The Quick History of the Five of Diamonds

We often get asked why the Five of Diamonds(TM) pattern works so well.

​Scientific studies indicate the rods and cones in different eyeballs affect the way things are perceived and it is believed that most fish species see colour. Our theory is that the contrast of red diamonds on a yellow background is very easy for fish to see. High visibility is important to any fishing lure’s success – it grabs attention encouraging the fish to investigate. After all, they don’t have anything more important to do.  

Len Thompson himself was colour blind and could easily see yellow. The original Five of Diamonds was painted in yellow and black and first appeared on paper invoices in 1951. A silver and red was also offered but it was quickly swapped out in favour of the yellow and red. 

Len & Myra Thompson c. 1960

Since then, we have added other Five of Diamonds patterns utilizing newer paint technologies such as UV (Ultra Violet) and Super Glow. ​

Yet, the yellow and red Five of Diamonds continues to be Len Thompson’s top seller. So much so, that we honoured the pattern by building the World's Largest Fishing Lure in Lacombe, Alberta in 2019.