1979 --  20 years ago, inventor, Gene Johnson, designed his own private lure.  While rudimentary, it caught fish! 

 1979-1994 -- Over the next 15 years, Gene learned a tremendous amount about designing lures; making them durable, waterproof, and easy to use.  The most important, however, was the light had to be tinted red.  Gene tried a clear or white light, but did not receive near the positive results as with the red lighted lure.

  1994 -- Continued testing product concept and enhancing the prototype.

  1995 -- First prototype is designed as a jerk bait.   Putting it through its paces, Gene tries it out in Alaska.  Somewhat heavy and a little awkward it still managed to catch a lot of 20 lb. silver salmon.

1995-96 -- After success in Alaska, more enhancements were made:

	Two batteries used for longer life
	Waterproofed
	Refined the lure to use in fishing for bass, crappie and catfish in addition to those big silver salmon

1997 --   First design of 2 port threaded assembly.  This breakthrough provided for:

	Better waterproofing
	Simplified turning the red light fish-attracter on and off
	Flexibility to create multi-functi9onal lures; going from an Inline Light only to the ability to also have crank baits, top water lures and Carolina rigging

1997 -- Dan McFaull sees a prototype of Gene's flashing lure from across the room and was instantly drawn to it -- just like a fish.  Being a fisherman himself, Dan had to see that this product was made available to the fishing public.  A partnership was born.

1998 -- Gene and Dan develop the Thunder Lures Bright Lighted Flashing Fishing Lure idea.   They developed a kit that offers the fisherman complete flexibility.   Combining three lures, with hooks, blades and batteries, 6 or more different combinations can be created.  Putting the fisherman in control is a key advantage of this system. 

March, 1999 -- Thunder Lure, LLC formed to manufacture the current design.

May, 1999 --  Gene uses the first Thunder Lures Bright Lighted Flashing Fishing Lure  and catches the largest black bass of his 20 year fishing career.  It is always a thrill to catch a 10 lb. bass, but to catch it using the lure on its debut, was an exhilarating experience.

10 lb. 2 oz Black Bass - Lake Fork, TX  May 1999 using the first Thunder Lures Bright Lighted Flashing Fishing Lure 

June, 1999 --

Gene and Clotene Johnson fishing in Toledo Bend tournament catching fish using Thunder Lures Bright Lighted Flashing Fishing Kit.  While there, Thunder Lures created quite a bit excitement.   Gene was interviewed by a local radio station and orders were placed for the lures, before manufacturing had even begun. 

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