User:Chrismoore2131/Mepps

Mepps is a division of Sheldon inc. that makes in-line spinners. The company was founded in 1956 by Todd Sheldon to sell and produce the world's first in-line spinners. Upon its introduction to the marketplace the in-line spinner soon became the first lure to sell more than three million units in one year in North America.

History
The in-line spinner was first invented in France by Andre' Muelnert in 1938. During WWII Muelnert distributed his lures to US Servicemen. One of these GIs sent a few Mepps lures back to Todd Sheldon who at the time was running his own bait store in Antigo, WI. The in-line spinner was a new invention in freshwater lure that worked exceedingly well. Sheldon soon purchased \the Mepps Company (Manufacturier D'Engins De Precision Pour Peches Sportives)from Muelnert and formed Sheldon Inc. Within a few years the Mepps in-line spinner became ubiquitous throughout North America. Several other companies soon began developing their own versions of the in-line spinner including Rooster Tail and Panther Martin etc..