Two lures are commonly attributed to the Homarth Co. of Indianapolis: a "Near Surface Bait" and a lure that is a seeming reproduction of another bait from Jasper, Indiana. The former lure is documented and discussed in the literature. The latter, a bait that is quite similar to the Joseph DoodleBug, is mentioned only once (Kimball) in known reference works, despite its recognizable origin.

The Near Surface Bait

Several ID books label the larger bait as a "Near Surface Bait" (Murphy, Streater). Smith's study suggests a connection between the Shur-Strike "Big Mouth Plunker" and Homarth's "Near Surface Bait"(Smith). Rob Pavey, aka Mr. Lurebox, provides a picture of a Homarth Near Surface Bait in the box on his web site. He also notes a possible connection between the Homarth and the Shur-Strike. According to the label of the Near Surface Bait box, the Homarth Company was located in Indianapolis on Keystone Avenue at the corner of Prospect Avenue.

About the Homarth and Joe's Doodlebug...

1 -Kimball, Art & Scott. 1985.

Early Fishing Plugs of the U.S.A.
Page 168 - "Jos. Doodle Bug Marked - Homarth, Indiana"

2 - Murphy, Dudley; Edmisten, Rick. 1995.

Fishing Lure Collectibles: An Identification and Value Guide to the Most Collectable Antique Fishing Lures.
Page 178 - Homarth Black "Near Surface Bait"

3 - Smith, Harold E. 2002.

Collector's Encyclopedia of Creek Chub Lures and Collectibles: Identification and Value.
Page 260 - Suggests that a lure thought to be a Shur-Strike "Big Mouth Plunker" is indeed attributable to the Homarth Co. Smith also suggests that CCCBCo may have made a lure for Homarth.

4 - Streater, Richard L.; Edmisten, Rick; Murphey, Dudley. 1999.

The Fishing Lure Collector's Bible: The Most Comprehensive Antique Fishing Lure Identification & Value Guide.
Page 15 - Homarth bait with original box c. 1935. Verbiage and layout of the label:

THE - HOMARTH - CO. KEYSTONE AT PROSPECT INDIANAPOLIS, IND. ------------------- TOP-WATER AND NEAR-SURFACE BAITS "LURES REAL FISHERMEN USE"