollar?

When Storm Lures bought out Norman in 1988, they decided to focus manufacturing and distribution on their own lures rather than continuing Norman's legacy models. This was likely a business decision rather than a reflection of the Top Dollar's performance.

How can I get my hands on a Norman Top Dollar lure today?

Storm Lures has done special re-releases of certain Top Dollar color ways since 2001 due to continued demand. However they still sell out quickly once available. Your best bet is checking fishing collectible auction sites or specialist retailers regularly for availability.