Revealed! D.O.A. Lures sold just days before ICAST

A 37-year old manufacturer of plastic fishing lures with sales across north, central and south America was sold just days before it set off for ICAST.

Florida-based D.O.A. Lures, a regular visitor to ICAST, has been sold to a local entrepreneur following the decision of its 71-year-old owner, Mark Nichols, to sell the business. He will remain with the company in a consultant role and continue to design salt and freshwater baits for new President and CEO of the business Mitch Dreisbach.

Nichols told Angling International that he had received many offers from major companies within the industry to buy his business, but had declined them all. “I did not like their plans. I was worried for the future of my handful of loyal employees and the legacy and reputation of D.O.A. Lures.”

He added that the acquisition by Dreisbach, who lives in DOA’s home town of Stuart and is known to Nichols, ticked all the boxes. “I know that he will be loyal to the brand,” he added. 

Dreisbach, who has many years of experience in the industry with companies that include Dick’s Sporting Goods, Pure Fishing and Danco Sports, said that he was ‘humbled’ to be entrusted with the brand. 

“Taking on D.O.A. is a once in a lifetime opportunity as it is a recognised brand with a terrific reputation and I am excited to be able to take it in the direction that I want to and expand a successful business.”