Al Bento Lures

Al Bento Lures, handcrafted in Oahu, Hawaii beginning in 1973, started when Al Bento carved a wooden dowel to replicate the hydrodynamic shape of a skipjack tuna while recovering from back issues in Kona — becoming his premier lure, "Ol' Blu." He later engineered the lighter "Silver Fox" for high-speed long-rigger trolling.

On May 12, 1994, running both lures off Kalaupapa, Molokai in punishing 25-knot winds and 6–8 foot seas, Bento landed a 1,207 lb. Pacific Blue Marlin, entering the elite ranks of "Grander" marlin anglers. He's also remembered as a selfless community leader who founded several of Hawaii's foundational local fishing tournaments. His lures remain highly sought after among old-school local fishermen.

View the full history and identification guide for Al Bento in our Digital Archive