Bandit Lures was founded in Mississippi in 1976 by Jim Winter, who launched a series of spinnerbaits at that time. In 1980, Bandit exploded onto the crankbait scene with the 200 Series, which has evolved into one of the workhorse crankbaits in competitive and recreational bass fishing. Bandit eventually launched other famous models such as the 100, 300 and Footloose series. Under the ownership of Mississippian Chris Ross, Bandit continued to expand into series such as the Flomax, Ledge 250 and the Deep and Shallow Walleye Bandits.