Ocean Born Lures - Innovative Hawaiian-Made Fishing Lures

The Origins of Ocean Born Lures

Ocean Born Lures is a Hawaiian-based fishing lure company known for their innovative and effective lure designs. The company was founded in the early 2000s by a group of passionate fishermen looking to create high-quality lures specifically tailored for catching large game fish in Hawaii's clear blue waters.

The spark that led to the creation of Ocean Born Lures originated during frequent fishing trips the founders took around the Hawaiian islands. They consistently found that many mainstream fishing lures on the market were not properly optimized for the unique underwater topography and baitfish found in Hawaiian waters. So they decided to take matters into their own hands and develop proprietary lure designs that would outperform everything else.

Handcrafting Lures Specifically for Hawaiian Species

At the core of Ocean Born Lures' success is their meticulous handcrafting of each individual lure to match the behaviors and profiles of target fish species. Their very first lure was the Mack Attack, which perfectly mimicked the appearance and erratic swimming action of Hawaiian mackerel, a favorite food source for large pelagic predators around the islands.

In addition to shape and swimming action, the lure builders at Ocean Born Lures also carefully formulate paint jobs, 3D eyes, and other fine details on their lures to create as close to a life-like baitfish profile as possible. This results in much higher strike rates compared to traditional mass-produced lures that fail to match endemic Hawaiian bait species.

Innovations in Hydrodynamics and Materials

In order to make their lures irresistible to the swift predators of Hawaiian waters, Ocean Born Lures pioneered several innovations in lure technology. This includes research into optimal lure lip and body dimensions to dial in the perfect side-to-side wobbling swimming action. Their lures also incorporate special chemically sharpened hooks that maximize hook set percentages during a strike.

By partnering with aerospace manufacturers, the company has also developed high-grade polymers and composites that increase the durability of their lures while maintaining a life-like appearance. Internal rattle chambers are carefully tuned to emit frequencies that mimic distressed baitfish sounds, further adding to the attractiveness of their designs.

Product Lines Tailored for Offshore and Reef Fishing

Ocean Born Lures has expanded their catalog over the years to offer a diverse array of lures tailored for different Hawaiian fisheries. Their offshore lure selection includes sizes and profiles perfect for trolling for giant marlin, tuna, and mahi around FADs and ledges. For targeting reef species, they make smaller weight-forward lures ideal for casting into tight spaces.

Big Game Trolling Lures

The offshore lures from Ocean Born are designed to run true and straight during trolling spread deployment. Premium resin and foams are precisely molded into streamlined shapes that mimic baitfish like flying fish, sardines, and squid. There are also designs made to run deep or shallow in the water column depending on species and conditions.

These big game lures come equipped with super sharp black nickel hooks for increased strength. Top quality ring and split rings ensure solid hook-up ratios for big pelagic fish up to 1,000lbs. UV resistant finishes protect colors and maintain a life-like fish profile after hours of trolling.

Reef and Bottom Fishing Lures

For anglers targeting reef dwellers like snapper, grouper, trevally and more, Ocean Born produces specialized lures that excel when fishing vertical structures. Their reef lures feature heavy weights for quickly getting down to the productive bottom zone. Shapes are compact so they can be retrieved through tight spaces without snagging.

Materials used in reef lures are saltwater corrosion resistant and able to withstand repeated beatings against rocks. Single hooks prevent dual hook-ups in heavy cover. Their weedless rigging allows anglers to effectively fish over ledges, wrecks, coral heads and other snag-prone areas. Several styles have built-in rattles to attract strikes from fish holding tight to structure.

Field Testing and Continuous Innovation

Unlike many lure companies who outsource manufacturing overseas, Ocean Born Lures maintains their production entirely in Hawaii. This allows them to rapidly test prototype designs and make tweaks based on real world feedback from Hawaii captains and anglers. Whenever they release a new lure shape, it has already been refined through extensive field testing to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Partnerships with Captains and Charter Fleets

To accelerate field testing, Ocean Born Lures partners closely with seasoned captains who provide critical input during the development process. The captains gain access to test new lures months in advance, and provide detailed catch data and suggestions back to Ocean Born's designers.

This has proven an invaluable process, as the captains have decades of experience and knowledge of local waters that the Ocean Born team can leverage. Any lure that goes to full production has been battle-tested and approved by some of Hawaii's best charter captains and crews.

Continuous Improvement and New Products

Even after a lure goes into full scale production, the Ocean Born Lures team keeps looking for ways to incrementally improve performance and catch rates. They continually experiment with slight design adjustments and new materials to make their lures even more effective at eliciting strikes.

This culture of continuous enhancement means the company is always developing new and innovative lure designs as well. They gather input from captains and anglers to identify gaps in their lineup, and then build prototypes and refine until they function flawlessly. This ensures Ocean Born Lures stays ahead of the curve when it comes to lure technology and performance.

Where to Purchase Ocean Born Lures

To purchase the full lineup of Ocean Born Lures, check their website at www.oceanbornlures.com. They offer international shipping and regularly run special promotions for new product releases. Ocean Born lures can also be found at tackle shops throughout Hawaii in areas like Honolulu, Kona, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu.

Many charter fishing boats around Hawaii exclusively run Ocean Born Lures on their trolling spreads, so asking the captain is another great way to purchase lures directly. Ocean Born also makes frequent appearances at boat shows, fishing tournaments, and other community events.

With their dedication to performance and innovation, Ocean Born Lures has become the premier source for lures when fishing Hawaiian waters. Anglers using these locally made lures report higher catch rates and larger fish compared to similar products shipped in from abroad. Check out the Ocean Born difference yourself and help support Hawaiian small business at the same time.

FAQs

What types of fish are Ocean Born Lures designed for catching?

Ocean Born Lures are primarily designed for catching large pelagic game fish like marlin, tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo and giant trevally. They also make specialized lures for bottom fishing reef species like grouper, snapper, and amberjack.

Where are Ocean Born Lures made?

All Ocean Born Lures are handmade in Hawaii at their production facility on Oahu. Local manufacturing allows for rapid prototyping, testing, and new product development.

What colors and finishes are available?

Ocean Born uses detailed airbrushing and 3D eyes to mimic the natural colors and patterns of local Hawaiian baitfish. Their colors range from translucent whites/greens to vibrant blue/yellow finishes.

How durable are Ocean Born Lures?

Ocean Born uses aerospace grade resins and composites so their lures can withstand repeated attacks from 1000lb marlin and tuna. The lures hold up to hours of offshore trolling.

Where can I buy Ocean Born Lures?

You can purchase Ocean Born Lures directly through their website at oceanbornlures.com. Their lures are also available in tackle shops across Hawaii and from many charter boat captains.